Over two decades, this war-torn country has hardly seen a glimpse of prosperity. While locals that fought for centuries to be independent await their stronger neighbor to help in rebuilding the devastated cities, travelers are trying to capture the ravaged architecture reminiscent of the Soviet past. 

Gudauta, Abkhazia. October 2016

A desolate region in the southeast of Abkhazia has been falling apart for more than 20 years after the occupation during the war with Georgia. Only the barking dogs of a few remaining residents break the dismal silence.

Tkvarcheli, Abkhazia. October 2016

Gagra, a small city sprawling for 5 km on the northeast coast of the Black Sea, was once a very popular health resort in Imperial Russia as well as during the Soviet times due to its unique micro-climate. It is now reviving and attracts thousands of tourists, mainly from Russia.

Gagra, Abkhazia. October 2016