Historical Memory and Conflicts of the Present, the Georgian-Abkhaz Case

Based on the analysis of Georgian and Abkhaz biographical interviews, it can be concluded that one of the key elements of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict is the interpretation of the past or, more specifically, the differences in interpreting the past. Georgian and Abkhaz historical narratives contradict each other and are based on mutual exclusion. The ‘selective blindness’ and exclusion which both conflicting parties use in their national narratives and public discourses keeps the societies in captivity of conflict supporting narratives and limit the space for discussion and dialogue. According to Daniel Bar Tal (2014) ‘conflict supporting narratives’, help the members of the society to adapt to the hardships of conflict. They justify violence and destructive actions, which group members have committed. Such narratives mobilise the society and prepare it for future hardships. They also stimulate the formation of a positive self-image, collective and individual identity and support the society in presenting itself as a victim. When the window of opportunity opens, such narratives become a barrier which hinders the peaceful transformation of the conflict. This paper analyses the role of memory and narratives in today’s context and at the example of Georgian-Abkhaz case reflects on how history and memory work as a basis for dialogue.