The meeting of Sakariya Abkhaz Cultural Center was held in Adapazar.

Oral Bganba was re-elected to the position of the Chairman of Sakariya Abkhaz Cultural Center.

The second General Meeting of Sakariya Abkhaz Cultural Organization was held in Adapazar on May 15. The meeting was attended by representatives of state officials of Turkey, Turkish parliament deputy-Engin Taskuach-ipa (Abkhaz by origin), representatives of Diaspora living in Turkey, leadership of Federation of Abkhaz Cultural Centers, heads of cultural centers, adviser of the plenipotentiary representative to Turkey Alias Asabua, as well as representatives of the International Fund “Apsny”, who were invited to attend the meeting. The Abkhaz delegation consisted of: adviser of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia on Science, Education and Culture Vladimir Zantariya, head of Apsuara Committee of the International Fund “Apsny” Oktay Chkotua and head of Demography and Repatriation Committee Syrma Ashuba.

The Sakariya Abkhaz Cultural Center was established in 2014.  The Center’s progress report was presented by the Chairman of the Center Oral Bganba.

“2000 Abkhaz people are members of Sakariya Abkhaz Cultural Center. We would like to increase the number up to 5000. We are supporting them, facilitating the process of receiving citizenship of the Republic of Abkhazia; planning to invite the President of the Republic of Abkhazia to visit us. The Center is trying to transmit the message to young generation about what is apsuara, give them more information about Abkhaz culture, traditions and customs, the price which was paid by our fathers and grandfathers to preserve it. We keep in touch, try to gather and support students from Abkhazia who currently study here in Turkey. We – Abkhazians, have to be strong economically and politically. We have to be unified in solving core issues connected to our motherland”,-said Oral Bganba.

The next speech was made by the Deputy of Turkish Parliament, Engin Taskuach ipa, who shared information about Abkhazians living in Turkey, how much local people respect them and how much they are trying their best for Turkish Republic to recognize the independence of the Republic of Abkhazia.

“We-Abkhazians, suffered a lot throughout the whole history of Abkhazia. We had never wanted to hurt anyone or do anything bad. Apsny(Abkhazia), Apsadgil (Motherland),Apsua(Abkhaz),Apsshua(Abkhaz language), apsuara( code of honor)-these words have such a deep meaning for us and  blighting as stars in the sky. We are so strong by our soul. Our beloved motherland is always in our heart and mind”, -stressed Engin Papba.

On behalf of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia Raul Hajimba, the adviser of the President on Science, Education and Culture Vladimir Zantariya congratulated the audience on holding the Second General Meeting of the Center and wished them luck and prosperity.  He shared information about history of Abkhazia.

“We know and appreciate so much that all your thoughts and love goes to your motherland-Abkhazia, you try all you best to preserve Abkhaz culture, traditions, customs and Apsuara.  I would like to thank you for support. You all share a common concern for the future of Abkhazia, our people, the desire to be useful to historical homeland, to promote its socio-economic development. Long live to Abkhazia, long live to Abkhaz people and a great appreciation to the First President of Abkhazia Vladislav Ardzinba!”,-said Vladimir Zantariya in his speech.

On behalf of the President of the International Fund “Apsny”  Soner Gogua, Vladimir Zantariya presented the Abkhaz sword to the head of Sakariya Abkhaz Cultural Center Oral Bganba.

Also, the student from Abkhazia Mramza Chkotua, who studies at the Sakariya University read the address of Soner Gogua to Sakariya Abkhaz Cultural Center.

The representative of the International Fund “Apsny” Oktay Chkotua shared information about the Funds activities.  He stressed that the more Abkhazians, living in Turkey unite and stand close up to one another, the stronger Abkhazians in Abkhazia will be. Oktay Chkotua highly evaluated the executed work of the head and members of Sakariya Abkhaz Cultural Center and wished them good luck.

The deputy of Turkish Parliament Ali Ikhsan Yauz stressed that Caucasian people played a significant role in developing Turkish Republic and they are respected by other nationalities in Turkey.

“I personally visited Abkhazia. I saw the way Abkhaz people live, how hospitable they are. It is hard to express it by words.  We respect you and know how much you suffered during the exile, when you forcefully had to leave your motherland. You are a very strong brave nation. The history tells us about it’,-said the Turkish Deputy.

The adviser of the Representative of the Republic of Abkhazia in Turkey Alyas Asabua read an address of the head of the Plenipotentiary Representation of the Republic of Abkhazia to Turkey Inar Gitsba.

The meeting was also attended by the Chairman of the Federation of Abkhaz Cultural Centers Ahmet Khapat, heads of cultural centers and representatives of Diaspora.  Oral Bganba was re-elected to the position of the Chairman of Sakariya Abkhaz Cultural Center.

After the meeting, the participants were invited to Bartsits family in Kayalar Village for dinner.