ABSTRACT
The basic characteristics of the Abkhazians' ethno-cultural makeup bring them close to the mountain-peoples of the North Caucasus, especially to their Circassian relatives (Kabardians, Adyghes, Cherkess). At the same time long proximity to , and contacts with, the Transcaucasian peoples have introduced into the culture of the Abkhazians some original features which have become an integral part of their life and mentality. The Abkhazians' ethnic culture is conspicuous for its large number of traditions, preserving to the present day not a few archaic elements whose origins pre-date the Christian era . The Communist authorities fought persistently and methodically against Abkhazian traditionalism in an unsuccessful attempt to substitute the ethnographic realities of national life with 'progressive ' Soviet innovations . However, the Abkhazians unfailingly adhered to their ancient traditions, instinctively fearing to lose along with them the very foundations of their ethnic identity.
