In response to strong public interest, the exhibition on the 1993 war in Abkhazia and civilian displacement will continue with an expanded educational and archival program.

Under the leadership of Luka Gurtskaia, Chairman of the International Association of Internally Displaced Persons of Georgia “Road to Home,” this initiative has become a leading youth-focused project raising awareness of the humanitarian consequences of the war in Abkhazia.

As part of the research, Luka Gurtskaia reviewed over 800 testimonies, 3,010 historical photographs, and 10 hours of video archives documenting the experiences of civilians, displaced families, medical workers, and witnesses. The project uses these materials to create an accessible educational platform that preserves historical truth and enhances public understanding.

The initiative emphasises the importance of non-formal education through discussions, workshops, and training on imperialism, colonisation, disinformation, and modern hybrid warfare. It also highlights the contributions of leading Georgian academic and analytical institutions, such as the Soviet Past Research Laboratory and the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies (Rondeli Foundation).

As part of the program, the Association organised a public discussion hosted by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Abkhazia, featuring researcher and young leader Arsen Araqelov. Drawing on his work in regional security and Russia’s influence in the occupied territories, Mr Araqelov linked firsthand wartime testimonies to the broader geopolitical realities that continue to shape the region.

The discussion showed that personal stories and lived experiences are essential for understanding conflict beyond abstract political analysis. By linking the events in Abkhazia during the 1990s to current developments in Ukraine, the initiative reinforced the importance of historical memory, civic responsibility, and critical thinking among young people.

This process highlights the vital role of cooperation among civil society organisations, educational institutions, researchers, and youth leaders in strengthening historical awareness and protecting democratic values in Georgia.