Gali Municipality
Gali in Abkhazia: the Enguri river valley, Mingrelian villages, the Enguri Bridge crossing and the history of the region’s Georgian population.
Gali Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Gali Municipality lies in the far south-east of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, Georgia, on the right bank of the Enguri River, with the town of Gali as its centre. The lowland municipality, crossed by the Okumi, Eristskali and other rivers, borders Zugdidi and Tsalenjikha municipalities across the Enguri. According to the Georgian Encyclopedia, the de jure municipality covers about 1,000 km². Under Georgian law, the territory has been occupied since the war of 1992–1993 and is not under the control of the Georgian government.
Historically the area was part of Samurzakano, and its population has always been predominantly Georgian (Mingrelian). In 1991 about 79,600 people lived in the district, around 94% of them ethnic Georgians. In the 19th century the area came under Russian protection (1805) and later belonged to the Sokhumi district; Gali received town status in 1932. Today it remains the only part of Abkhazia with an ethnic Georgian majority.
The war of 1992–1993 and later outbreaks of violence, especially in May 1998, displaced tens of thousands of residents; many later returned to their villages, but they face serious restrictions on their rights, movement and education in the Georgian language. The Enguri River forms the line of occupation, and the power station of the Enguri hydroelectric scheme, one of the largest sources of electricity in Georgia, operates on the Gali side of the river.
The Enguri Bridge between Zugdidi Municipality and Gali is the only official crossing point; since 2017 the other crossings have been closed by the de facto authorities. The international community, including the EU and the UN General Assembly, supports Georgia’s territorial integrity and the right of displaced persons to return.
Visiting information: under the Law of Georgia on Occupied Territories, entry into Abkhazia is permitted only from the direction of Zugdidi Municipality, and the crossing is currently restricted; many governments advise against travel to the region. This page presents the history of Gali for reference; the Enguri valley can be seen from the Zugdidi side.
FAQ
1) Where is Gali Municipality located?
In the far south-east of Abkhazia, Georgia, on the right bank of the Enguri River.
2) What is the status of the territory?
Under Georgian law it is occupied territory, not controlled by the Georgian government since 1992–1993.
3) Who lives in Gali?
It is the only part of Abkhazia with an ethnic Georgian (Mingrelian) majority.
4) When did Gali become a town?
In 1932.
5) What happened in May 1998?
An outbreak of violence displaced many residents of the district.
6) What is the Enguri Bridge?
The only official crossing point between Gali and Zugdidi.
7) Are there other crossings?
Since 2017 the de facto authorities have closed the other crossings, leaving only the Enguri Bridge.
8) Which rivers flow through Gali?
The Okumi, Eristskali and others, with the Enguri forming the boundary.
9) Can Gali be visited?
Entry is permitted only from the Zugdidi direction and is currently restricted; many governments advise against travel.
10) Where can I find official information?
On the website of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia.