Abkhazia, a region in the South Caucasus, has a complex history, and its postal history is intertwined with its political developments. Here is a brief timeline of Abkhazia’s history and postal history:

• Ancient and Medieval Periods:

  Abkhazia has an ancient history, with evidence of early civilizations and trade routes passing through the region.

• Russian Empire (19th Century):

  Abkhazia came under Russian control in the 19th century.

  During the Russian Empire, Abkhazia used Russian stamps and postal services.

• Soviet Union (20th Century):

  In 1921, Abkhazia was designated as an autonomous republic within the Soviet Union, initially part of the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic.

  Abkhazia had its own stamps for a brief period in the early 1920s during the existence of the Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic.

• World War II:

  During World War II, there were mass deportations of certain ethnic groups, including Abkhazians, by Soviet authorities.

• Post-Soviet Era (1991):

  Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Abkhazia declared independence from Georgia.

  Following the declaration of independence, Abkhazia began issuing its own postage stamps.

• War in Abkhazia (1992-1993):

  The Georgian-Abkhaz conflict in 1992-1993 resulted in a de facto separation of Abkhazia from Georgia.

  During the conflict, postal services were disrupted, and mail services were affected.

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  De Facto Independence (1993-Present):

  Abkhazia declared de facto independence, but its status is not widely recognized internationally.

  Abkhazia continued to issue stamps and had its postal system, although its stamps are not widely recognized outside the region.

• Russia’s Recognition (2008):

  In 2008, Russia officially recognized Abkhazia’s independence after the conflict with Georgia.

  It’s important to note that the status of Abkhazia is a subject of international dispute, and its independence is recognized by a limited number of countries. The postal history reflects the political complexities of the region.

  Most stamps of Abkhazia are believed to be bogus, produced in foreign countries solely for sale to collectors, but more recently Abkhazia has produced stamps that may have legitimate use locally within the borders of the disputed area. They are not recognised by the UPU.