Are South and North Ossetia part of Russia? Ossetia on the map - what republic is in Russia? South Ossetians

South Ossetia is a small region in the North Caucasus, with beautiful nature, hospitable people and a very complex history. This republic has a controversial status: Georgians consider it their territory, while Ossetians consider themselves an independent state. The independence of the republic was recognized only by Russia, Nauru, Nicaragua and Venezuela. The capital of South Ossetia is the city of Tskhinvali (Georgians call the city Tskhinvali). The republic is located on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Range and has no access to the sea.

Story

People have lived on the lands of what is now South Ossetia since time immemorial. Scientists have discovered sites of ancient people from the Stone Age era here. In those distant times, the climate of the Caucasus was different from the modern one - it was drier and warmer.

In the 3rd century AD, these areas were a powerful center of metallurgy. The Mongol invasion, and then the invasion of Timur’s hordes, became a strong test for the local residents. It was during this period that the formation of the Ossetian ethnic group took place. Due to the specific natural conditions of the Caucasus, the Ossetians were initially divided into three branches: northern, central and southern. Each of these groups had its own dialect, different from the others.
As a result, two groups of Ossetian people are formed. The small amount of arable land forces South Ossetians to descend from the mountains to Georgian territory. Already in those days, Ossetians were distinguished by great belligerence. The men did not part with their weapons and were always ready to use them. This is how Russian travelers wrote about them. Neither the Georgian princes nor the Russian military were able to conquer the proud Ossetians. Ossetians lived in inaccessible mountainous areas and did not submit to any authority.

In 1830, the current name of the republic appears for the first time. This is the name given to territories populated predominantly by Ossetians.
In 1843, a special Ossetian district appeared.
After the October Revolution, the first armed conflict began between Ossetians and Georgians. First, the Transcaucasian Commissariat was organized on these lands, and then the Georgian Republic was formed. Between 1918 and 1920, several major Bolshevik-inspired uprisings took place in South Ossetia.
Moscow helped the rebel Ossetians financially and exerted diplomatic pressure on Georgia. Soviet troops were then sent to help the uprising. The Georgians were defeated in several battles. However, soon the Georgian regular troops launched an offensive, several thousand Ossetians were killed.
In 1921, the Bolsheviks seized power in Georgia. South Ossetia received autonomy within Georgia. Georgian and Russian were recognized as state languages. Tskhinvali became the capital of the autonomous region.
In 1989, a political decision was made in Ossetia to create an autonomous republic within Georgia. Thousands of Georgians tried to break into Tskhinvali. Clashes began and the first blood was shed. In 1990, the parliament of the republic declared the independence of South Ossetia.

At the beginning of 1991, active hostilities began. Georgia sends troops into Ossetia, shelling of Tskhinvali begins. The power supply is turned off.
In September 1991, a referendum on joining Russia was held in the republic. 98% of respondents supported this decision.
At the beginning of 1992, the conflict escalated. In the middle of the year, negotiations begin, which end with the signing of the Dagomys agreements. Three parties to the conflict are present at the negotiations: Russian, Georgian and Ossetian.
The fighting stops. Peacekeeping troops are being introduced into the territory of the republic; they include military personnel from Russia, Georgia and Ossetian militias. The conflict is entering a frozen stage.

In 2008, the conflict escalated sharply and almost turned into a full-scale war. The parties to the conflict provide information about those events in different ways. On August 7, the Georgian offensive began, Georgian troops captured several settlements in South Ossetia, and also entered Tskhinvali. General mobilization was announced in Georgia. In response, Russia sent in troops. The Georgians were driven back. Russia officially recognized the independence of the republic at the end of August, and Nicaragua did the same with it. It was later recognized by Venezuela, Nauru, and also Tuvalu.
After the end of this conflict, life gradually returned to a peaceful course, but on the demarcation line between Ossetia and Georgia the situation is quite tense: shootings, provocations, artillery and mortar attacks often occur.

Location

South Ossetia is a small region located on the southern side of the Greater Caucasus Range. South Ossetia is very poorly visible on the map: it has a territory with an area of ​​only 3.9 thousand km², the population of the republic is 51 thousand people. In the south the republic borders on Georgia, and in the north on Russia. The territory of the republic is divided into four regions.
Most of the republic (almost 90%) is located at an altitude of more than 1000 meters above sea level. The Caucasus Mountains protect the region from cold winds, making the climate here warmer than in neighboring regions. In winter, temperatures rarely drop below zero degrees. There is quite little precipitation, with an average of about 600 mm per year. Several rivers flow through the republic: Bolshaya Liakhva, Malaya Liakhva and Ksani.

Population

Ossetians, Georgians, Russians and representatives of other nationalities live here. Almost 90% of those living in the republic are Ossetians, 9% are Georgians and about one percent are Russians. It should be noted that at the end of the 80s of the last century, more than 25% of the Georgian population was in the republic. It can be added that before the start of hostilities, almost 100 thousand people lived in Ossetia, and now the total number of citizens barely exceeds 50 thousand.
Russian and Ossetian are the official languages. The main religion is Orthodoxy.
The fighting caused great damage to the republic's economy. The status of an unrecognized territory does not contribute to economic growth. Foreign investment does not flow into South Ossetia, with the exception of a small number of Russian companies. The republic exists thanks to subsidies from the Russian state budget. The main activity in South Ossetia is agriculture, the main product is fruit. After the 2008 war, Georgia stopped economic cooperation with Ossetia, now the only market is Russia.
Unemployment is a huge problem for the republic. People leave here because they cannot find work. This is especially true for young people.
The national currency is the Russian ruble.
The form of government is a presidential republic. The president is elected for five years. There is a parliament, it includes 33 deputies.

Sights and tourism

There is simply stunning nature here, picturesque landscapes, majestic mountain peaks, rich history and interesting culture. The local residents, despite all the hardships and hardships they had to endure, retained genuine Caucasian hospitality and friendliness.
There are a huge number of ancient Orthodox churches and monasteries in South Ossetia. Almost all of this was created during the reign of the legendary Georgian Queen Tamara.

Tourists are often most attracted to the capital Tskhinvali, as well as some particularly picturesque mountain landscapes. A truly unique place in South Ossetia is the Sba Canyon. The Roki Pass is very beautiful, with stunning views. The Mamison Pass is also very picturesque.
Among the cultural attractions, it is worth visiting the Temple of St. George the Victorious, which was built in the 5th century, and the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in the 9th century. Also very interesting is the Tigvi Temple, built in the 12th century. Unfortunately, all the temples are in a pitiful condition and are in dire need of restoration. Many cultural objects were damaged during the fighting.

South Ossetia is very rich in mineral and healing springs; there are a lot of them here (more than a hundred springs). They are not inferior to the best world analogues, but the development of resorts also requires funds that are simply not available at the moment.

South Ossetia formally considered part of Georgia, but in fact it is a separate, partially recognized state. Its modern borders were created in the 20s of the 20th century, then in the 1990s these borders were abolished by the Georgian leadership and the Java region was formally created on the site of the Ossetian Autonomous Okrug, Akhalgori region and parts of Gori and Karelian regions. The Ossetian leadership did not recognize this division and divided the country into Java, Tskhinvali, Znaur and Leningor districts. For convenience, I will use the Ossetian system. In Georgia, this region is sometimes called "Samachablo". In Georgian historical documents the names “Dvaletia” or “This-sided Ossetia” (Piraketi Oseti) are found.

There are several ancient temples on the territory of Ossetia - the most famous of them are the Ikorta Temple near Akhalgori and the Tira Monastery near Tskhinvali. There are several castles, for example, Machabeli Castle near the village of Kemerti and Kekhvi Fortress near the village of the same name. There are many more natural attractions, although not all of them are accessible. For example, the Kel volcanic plateau is more conveniently reached from Georgia.

Note: Information on South Ossetia is currently incomplete and inaccurate due to the difficulties of visiting the region. For example, outside observers have not yet managed to get into the Akhalgori region. There is very little information about Znaur and Kvaisi.

Visit to Ossetia

At the moment, Ossetia can be visited from Russia along the Transcam highway through the Nizhny Zaramag-Ruk border crossing. From the point of view of the Georgian “Law on Occupied Territories”, such a visit is a violation of Georgian legislation. However, citizens of the Russian Federation can make such a visit without traces in their passport. Citizens of third countries require an invitation to visit Ossetia. And yet, these citizens sometimes end up in Ossetia, and sometimes they pass Russian customs, but cannot pass Ossetian customs and are stuck in no man’s land.

It is best to visit Ossetia with a Russian internal passport. For some unknown reason, Ossetians do not like Russian foreign passports, and a person with such a passport immediately comes under suspicion. (“This makes them suspicious,” as one migration officer said) If you have a lot of visas and stamps, then this makes them even more wary. A foreign passport also scares Russian customs. The reasons for this have not been established.

There is now a bus service between Vladikavkaz and Tskhinvali.

Formally, Ossetia can be visited from Gori, but the border there is turbulent, and the Georgian police may try to persuade you not to go there. In Soviet times, there was a road from Ossetia to Racha-Lechkhumi (the so-called “Ossetian Military Road”), but now it is closed.

From Vladikavkaz to Tskhinvali it is approximately 160 kilometers. Buses leave from the main bus station every hour from 09:00 to 16:00.

Brief history of the region

Tskhinvali and its surroundings are the very heart of Georgian civilization, because in essence it is the northern part of the Gori plain. The Tira Monastery of the 12th century has been preserved there from antiquities. Who lived in ancient times in the mountains north of Tskhinvali is a rather complex question, but just beyond the ridge, in the modern Tual Gorge of North Ossetia, the Dvals lived, and this place was called Dvaletia. In 1745, geographer Vakhushti Bagrationi wrote that the area north of Tskhinvali was inhabited by settlers from Dvaletia, although it did not belong to the geographical Dvaletia.

Ossetians (Alans) lived for a long time on the northern side of the Caucasus, where they created a large, Georgia-friendly, Orthodox state of Alania. This state was destroyed by the Mongols in the middle of the 13th century. Driven into the mountains, the Ossetians began to infiltrate the southern side of the ridge, conquer the Dvals and raid Georgia. In 1292 they managed to capture and hold the city of Gori for ten years. Then Gori was recaptured, but the Ossetians gradually began to move to the southern side of the Caucasus ridge, and at the same time they scattered rather chaotically throughout the territory of Georgia. As a result, a dense cluster of Ossetian villages was formed in the Dzhava region, villages were formed to the east and west of Gori and in Gori itself, many villages appeared in the spurs of the Trialeti ridge, and individual Ossetian families settled in other regions. The Ossetians themselves call the inhabitants of South Ossetia Tuals, distinguishing them from the Digorians and Ironians. There is a suspicion that the Tuals are heavily Ossetized Dvalians.

There have never been any problems with Ossetians. Moreover, when the Kingdom of Kartli was liquidated and annexed to Russia, it was the highlanders who most actively supported the descendants of the Georgian kings who had gone to partisans - the Ossetians were such highlanders. The story of Tsarevich Leon, whom the Ossetians supported in 1810, is especially indicative. Russian troops burned Ossetian villages, starved the Ossetians, but the Ossetians did not hand over Leon even for big money. They continued to resist Russian power for another 20 years, so General Paskevich eventually decided on a large-scale campaign against the Ossetians. Only after this campaign did Ossetia calm down.

The Ossetian-Georgian conflict began in earnest in the twentieth century.

In 1918, the Ossetians fell under the influence of the Bolsheviks and staged a small uprising, which was harshly suppressed by the leadership of the Transcaucasian Confederation. Another uprising followed in 1920, suppressed by the troops of Valiko Dzhugeli, whose diaries were published in Russian the same year. From that moment on, the paths of Ossetians and Georgians began to gradually diverge. After the Soviet conquest of Georgia, Ossetia was allocated as a special region for its services to the Soviet regime. The status of Tskhinvali was in question for a long time, but in the end it was assigned to South Ossetia, although the city was mainly Georgian. From this moment on, Tskhinvali becomes more and more Ossetian, turning into an Ossetian enclave in the middle of Georgian villages.

For a long time there was no connection at all between North and South Ossetia, except for mountain paths. We traveled from Vladikavkaz to Tskhinvali via Tbilisi. In 1989, an epoch-making thing happened: the Roki tunnel opened and the Transcam highway appeared.

In 1990, Gamsakhurdia made an unsuccessful attempt to pacify Ossetia. In 1992, Shevardnadze repeated this attempt. In the same year, the Sochi Agreements on the status of Ossetia were signed and peacekeeping forces were introduced into the region. Ossetia turned into a patchwork quilt: Georgia controlled the Akhalgori region, and Ossetia controlled Tskhinvali and the Java region, the rest of the territory consisted of chaotically scattered Georgian and Ossetian villages, between which there was a sluggish firefight.

In 2006, the Khebization of the Ossetian leadership quietly took place, as a result of which Russian generals came to power in the region. (This is the difference between Ossetia and Abkhazia, where the national elite came to power) At that time, the “Tskhinvali generals” controlled the Java region, Tskhinvali, and several other villages. Georgia controlled the Akhalgori region and the villages around Tskhinvali. The low-intensity conflict lasted until 2008, when the famous war took place. The Russian army captured Georgian villages and the Akhalgori region, and several thousand refugees fled to Georgia and settled in the Mukhrani Valley. The refugees' houses were destroyed. This is how the “Dead Mile” appeared near Tskhinvali.

After the war, Russia recognized Ossetia as a state, followed by recognition by Venezuela, Tuvalu and Nauru, but Nauru withdrew recognition in 2013. In 2014, Tuvalu also refused recognition.

Products and prices

The economy of South Ossetia is strange and usually surprises people. The country produces practically nothing. 95% of goods are imported from Russia, so all goods are the same as in Vladikavkaz, but more expensive. The same beer, cookies, sausage, milk and flour, but more expensive. There are quite a lot of products in stores, but all this abundance is imported. Even Ossetian pies here cost not 150 rubles, as in Northern, but 200 or 250. And with all this, foreign cars are incredibly cheap here. They are two or even five times cheaper than Russian ones. “Do you see the car? This one costs one and a half million. And they have three hundred thousand!” It is mainly Tskhinvali residents who have acquired foreign cars, but northerners say that all “southerners” already have foreign cars.

Public catering in the region is not developed. Cafes and restaurants can be seen in Tskhinvali, but even in Java there are none. But there are roadside eateries that are quite expensive. They usually stand on the highway between villages and serve, it seems to me, the capital’s jeep owners. On the northern outskirts of Tskhinvali there is a relatively decent cafe with the telling name “Moscow Region”. Bread in the form of lavash is given for 20 rubles, coffee for 30, “Spicy” meat soup for 130 (this is the cheapest).

There is no service in Ossetian eateries, although 10 percent of the order is paid for.

There is no small street trade in pies or flatbreads here at all. When asked if there is bread in the form of lavash in Tskhinvali, a saleswoman at one cafe replied: “Probably somewhere.”

Ossetian wine

There is no winery in South Ossetia, but private farms produce quite a lot of wine. Found in markets. However, there are Ossetian names for wine and grape varieties, and it is difficult to correlate them with well-known ones - for example, with Georgian ones. In addition, local residents do not distinguish between types of wine at all. According to them, the wine here comes in “white and red” - that’s all the differences. If there were a winery in the region, there would be controlled standards. In the meantime, there are no standards. The words “semi-dry” and “semi-sweet” are not clear to everyone here.

From the conversation it turned out that sugar is always (or very often) added to wine here. I had to drink Ossetian wine - and yes, there was sugar there. Homemade wine costs 200 rubles per liter in Tskhinvali. In restaurants you can find Georgian “Kindzmarauli” for 600 and “Khvanchkara” for as much as 1000. They claim that it was exported from Georgia. They don’t say how exactly.

Policy

Who rules Ossetia is a murky matter, but the formal leadership changes quite often. In 2006, Eduard Kokoity came to power with a group of Russian generals. These guys led the country during the war, and immediately after the war these generals were kicked out of the government, and then Kokoity himself left, and the Chelyabinsk businessman Brovtsev, who looked somewhat similar to Medvedev, became acting. Before this, the prime minister was Morozov from the Urals, which leads to strange thoughts about the role of the natives of the Urals in the history of the region.

In April 2012, Leonid Tibilov became president and Ossetia began to imitate Russia. Tibilov is a former KGB officer (as expected) and a native of the Znaur region, and Allah knows how he made his way into the close ranks of Tskhinvali officials. Tibilov is already being looked at askance: North Ossetians told me that he has some special villas in the Russian Federation. He does not have villas in Ossetia itself - local villas will not be allowed.

Their own United Russia members also appeared - a party with the suggestive name “Unity”. She, without much encryption, imitated “Edro”. It was headed by the former secretary of the city party committee, Zurab Kokoev, who has also been the chairman of parliament since 2011. And everything seemed to be clear, but the unexpected happened: the party disappeared. A certain Anatoly Bibilov created the United Ossetia party in 2012; in June 2014, this party took part in the parliamentary elections and suddenly won everyone. Unity gained some ridiculous percentages and lost all its seats in parliament. The new party captured 20 seats out of 34. In April 2017, Bibilov became president of the country.

In general, South Ossetian political life is extremely interesting. You have to watch it and enjoy it.

Population

The region is inhabited by South Ossetians, a people somewhat different from the North Ossetians. Northerners always refer to them as “they” and do not like southerners. Both Russians and North Ossetians agree: Southerners do not like to work. Northerners of the older generation explain everything more complicatedly: in their opinion, the southerners were first spoiled by the Roki tunnel. “They were peaceful, smart people. There were no crimes at all! And then they built a tunnel - and off they went...” Then the war passed and the hard-working, talented southerners became spoiled.

Nowadays, southerners are a little more gloomy in appearance (compared to northerners), a little more withdrawn. Girls are not so optimistic and graceful. There is a feeling of depression, reminiscent of Dagestan.

If you are Russian, then get ready for the fact that you are not particularly welcome here. That is, you will encounter an even, benevolent attitude, but without those Russophile outpourings that are so annoying in Georgia. Officially, you are ordered to love Russia, and you will see the inscriptions “Thank you, Russia!”, posters “Forever with Russia” and “The Alan leopard is the best friend of the Russian bear!”, but the people as a whole will perceive you indifferently, and the “employees” - even with some suspicion. There are a lot of Russians here and they don’t surprise anyone. There is no economic benefit from them: they have nothing to sell. Tskhinvali jeep owners are mainly busy cutting up the Russian budget, and a person rarely loves the one he cuts.

Religion

South Ossetians are Orthodox Christians with some pagan rudiments in their consciousness. This duality is surprisingly spelled out even in the Constitution: “Orthodoxy and traditional Ossetian beliefs are one of the foundations of the national identity of the Ossetian people.” (Chapter II, Art. 33)

Unlike Georgia, they don’t put crosses on every mountain and at every crossroads. No churches were built after 1990, so there are only a few of them in the region. The Tira Monastery was the only active monastery, but in 2010 it was disbanded. The ancient monastery of Sabatsminda near Tskhinvali was interesting, but in 1991 it was destroyed by an earthquake. A temple was spotted in the Ossetian village of Vaneli and 4 temples in Tskhinvali. Several churches in Georgian villages are now empty.

Historically, the region belonged to the Nikozi and Tskhinvali diocese, and the residence of the bishop was the village of Nikozi (very close to Tskhinvali, but on the Georgian side). After the start of the conflict, the Ossetians refused to obey the Georgian church and tried to join the Moscow Patriarchate, which, however, did not support this initiative. Then the Ossetians agreed with the Greek Old Calendar Church and in 2005 the Alan diocese was founded. (Not to be confused with the ancient Alan Metropolis!) The problem is that the Old Calendar Church, although essentially Orthodox and recognizes all the sacraments, is actually in schism to the point of banning Eucharistic communion. It turns out that Ossetians actually cannot visit not only Georgian, but also Russian churches (in the sense that they are not allowed to take communion). Accordingly, Russian Orthodox Christians are not allowed to attend their service - for reasons of church discipline. At the same time, in Tskhinvali there is a chapel of Alexander Nevsky, which is under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Connection

Difficulties of staying in Ossetia

South Ossetia is a country where people live not so much according to laws as according to concepts. Officials here are guided mainly by their moods, and not by official rules. That is, if an MD employee does not want you to go somewhere, then we can assume that going there is officially prohibited. It was not possible to get an answer from internal affairs officers (with the rank of major) to the question for how long it is allowed to detain a person without bringing charges. Therefore, in Ossetia it is difficult to figure out what is possible and what is not. You have to rely on intuition.

There are many forbidden zones in Ossetia - according to migrant workers, there are so many of them that it is better not to travel around Ossetia at all without an escort. Such zones are border areas. For example, the entire Akhalgori (Leningor) region seems to be considered border and closed. In addition, Ossetia has many military bases and simply military facilities. It seems that there is a base on the Pris Heights and on Mount Spider near Tskhinvali: this means that you cannot go there. There are already abandoned military facilities - for example, firing points abandoned by the Russian army. I suspect that it’s better not to go there or take pictures either.

In other words, South Ossetia is the USSR, but in a more obvious and crude form. Moreover, the population does not distance itself from the “employees”, but actively helps them. That is, they are also inclined to prohibit something.

People working there said that there are still quite a lot of infantry mines in the region and people get blown up by them from time to time. The vicinity of the Akhalgori highway is especially notorious.

Finally, all is not well with wild animals here. Ossetians often complain about bears, wolves and wild dogs. It is generally not customary to go to some places without a gun. Locals are usually surprised that someone can spend the night in a tent in the forest. And yet it is possible, although sometimes scary. Ossetia in some places resembles the “Zone” from the Strugatskys’ story, where incomprehensible animals walk between incomprehensible ruins and make incomprehensible sounds. However, this is the charm of Ossetia.

By region

South Ossetia consists of the city of Tskhinvali and several districts.

Tskhinvali(ცხინვალი, Tskhinvali island listen)) is the capital of the region, one of two Ossetian cities with a population of about 17,000 people. Quite a large city on the right bank of the Liakhvi River, about 5 kilometers from north to south and about 2 from east to west. A city without significant antiquities, and, moreover, damaged in 2008. Details about Tskhinvali >>>

Znaursky district- located west of Tskhinvali. It is densely built up with Ossetian villages, but has not been studied at all and so far represents a large blank spot on the map of Transcaucasia.

Dzhava district- northern region adjacent to the Russian border. The most open and visited area of ​​the region due to the fact that the Transkam passes through it. It is a quiet village with old wooden houses. The area is wooded and sparsely populated.

Akhalgori district- extreme eastern region. Georgia considers it to belong to the region of Mtskheta-Mtianeti. It became part of Ossetia as a result of the 2008 war. Now it has an unclear status, seemingly being a closed border territory.

Authors: D. V. Zayats (General information, Population, Economy), M. N. Petrushina (Nature: physical-geographical sketch), A. Yu. Skakov (Historical sketch: archeology, history, medieval archeology with the participation of R. G . Dzattiata), A. A. Slanov (Historical sketch)Authors: D. V. Zayats (General information, Population, Economy), M. N. Petrushina (Nature: physical-geographical sketch), A. Yu. Skakov (Historical sketch: archeology; >>

SOUTH OSSETIA (Khussar Iryston), Republic of South Ossetia (Republic of Khussar Iryston).

General information

Yu. O. is a partially recognized state in Transcaucasia. It borders on Russia in the north, Georgia in the west, south and east. Pl. 3.9 thousand km 2 . Us. 53.5 thousand people(2015, census). The capital is Tskhinvali. Official languages ​​– Ossetian, Russian and Georgian (in areas where Georgians live densely). Monetary unit – dew. ruble. Adm.-terr. division: 4 districts and the city of republican subordination of Tskhinvali (table).

Administrative-territorial division (2015)

Political system

Yu. O. is a unitary state. The Constitution was adopted by referendum on April 8, 2001. The form of government is a presidential republic.

The head of state will fulfill it. authorities - the president, elected by the population for 5 years (with the right to one re-election). The candidate must be a citizen of South O., reach the age of 35, own a state license. languages ​​of the republic and have permanently resided in the territory of South Ossetia for the last 10 years preceding the day of registration as a candidate. The President determines the basic directions of the state's domestic and foreign policy, represents South Ossetia within the country and internationally. relationships.

Supreme legislator. body - unicameral parliament. Consists of 34 deputies elected for 5 years (17 deputies are elected in single-mandate electoral districts, 17 - according to the proportional electoral system in a single republican electoral district).

The Supreme One will fulfill. body - government. The President as the head will execute. power determines the main directions of government activity and organizes its work. Members of the government are individually responsible to parliament and collectively to the president.

Nature

Relief

Yu. O. occupies the south. slopes center parts Greater Caucasus and sowing part of the Inner Kartli Plain. Almost 90% of the territory is represented by mid-mountain erosion-denudation (altitude 1000–2000 m) and high-mountain (above 2000 m) paleoglacial relief. All in. part stretches the Tualsky (Dvaletsky; altitude up to 3938 m, Mount Halatsa is the highest point of the South O.), Khadsky (Mtiuletsky), Syrkhlabirdsky (Rachinsky), Kudarsky (Kudaroysky), Kortohsky (Likhsky), Galavdursky (Kharulsky), Kudikomsky (Lomissky) and others, dissected by deep gorges. Passes across the Main, or Watershed, ridge of the Greater Caucasus (the main pass is Roki altitude 2995 m) connect the South O. with the North. Ossetia (Russia). In the northeast on the high mountain volcanic. The Kel highlands are dominated by the cones of extinct volcanoes Kel (altitude 3628 m), Khorisar (3736 m), Fidarkhoh (3050 m), and others. The mountainous areas are avalanche and mudflow hazardous, and erosion is intense. Karst is developed.

Geological structure and minerals

The territory is located within the Caucasian segment Alpine-Himalayan mobile belt. North part belongs to the fold-cover system of the Greater Caucasus of Alpine age. Terrigenous, terrigenous-carbonate and carbonate flysch of the Upper Jurassic, Cretaceous and early Paleogene are folded into folds broken by thrusts. To the south part of it extends into the Transcaucasian massif with a Late Proterozoic-Cambrian folded base and a Mesozoic sedimentary-volcanogenic cover; An intermontane depression filled with Neogene-Quaternary clastic molasse is superimposed on the massif. Along the northern The boundaries of the massif highlight the Gagra-Java folded zone, composed of volcanogenic and sedimentary rocks of the Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous. Characterized by high seismicity. The populated areas of South Ossetia were heavily damaged by the Racha-Dzau (Racha-Java) earthquake of April 29, 1991 (magnitude 6.9, intensity 9–10); St. died 100 people

There are deposits of lead-zinc ores (Kvaisinskoye; also contains significant reserves of barite), decomposed. natural builds. materials, mineral waters (Dzauskoe, or Dzhavskoe).

Climate

The climate of South Ossetia varies with altitude from moderately dry to warm, with cool winters and hot summers in the southeast. parts to humid, with cold long winters and cool summers above 2000 m and wet, cold throughout the year above 3000 m - in the north. Wed. January temperatures –1 °C in Tskhinvali (867 m), at altitude. up to 2000 m from –3 to –8 °C, above – from –12 to –14 °C, July 20.6 °C, 8–13 °C, 4–2 °C, respectively. Annual precipitation increases from 600 mm on the plain to 1000–1800 mm in the highlands. The snow line lies at altitude. 3200–3300 m. Modern glaciation is insignificant, the largest glacier is Lagztsigi (approx. 1.8 km 2).

Inland waters

Most of the rivers belong to the basin of the Caspian Sea [Bolshaya Liakhva (Bolshaya Liakhvi) and Malaya Liakhva (Malaya Liakhvi), Chisandon (Ksani), Medzida (Mejuda)], the smaller one belongs to the basin of the Black Sea [Karganagdon (Kvirila), Jojora]. River nutrition snow and rain. Max. runoff in May - early June, low water in the 2nd half of summer and winter. The Let (on the Jojora River) and Shihantur waterfalls on the same name are picturesque. river. The largest lake is Kelitsad (Kel, Kelistba; area 1279.6 m2); lake Ertso (area 0.4 km 2) is the largest of the karst lakes in the Caucasus. Lake Zaprudnoye is interesting. Koz (Kvezi), Sirkhdzuarsky (Tsitelikhatsky) crater lakes. On the river Malaya Liakhva the Zonkar reservoir was created.

Soils, flora and fauna

In the foothills, secondary shrub steppes with rose hips, hawthorn, and pine trees are common in the place of cleared forests on brown soils. In the far south there are areas with freegana. In the valleys there is tree and shrub vegetation on alluvial soils. Forests and shrubs occupy about 1/2 of the territory. The lower forest belt (from an altitude of 600–700 m) is dominated by oak and oak-hornbeam forests with shrubs (loquat, dogwood, barberry) and fruit trees (wild apple, pear, cherry), at altitudes. At 1000–1100 m they are replaced by beech forests with hornbeam and maple; above 1500–1600 m mixed beech-spruce forests grow, giving way to spruce forests, in places with fir and pine on mountain brown soils. In the west, Colchisian elements are found in the forests (in the evergreen undergrowth - cherry laurel, holly, butcher's broom, and less commonly Pontic rhododendron; epiphytes are numerous). In some places yew berry has been preserved in the gorges. At the upper border of the forest, there are crooked forests of beech, Trautvetter maple, and Radde birch. Beech accounts for approx. 80% of the total forested area. Above 2200–2350 m there are subalpine (with Caucasian rhododendron) and alpine meadows on mountain meadow soils.

Hamsters, voles, field mice, hedgehogs, hares, foxes, and jackals are common in the steppes. The mountain forests are inhabited by brown bear, deer, roe deer, wild boar, lynx, wolf, fox, squirrel, stone marten, etc., and there are numerous birds (crossbill, Caucasian warbler, nuthatch). Caucasian black grouse are found in the subalpine zone, aurochs and chamois live in the alpine zone, and mountain snowcock turkeys are common. There are chukars and partridges; of birds of prey - golden eagle, bearded vulture, falcon, eagle, peregrine falcon. Red Book species of flora and fauna - yew, Caucasian rhododendron, Steveniella satyrium, burnt orchis; Caucasian viper (Kaznakova), Dinnik's viper, Caucasian frog, Central Asian leopard.

Condition and protection of the environment

From the beginning 1990s Forest areas have decreased as a result of massive cutting down (including valuable tree species), soil erosion has intensified, rivers have become shallower and springs have disappeared. As a result of long-term anthropogenic impact, foothill forests have been cleared, their lower border has been raised, and the area of ​​secondary shrubs has increased. As a result of illegal hunting, the number of red deer, roe deer, wild boar, and bear has sharply decreased; after tightening security measures, the situation has improved. The problem of air pollution along the Trans-Caucasus Highway, as well as waste disposal, is acute.

Nature is protected in the South Ossetian Nature Reserve, created in 2010 on the basis of the Liakhvi Nature Reserve.

Population

Most of the population of South O. are Ossetians (89.9%; 2015 census), Georgians (7.4%), Russians (1.1%) and others also live.

The population in 1989–2015 decreased by 1.8 times (98.5 thousand people in 1989, census; Georgians - 7.2 times, Russians - 3.5 times, Ossetians - 1.4 times) . arr. because of migrants outflow as a result of the war. actions in the beginning 1990s and in 2008. Natural. growth of us. 0.4 people per 1000 inhabitants, birth rate 10.1 per 1000 inhabitants, mortality 9.7 per 1000 inhabitants. (2015). Infant mortality rate is 9.3 per 1000 live births (2013). Wed. life expectancy 67 years (2008). In the age structure of the population, the share of people of working age (15–64 years) is 58.1%, people over 65 years old – 25.4%, children (under 15 years old) – 16.5% (2010). Women make up 52.0% of the population, men – 48.0% (2015). Wed. density of us. 13.7 people/km 2 . The flatter south of the country is most densely populated. Share of mountains us. 65.5%. There are 2 cities in South Ossetia - Tskhinvali (30.4 thousand people) and Kvaisa (Kvaisi; 1.0 thousand people), as well as 3 mountain villages. type (Dzau, Znaur and Leningor). Number of employees: 18.9 thousand people. (2013; 73.8% - in the service sector, 26.2% - in industry, agriculture and forestry).

Religion

On the territory of South O. there are Ch. arr. Orthodoxy and tradition Osset beliefs. Yu. O. is part of the canon. territories Georgian Orthodox Church(Nikoz-Tskhinvali diocese), however, due to military-political. conflict in the territory of South O. pl. Orthodox parishes became part of the non-canonical ones. formations. Nowadays, some of the Orthodox parishes are also cared for by the Rus clergy. Orthodox Church Moscow. patriarchy, part [eg, mon. Largvise (Largvisi)] – in the jurisdiction of Georgia. Orthodox Church.

Historical sketch

The oldest traces of human activity in the region (0.6–0.3 million years ago) date back to the Acheulean (Kudaro caves, Tsona; pre-Chalcolithic deposits). Moustier represented by the Kudar and Tskhinvali cultures. Monuments of the Late Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic are few in number. In the early Bronze Age it spread here Kura-Araxes culture, a burial associated with North Caucasian culture. Middle Bronze Age represented Trialeti culture. At the settlement of Natsargora (within the boundaries of modern Tskhinvali) there are layers from the Chalcolithic to the Middle Bronze Age.

In the Late Bronze Age, the region was one of the zones of Proto-Koban antiquities (including burials in Tli, cromlechs and a settlement near the modern village of Stirfaz), then one of the centers Koban culture(Koban-Colchian cultural-historical community), associated with its South Koban variant (culture), where for the 7th–6th centuries. BC e. influence noted Scythian archaeological culture(including products in Scythian-Siberian animal style).

From the turn of the 4th–3rd centuries. BC e. territory of modern South O. was part of the zone of influence of Iberia. A number of traditions of Koban culture are preserved, connections are traced with Achaemenid, Parthian, Hellenistic, Late Antique, Sasanian cultural and political ones. centers, Sarmatian archaeological cultures. Among the indicators of the cultural features of the region and the adjacent lands are rectangular openwork buckles in the main. with zoomorphic images (3rd century BC – 3rd century AD). From ser. 3 – beginning 4th centuries on the territory of modern Caucasian Alans are intensively settling in the South Oblast.

The Kudets, probably corresponding to the Kudars, and the Dvals (see article Ossetians) are mentioned in the “Armenian Geography” of the 7th century. The spread of Christianity (through Kartli, from the 5th century) is associated with the appearance of monuments of Christian architecture: among them - churches in the village. Tigva (1152) and s. Ikorta (1172); monasteries (of the later ones, the most famous is the Tire Monastery in the village of Monastery, 13th–14th centuries). From the beginning 10th century modern lands South O. was located on the borders of Alania and Gruz. kingdoms. In 1222, 1238–39 and 1395, Alan statehood was destroyed by the Mongols and Timur, who also subjugated the cargo. land. Alans, forced into the high mountain gorges of the Center. Caucasus, and subsequently partially settled in the south. slope of the Main Caucasus Range, mixing with the local population. Another migration wave of Ossetians to the territory of modern times. YO dates back to the 16th–18th centuries. From the end 14 – 1st floor. 15th centuries Tskhinvali (Krtskhinvali) is known.

In mountainous regions, starting from the early Middle Ages, the process of forming a federation of local local societies developed. Y-shaped river valley The Big Liakhva and its tributaries, the territory of South Ossetia was divided into 5 historical. regions, or societies: north-west - Kudargom, north-east - Urs-Tualta (“White Toiles”); central – Dzaugom (Lower Dvaletia); southwest - Kornis, southeast - Chisangom. Each region was divided into several. smaller societies. The system of their collective defense was based on the use of towers that were in visual connection with each other (the main models built from the 16th to 18th centuries have been preserved, along with semi-underground and above-ground crypts and sanctuaries). In the high mountain areas the towers belonged to the department. surnames, in the foothills were the property of communities.

In the foothill areas, the process of feudalization began, but repeated attempts by feudal lords (Ksani and Aragvi eristavs, princes of Machabeli), some of whom had Osset. origin, to subjugate the mountainous regions of modern times. Yu.O. did not have final success. An attempt to create an osset instead did not bring any results. principalities large adm. region within Kartli. G. Saakadze, appointed by King Luarsab II of Kartli as “ruler of Tskhinvali and Dvaletia,” undertook a large-scale campaign against the Dvals in 1624, but failed to finally conquer them. They tried to subjugate the lands of modern times. Yu. O. and the kings of Imereti. In response from the beginning. 17th century “Osoba” (“Ossetianism”) is gaining strength – the period of Ossetian raids on cargo. land.

After Peace of Kuchuk-Kainardzhi 1774 the switching on of the Osset began. lands included in Russia. empires. After joining Russia in 1801. the empire of the Kartli-Kakheti kingdom, the entire territory of modern. Yu. O. becomes part of it, local peasants began to be transferred into serfdom. feudal lords, which caused sharp protests from the mountaineers. The answer was the military. expeditions grew up administration together with the Ksani Eristavis, carried out with varying success in 1802–50. Since 1852 south. Ossetians began to be considered state. peasants.

As part of Ross. empire, the region was part of the Georgian province. (1801–40), Georgian-Imereti province(1840–46), in which Osset was created. env. (1840–42), in 1842 the Maloliakhvsky section was left in its composition, and the Ksansky section became part of the Gorsky district. In 1846, the lands of South Ossetia were divided between Tiflis province(as part of Gori and Dusheti districts) and Kutaisi province(as part of Rachinsky district). Historical processes that began in the 19th century led to the destruction of the Osset structure. mountain societies.

After Feb. revolution of 1917 created on the territory of the Yu. O. National. council of representatives of various political parties and the 1st Congress of Delegates of the South. and Sev. Ossetia supported the provision of southern Ossetians “rights of free self-determination” and the unification of Ossetia into a single state. education (June 1917). 27.1 (9.2).1918 Osset was created in Tiflis. Bolshevik organization "Chermen". In March 1918, armament began. clashes, but the uprising was crushed. troops. In 1918–21, Yu. O. was declared an integral part of Gruz. democratic republics. In May 1919, cargo was introduced into South Ossetia. troops, and on June 12, 1919 in the village. Java was created by South Osset. District Committee of the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks). On Dec. 1919, after another expedition, cargo. troops, part of the rebels of South O. moved to the North. Ossetia. 8.5.1920 in the area of ​​the Roki (Ruksky) pass of South Ossetia. The rebels proclaimed the owls. power, occupied the village on June 6, 1920. Java, and on June 7, 1920 entered Tskhinvali. There, on June 8, 1920, the establishment of the owls was proclaimed. authorities in South Ossetia and announced its annexation to the RSFSR (for the second time, for the first time in the memorandum of the South Ossetian District Committee on May 28, 1920 in Vladikavkaz). 12.6.1920 Tskhinvali is again occupied with cargo. troops, a show was carried out. execution of 13 people, destruction of South Ossetia began. village So... part of Osset. population (from 20 to 50 thousand people) fled to the North. Ossetia. In March 1921, the territory of South Ossetia came under the control of the Red Army; on March 5, 1921, the Soviet Union was restored. power.

On October 31, 1921, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Georgia (Bolsheviks) granted South Ossetia the status of autonomy. 20.4.1922 by decree of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia. The SSR included Yugo-Oset. JSC with its center in Tskhinvali (now Tskhinvali). In 1940, the Kvaisinsky mine administration began work. In Vel. Otech. war, in preparation Battles for the Caucasus 1942–43, a defense was erected. line in the area of ​​the Magsky, Dzomagsky, Roki, Sbiysky and Urstualsky passes (length 100 km) and the Kirov defensive and fortification line (20 km) in Kudargom. In 1988, the Transcaucasian Highway (Transcam) was put into operation. In general, the pace of development of the economy and social sphere of South Ossetia lagged behind other regions of Georgia.

During the years of perestroika, interethnic contradictions between Ossetians and Georgians intensified. 11/10/1989 12th emergency session of the People's Council. deputies of South Osset. The joint-stock company decided to transform the region into an Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic within Gruz. SSR (not recognized by the Armed Forces of the Georgian SSR). In response, cargo. informal organizations announced a rally in Tskhinvali on November 23, 1989 in support of the cargo. population of South O.: a convoy of trucks with approx. 20–30 thousand people, but its entry into the city was prevented by the police, internal. troops and Osset. volunteers. The armaments began. collisions, from mid-Dec. 1989 YO cargo was blocked. armed detachments, there were demands for the liquidation of the autonomy of Yu. O. 9/20/1990 14th session of the People's Council. deputies of South Osset. JSC unilaterally announced the transformation of the region into South Osset. Sov. Democratic (until November 28, 1990) Republic, appealed to the USSR Armed Forces with a request to include it in the USSR and adopted the “Declaration of the Sovereignty of South Ossetia.” On December 9, 1990, people's elections were held. deputies of South Osset. Sov. Republic. An important role in the formation of modern times. Statehood of Yu. O. was played by T. G. Kulumbegov (president of the Supreme Council in Dec. 1990 - Jan. 1991, Jan. 1992 - Sept. 1993). In turn, the cargo. The party abolished South Osset on December 11, 1990. JSC and introduced a state of emergency on its territory. On January 7, 1991, the President of the USSR annulled the decisions taken both in Tbilisi and Tskhinvali, formally restoring the status quo. Military escalation began in South Ossetia. actions, on January 6, 1991, they were introduced into its territory. force load. armed formations. 4.5.1991 under pressure from the union center People's Assembly. deputies of South Osset. JSC of all levels decided to restore the status of JSC (not recognized by the cargo party). However, already on September 1, 1991, at a session of the People's Council. deputies of South Osset. JSC this decision was canceled and the creation of the Republic of South was proclaimed. Ossetia (ROS), at the same time an appeal was adopted to the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR to consider the issue of its reunification with Russia. On December 21, 1991, the session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of South Ossetia adopted the Declaration of Independence; the decision to create an independent state was confirmed by the results of the referendum on January 19, 1992. The formation of the Republic of South Ossetia was accompanied by war. conflict 1991–1992 with cargo. side, during which approx. 1000 Ossetians. On May 29, 1992, the Supreme Council of South Ossetia adopted the Act of Declaration of Independence. According to the Sochi (Dagomys) agreement between the presidents of the Russian Federation and Georgia on June 24, 1992 on the principles of settlement of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict. conflict, the Mixed (Russian-Georgian-Ossetian) peacekeeping forces and the Mixed Control Commission were created.

According to the results of the first presidential elections in the history of South Ossetia, on November 10, 1996, L. A. Chibirov became the president of the Republic of South Ossetia (until 2001; in 1993–96, chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of South Ossetia). In 2000, the Russian-Groug. intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in economic restoration in the Georgian-Osset zone. conflict and the return of refugees. In 2001, the Constitution of the Republic of South Ossetia was adopted, in which the republic was proclaimed “a sovereign democratic legal state created as a result of self-determination of the people of South Ossetia.”

In 2001–11, the post of President of the Republic of South Ossetia was held by E. D. Kokoity. In 2004, with the coming to power in Georgia of M. N. Saakashvili, who took a tough position on the issue of ensuring the territorial integrity of the country, the situation in the region deteriorated again. After armament. clashes in July - August 2004 by agreement of the parties on November 5. An agreement on the demilitarization of the conflict zone was signed, but it was not possible to stabilize the situation; there were cases of non-compliance with the ceasefire. 7–10.8.2008 cargo. the side attempted military assault on the capital of the Republic of South Ossetia - Tskhinvali. In response to Arms. Russian forces conducted an operation to force Georgia to peace (ended on August 12). On August 26, 2008, Russian President D. A. Medvedev signed a decree recognizing the independence of the Republic of South Ossetia. On September 17, 2008, an Agreement on Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance was signed between the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Ossetia, and the Republic of South Ossetia was created in the republic. military base.

In 2011–12, internal politics broke out in the Republic of South Ossetia. crisis, after repeated presidential elections the republic was headed by L. Kh. Tibilov (2012–17). On March 18, 2015, the Treaty on Alliance and Integration was signed between the Republic of South Ossetia and the Russian Federation.

According to the results of the presidential elections on April 9, 2017, A. I. Bibilov became the head of the republic (in 2014–17, the head of the parliament of the Republic of South Ossetia). Based on the results of a referendum held simultaneously with the elections, a decision was made to change the name of the Republic of South Ossetia to the “Republic of South Ossetia - State of Alania”. It was announced that a referendum would be held in 2017 on the issue of the republic joining the Russian Federation.

Farm

South O. is an agricultural country with a low level of economics. development. GDP volume is 93.0 million dollars (2013, at purchasing power parity); per soul of us. $1,700 Initially 21st century South Ossetia is characterized by the unprofitability of most enterprises (military conflicts and the actual blockade by Georgia led to a significant reduction in production volumes and the destruction of infrastructure), poor technical equipment of industry and villages. x-va, wear and tear funds, low avg. standard of living of the population. St. 80% industrial enterprises - in state property. The revenue part of the budget is formed by Ch. arr. thanks to financial assistance from Russia (91% in 2015 - 6.7 billion rubles).

Industry

The sector employs 648 people. (2011). The leading industry is the food-flavoring industry (70% of the cost of production). In the beginning. 2010s were in effect on the 15th prom. enterprises, the largest - a bakery, a cannery (processing local agricultural products, including the production of apple juice), a meat processing plant (near Tskhinval), Bagiatsky filling plant (bottling mineral water; capacity 400 thousand . bottles per year; in Dzau district).

Agriculture. Basic part of the cost of production comes from the state. enterprises (65% in 2013). The leading industry is crop production (approx. 65% of production value). In the structure of agricultural of land (thousand hectares, 2011) out of 84, 64 are pastures, 13 are arable land (about 3 are cultivated), hayfields are 7. Grown: grains, Ch. arr. wheat (harvest 0.8 thousand tons, 2011) and barley (0.2 thousand tons), industrial and feed crops, fruits. Livestock (thousand heads, 2012): cattle 18.9, sheep and goats 11.0, pigs 3.9.

Services sector

Leading sector and one of the main national employers – construction (2.2 thousand employed in 2011). There are 180 small construction projects in operation. organizations; construction of housing (4.5 thousand m2 in 2015) is carried out using ros. financial assistance. The financial system is regulated by the National. Bank of the Republic of South. Ossetia (Central Bank, 1992), there are 4 commercial companies. bank (all in Tskhinvali).

Transport

The length of roads is 1084 km (2010; 46% with gravel and 30% with dirt). The basis of the transport system is roads: Tskhinvali – Dzau – Ruksky (Roksky) tunnel – Russia (Trans-Caucasus Highway), Tskhinvali – Znaur, Tskhinvali – Leningor. The Nikozi (Georgia) – Tskhinvali railway was destroyed during the war. actions beginning 1990s Gas pipeline Dzuarikau (Russia) – Tskhinvali (175 km, in South Ossetia about 100 km).

International trade

The foreign trade balance is chronically deficit. The volume of foreign trade turnover (millions of dollars, 2015) 54.1, including exports 8.1, imports 46.0. Export (% of value): clothing (86.6), ferrous metals (5.1), boilers and equipment (4.2), vegetables and fruits (2.2), etc. Import (% of value): minerals. fuel (26.7; natural and liquefied gas, petroleum products), tobacco (11.7), chemicals. threads (11.5), drinks (9.6), ferrous metals and products made from them (6.4), rubber and products made from them (4.7), machinery and equipment (3.6), vehicles (3,4); electricity (146 million kWh), etc. The only foreign trade partner is Russia (2014).

Education. Scientific and cultural institutions

Educational institutions are managed by the Ministry of Education and Science. Ch. regulatory document in the field of education - Law 2008 (amendments 2016). The education system includes preschool education, primary, secondary, secondary vocational and higher education. There are (2016) 20 preschool institutions (over 2.7 thousand students), 52 general education institutions (about 4.8 thousand students), 8 institutions of additional education (about 2 thousand students). B. h. educational institutions, as well as South Osset. state University named after A. A. Tibilova (1932, current status since 1993), Multidisciplinary College (2010), Republican National. fuck them. Anacharsis (history dates back to the 1930s), Nat. museum (opened in 2015), South Osset. Research Institute named after Z. Vaneev are located in Tskhinvali. The Museum of the Ksani Eristavi Princes is located in the village. Leningor.

Mass media

In South Ossetia, 3 printed republican state publications are published. newspapers (all in Tskhinvali): “South Ossetia” (founded in 1983 under the name “Soviet Ossetia”, since 1993 an independent publication; published 3 times a week in Russian and Ossetian languages, circulation 2.5– 3 thousand copies, 2017), “Khurzkhrin” (“Dawn”, since 1924; changed its name several times, modern name since 1993, in Ossetian language, 3 times a week, about 1.3 thousand copies ., 2017), “Republic” (since 1995; modern name since 2005, weekly, 2.5 thousand copies, 2017). Functioning State. TV and radio company "IR" (in its structure - radio of the same name, information agency OSinform), founded in 1994, broadcasts in Russian. and Osset. languages. As a state network acts as information. Res agency (founded in 1995).

Architecture and fine arts

The most ancient monuments of art on the territory of South Ossetia are ornamented ceramics (from the Neolithic), bronze, gold and silver items with relief and other decorations, clay figurines of animals Kura-Araxes culture and other Bronze Age cultures. The rise of metal and ceramic plastics associated with Koban culture, in the 7th–6th centuries. BC e. products appear in Scythian-Siberian animal style. Later, the influences of Iranian, ancient, Hellenistic can be traced. lawsuit The local tradition includes belt sets of the 3rd century. BC e. – 3rd century n. e. with zoomorphic images, etc.

In the Middle Ages, under the influence of the Byzantines. missionaries and architects traditions of Alania and Georgia, cross-domed stone churches were built [Ksani Armazi (864), Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Tigua (1152), Archangel Michael in Ikorta (1172, close to the temple in Samtavisi)], the basilica church of the mon. Khopa (1st half of the 13th century), small churches in the villages of Tsirkol (Tsirkoli), Mosabrun (Mosabruni), Kaben (Kabeni), Inaur (Inauri), Huallag-Achabet (Zemo-Achabeti), etc. Fragments of frescoes have been preserved : in Ksani Armazi (864), Ikorta (late 12th - early 13th centuries), Tire mon. in the village Monastery (Monasteri; 14th century), mon. Madimayram (Khvtismshobeli) in the village. Tskhauat (Tskhavati; 14th century). Local builders were also active. traditions (ruins of a palace in the village of Dzagina, 17th century). In mountainous areas, watch and combat towers, fortified dwellings, and sanctuaries were erected. Settlements in the high mountain zone are characterized by terrace-like compositions, while settlements in the mountainous and foothill parts are characterized by a manor type of development. Nar. dwelling of the 18th–19th centuries. – a stone building with a flat roof and a faceted pyramidal top with a light and smoke hole.

K con. 19 – beginning 20th centuries K. L. Khetagurov and M. S. Tuganov acted as the founders of easel osset. painting and graphics. In the 1920s–60s. reconstruction of Tskhinval was carried out (drama theatre, 1925–29, architect A. Ter-Stepanov, burned out in 2005; House of Soviets in the style of the Soviets. neoclassicism, 1937, architect. M. Shavishvili), villages and towns (Kvaisa and others). In 1955, an artist was created in Tskhinvali. school named after M. S. Tuganova. In the 2nd half. 20th century easel painting developed (X. I. Gassiev, G. V. Doguzov, V. G. Kozaev, S. V. Minasov, B. I. Sanakoev, M. G. Shavlokhov, etc.), portrait and monumental sculpture (V . I. Kokoev and others), monumental and decorative (M. I. Kokoev and others) and theatrical and decorative. (T. A. Gagloev, A. G. Zaseev, etc.) painting, easel and book graphics (A. D. Vaneev, I. V. Dzheiranashvili, A. M. Sanzherovskaya, etc.), arts and crafts in (Kh. L. Zaseev, G. P. Mamitov, etc.). Among the artists con. 20 – beginning 21st centuries: T. Tskhovrebov, M. Kelekhsaev, U. Kozaev, V. Kadzhaev. Tskhinvali and other settlements are being reconstructed after the 2008 conflict.

Nar. art by Yu. O. presented by artist. embroidery with gold and silver threads and silk, metallic. vessels, decorations and weapons with niello, engraving, notching, carved wood. utensils

Music

The basis of music. culture – traditions of Ossetians and other peoples. First prof. composer and conductor, founder of the Yu. O. school of composition - B. A. Galaev (1889–1974), author of music for Yugo Osset performances. dramatic theater in Tskhinvali, in 1938–51 conductor of this theater. In 1931 he founded the music. school, in 1936 - South Osset. song and dance ensemble (since 1938), now State. Song and Dance Ensemble of the Republic of South. Ossetia "Simd" named after. B. A. Galaeva (Tskhinvali). Among the soloists of this ensemble in the 1950s–1960s. - famous Osset performer. adv. songs by G. N. Pliev. Worked in Yu. O.: composer and folklorist F. Sh. Alborov (1935–2005) - author of the State. anthem of Yu. O. (text by T. Kokaity; approved in 1995), founder of the Tskhinvali muses. school (1968; now named after F. Sh. Alborov); Z. S. Khabalova (1937–2016) – author of 19 symphonies and others. musicians originally from South Ossetia worked (are working) outside the republic, among them the composer and pianist Zh. V. Plieva (b. 1948), opera singers V. Dzhioeva (b. 1979), I. Gotoeva (b. 1979 ). There is a city in Tskhinvali. Choir and orchestra Izald instruments (1996).

Theater

The first dramatic mugs appeared in the beginning. 20th century In 1931, the State Government began working in Tskhinvali. dramatic theater (since 1939 named after K. L. Khetagurov; in 2005 the building burned down; opened in a new building in 2017). Among the theater figures in different years: V. Khetagurov, S. Bibilov, Kh. Vaneev, D. Gabaraev, V. Gagloeva, L. Golovanova, I. Dzhigkaev, A. Dzhioev, R. Dzagoev, T. Dzudtsov, S. Kotaev , Zh. Kharebov, V. Khasiev, N. Chabieva, N. Chokheli, N. Chochieva.

Many, even fairly erudite people, may wonder what Ossetia is called. Although this is not surprising, given that this state was only recently formed and is not recognized by all countries in the political arena, and, accordingly, a wide range of people still have little information about its administrative structure. Tskhinvali is the capital of South Ossetia, a city that is at the same time one of the most developed and largest.

general information

Tskhinvali remained the center of the South Ossetian Autonomous Region until 1990, when the decision was made to create a separate republic, the political status of which is still disputed. However, 5 states still recognize South Ossetia as an independent territory. Tskhinvali is located in the southern region of the Caucasus.

City name

Now you know what the capital of South Ossetia is, but what about the different options for the name of this city? There are two options for the name of the area. The city is called "Tskhinvali", while in Russian it is most often used "Tskhinvali".

Short story

The existence of a village called Tskhinvali was mentioned already in 1398. In the 18th century it was already a “royal city”, which was inhabited mainly by monastery serfs. In the twentieth century, it became an important transport artery that connects several regions at once. In 1922, Tskhinvali was officially recognized as the administrative center of the South Ossetian Autonomous Region. If in the first two decades of the twentieth century a large Jewish and Georgian population lived in the city, then in 1959 the majority of residents were Ossetians.

Jewish Quarter

The capital of South Ossetia is known for its ancient architectural monuments. Particularly notable among other things is the Jewish Quarter, where you can visit numerous ruins of ancient buildings, synagogues, and the remains of merchant mansions. Despite the fact that a large part of the Jewish population left the area after the military confrontation with Russia in 2008, this part of the Old City still gives tourists an idea of ​​how life was lived here several decades ago, because practically nothing has changed here.

In the south of the Jewish Quarter there is an ancient Georgian church, which eleven centuries ago was assembled from river stone, and now, although it has fallen into disrepair, still impresses visitors.

Church of the Holy Mother of God

The capital of South Ossetia is replete with ancient clerical monuments, which are now not in the best condition. For example, in the central part of the city you can visit. It was badly damaged after bombing during the Russian-Georgian conflict, although today it has been partially restored. There is a small square in front of the Church of the Holy Mother of God.

Other attractions

In the city you can find other monuments of ancient architecture. The capital of South Ossetia is famous for the Kautskaya Church of St. George, the Zguder Church, etc.

Military conflict

Few people in Russia knew what the capital of South Ossetia was before troops had to invade Georgian territory to resolve the military conflict. This happened in August 2008. The events of that period were imprinted in the minds of all residents of the city.

The armed conflict, which lasted only five days, killed several hundred people. A considerable part of the residents suffered from military operations; almost every resident of the city lost at least one loved one.

Now, several years later, these events are called the “War of 08/08/08”. Although these military events were quite expected, the residents of South Ossetia still hoped to the last that the state authorities would not start a war. On August 8, 2008, at 23:30, the first artillery strike by the Georgians was heard in Tskhinvali. Despite the fact that the government brought its tank and infantry troops into the city, the residents managed to hold out until the Russian military came to the rescue.

Results of the conflict

The whole world learned that the city of Tskhinvali is the name of the capital. After the armed conflict, South Ossetia was partially recognized as a separate state. But was it worth all the permits and lost human lives?

After a difficult five-day confrontation, the city suffered incredible losses. According to official data alone, about 80% of residential buildings were destroyed. The Jewish Quarter suffered greatly and was reduced to ruins. Here, even before the hostilities, there were many buildings in a very poor condition, and after it there was no point in rebuilding or restoring anything.

The tallest building in the city, the psychiatric hospital, which was probably one of the main targets for the Georgian artillerymen, was badly damaged. Hospital workers are still amazed that they miraculously managed to save everyone inside, and the brave nurses were able to hide the patients in the basement.

Conclusion

The military actions of 2008 did not greatly affect South Ossetia and the city of Tskhinvali in particular. A huge number of people suffered here, a significant part of the city was destroyed, special damage to ancient architecture took place in the Jewish Quarter - the historical and most famous part of the city. After the end of hostilities, many people in the territory learned what the capital of South Ossetia is. The city of Tskhinvali has been partially restored, but much of it remains heavily damaged.

Little by little, new facilities are starting to be built here, including new microdistricts. In 2009, a new gas pipeline was even launched that connects South Ossetia and Russia directly, since the old one was destroyed during the five-day war. The city may not be completely restored in the near future, but the state government is on the right track. Gradually, albeit slowly, with the help of the Russian government, residents of the city and country are returning to normal life.

Throughout the entire period after the collapse of the USSR, the autonomous state of South Ossetia has been striving to become part of Russia. At the same time, the republic has been seeking global recognition of sovereignty for almost 30 years. So far, its independence has been recognized by several UN countries friendly to the Russian Federation.

Mountains in South Ossetia

Surrounded on three sides by Georgian borders, South Ossetia managed to avoid annexation thanks to military and economic support from the Russian side. When will the referendum on South Ossetia's accession to the Russian Federation take place? The issue of integration has long been in the political atmosphere, but diplomats have opted for a cautious strategy in 2020.

The Republic of North Ossetia (capital city of Vladikavkaz) has been part of Russia since the founding of an independent state in 1992.

Location of South Ossetia on the world map

By the 9th century, the tribe settled in the Central Caucasus region, forming the Alan state. In the 13th century, the Alans were defeated and devastated by the army of Timur-Malik, Khan of the Blue Horde. Those who remained began to wander again.

In the 16th century, Georgian princes allowed the Alans to settle on the coast of the Bolshaya Livakha River. Over the past 150 years, the number of sedentary people has grown rapidly.

Joining the Russian Empire

Since the 17th century, Ossetians officially lived on the territory of the Georgian Kartli-Kakheti kingdom, formed by Erekle II in 1716. But nearby was an aggressive empire - Persia (Iran).

The Persian khans once again gathered an army for a campaign whose goal was the enslavement of the Caucasus. It was impossible for the Georgian kingdom to resist the Persian armada and had no choice but to ask for protection from the Russian Empire.

Opinions on the annexation of South Ossetia to Russia.

For full protection, the Kartli-Kakheti kingdom had to enter the borders of Russia territorially. The Georgians accepted this condition of integration, and in 1801, the state of Erekle II became part of the Russian Empire. After integration with the patron, both nationalities found themselves on equal terms.

Joining the USSR

As a result of the revolution of 1917, Georgia and the Alans went to the USSR. From that moment on, violent clashes between Georgians and Ossetians began against the backdrop of interethnic hostility. The cause of the conflicts was the uneven distribution of arable land.

Three years of hostility claimed more than 12,000 lives. The Red Army entered the conflict. Since 1921, Ossetia was divided into two parts, North and South: the first became part of the RSFSR, and the second remained in the Georgian SSR.

*The Soviet government forcibly annexed the areas of Kutaisi and Tiflis provinces, historically inhabited by Georgians, to the territories of South Ossetian autonomy.

Tskhinvali is a city located on the Bolshaya Liakhva River and the southern slopes of the Caucasus

After the collapse of the USSR

Due to the collapse of the Union, North Ossetia automatically remained in Russia, receiving the name of the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania. South Ossetia, located in the Georgian SSR, went to Georgia, which declared its sovereignty. However, the South Ossetians also sought independence and declared it in 1991.

The rebellious US wanted to join the RSFSR, but Georgia did not want territorial fragmentation. South Ossetia remained in the status of an uncontrolled region. The 1991–1992 war began, and Russian peacekeepers had to intervene in the conflict.

After another attempt by Georgia to forcibly return South Ossetia to the country in 2008, a major military clash occurred between the parties with the participation of the Russian army. Georgia retreated, preferring not to escalate the conflict. As a result, South Ossetia again declared independence, to which several countries agreed: Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Vanuatu, Nauru and Tuvalu.

When can we expect to become part of Russia?

Throughout the post-Soviet years, South Ossetia has been under the care of the Russian Federation. There is no industry in an independent republic. The only way the local population can make money is by exporting fruit to Russia.

Learn more about joining in the video below.

You can get to South Ossetia from Georgia, which is in a border pocket, by road from North Ossetia. Currently, almost 50,000 people live in the republic. Most of the population are residents of the capital Tskhinvali.