RUSSIAN IMPERIAL POLICY IN ABKHAZIA (XIX-XX CENTURIES)

The aspects of the colonial policy of Russia discussed in the article, reflecting the events of the second half of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The attempt of Russia to denationalize Abkhazia (Historical part of Georgia) and to assimilate it totally in the Empire space is evident from the material. Tsarist Russia authorities clearly understood the significance of highlanders submission to strengthen firmly in the Caucasus and inevitability of total supremacy in Abkhazia to solve this problem. Russia needed to strengthen at the Black Sea North-East coast and in the West Caucasus to put an end with bullets purchasing and smuggling as well, which inflicted harm to strategic, political and economic interests of the country in the Caucasus. Russia never adapted to Georgian ethnic prevails at the territory, which was very important for it and even more, their opposition to defense own country and people. It was necessary to create conditions to carry out Russian colonization and they fought with all the methods. Keywords : Abkhazia, Colonization, Russia.