https://darosulakauri.com/ 2026-09-23 weekly 1.0 https://darosulakauri.com/cv 2026-09-23 monthly 0.8 https://storage.neonsky.app/ect8lmqt/1754990552700_462647734_3810837402497955_7649091456341344175_n.jpg Image https://darosulakauri.com/shifting-borders 2026-09-23 monthly 0.8 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_j7uvwd_Shifting-Borders_06_thumb.jpg A child takes a swim in the Enguri River, which is used as the borderline of the Russian-supported separatist territory of Abkhazia. The river was previously known as a good location for safely crossing into Abkhazia, but recent installation of barbed wire fencing and surveillance equipment has slowed those crossings. The border marks on the photo illustrate the words of a local, when she had a small dialogue with a Russian militant standing in a watchtower that overlooked her house near the Enguri river. “I tok my grandkids out for a swim on a hot summer day, when the kids were already in the water, one of the Russian militants from the watchtower addressed me to keep the distance, I asked why? He said in Russian that half of the river belongs to Russia and half to Georgia”. Orsantia village, Georgia, 2017. A child takes a swim in the Enguri River, which is used as the borderline of the Russian-supported separatist territory of Abkhazia. The river was previously known as a good location for safely crossing into Abkhazia, but recent installation of barbed wire fencing and surveillance equipment has slowed those crossings. The border marks on the photo illustrate the words of a local, when she had a small dialogue with a Russian militant standing in a watchtower that overlooked her house near the Enguri river. “I tok my grandkids out for a swim on a hot summer day, when the kids were already in the water, one of the Russian militants from the watchtower addressed me to keep the distance, I asked why? He said in Russian that half of the river belongs to Russia and half to Georgia”. Orsantia village, Georgia, 2017. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_yxrhdz_Shifting-Borders_01_thumb.jpg Valia Valishvili, 88, the widow of the late Data Vanishvili, who lives on the side of Georgia's de facto breakaway region of South Ossetia, in the village of Khurvaleti, Georgia, September 28, 2021. Data Vanishvili, then in his eighties, became a symbol of this fearful frontier existence after he, his wife and son woke up in 2013 to find a barbed-wire fence had been erected in the night, putting their home on the Ossetian side of the boundary. He became well-known in Georgia for defiantly staying put and speaking out publicly. Despite the risks, he would cross the boundary to get his pension and to buy food. He sometimes passed money to old neighbours through the fence to get him bread. He was once jailed after going across to vote. On his death bed at the age of 88, his final words to his wife were a plea not to abandon their home. {quote}Do not leave the house, do not go anywhere, sit by the stove, the Georgians will help you,{quote} his family recall him saying. He was buried in the breakaway region of South Ossetia. Valia Valishvili, 88, the widow of the late Data Vanishvili, who lives on the side of Georgia's de facto breakaway region of South Ossetia, in the village of Khurvaleti, Georgia, September 28, 2021. Data Vanishvili, then in his eighties, became a symbol of this fearful frontier existence after he, his wife and son woke up in 2013 to find a barbed-wire fence had been erected in the night, putting their home on the Ossetian side of the boundary. He became well-known in Georgia for defiantly staying put and speaking out publicly. Despite the risks, he would cross the boundary to get his pension and to buy food. He sometimes passed money to old neighbours through the fence to get him bread. He was once jailed after going across to vote. On his death bed at the age of 88, his final words to his wife were a plea not to abandon their home. {quote}Do not leave the house, do not go anywhere, sit by the stove, the Georgians will help you,{quote} his family recall him saying. He was buried in the breakaway region of South Ossetia. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_i6pfzp_Housedivided_01_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, Khurvaleti Village. Khurvaleti is one of the hot points of borderization by the Russians. The Family which wishes to not name them, live right near the barbed wire fence. Their house wall is leaning on the border of the de facto region of South Ossetia. {quote}Erase my name on the photo, because you never know, they borderization is taking place in my back yard{quote}, says the man seating on the left side of the photo. 2017. Georgia, Khurvaleti Village. Khurvaleti is one of the hot points of borderization by the Russians. The Family which wishes to not name them, live right near the barbed wire fence. Their house wall is leaning on the border of the de facto region of South Ossetia. {quote}Erase my name on the photo, because you never know, they borderization is taking place in my back yard{quote}, says the man seating on the left side of the photo. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_0m0do6_Housedivided_02_thumb.jpg Georgia; Yellow - breakaway region of South Ossetia.Dvani, Nikozu, Beshueti - villages I visited. Georgia; Yellow - breakaway region of South Ossetia.Dvani, Nikozu, Beshueti - villages I visited. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_e2ijrh_Shifting-Borders_05_thumb.jpg The family of volunteer fighter Davit Ratiani, who was killed in Ukraine, mourns over his open casket on March 26, 2022 in Tbilisi, Georgia. Davit Ratiani, 53 years old, died under artillery fire on March 18th, while saving a wounded volunteer French fighter in the Irpin front, northwest of Kyiv. For many Georgians, the war in Ukraine amounts to a continuation of their ongoing struggle with Russia.At least 35 Georgians have died fighting in Ukraine since the beginning of the war, which is likely the largest death toll among any foreign contingent fighting on the Ukrainian side. The family of volunteer fighter Davit Ratiani, who was killed in Ukraine, mourns over his open casket on March 26, 2022 in Tbilisi, Georgia. Davit Ratiani, 53 years old, died under artillery fire on March 18th, while saving a wounded volunteer French fighter in the Irpin front, northwest of Kyiv. For many Georgians, the war in Ukraine amounts to a continuation of their ongoing struggle with Russia.At least 35 Georgians have died fighting in Ukraine since the beginning of the war, which is likely the largest death toll among any foreign contingent fighting on the Ukrainian side. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_m8jkz5_Shifting-Borders_02_thumb.jpg In the village of Dvani, farming families fret about the dividing line that in one place passes directly through a house inhabited by the Makhatchashvili family. The mother of the household, 34-year-old Tiniko Mamagulashvili, says her husband likes to joke that he sleeps in Georgia with his feet in Russia. But the family is worried, she says, {quote}If the occupation continues, what will happen to our house and our land? It is split in two and our main harvest and water is on the side of the occupation line, it is frustrating and scary to think about.{quote} The border marks gives a visual understanding of how the house is divided via google maps. Dvani Village, 2017.. In the village of Dvani, farming families fret about the dividing line that in one place passes directly through a house inhabited by the Makhatchashvili family. The mother of the household, 34-year-old Tiniko Mamagulashvili, says her husband likes to joke that he sleeps in Georgia with his feet in Russia. But the family is worried, she says, {quote}If the occupation continues, what will happen to our house and our land? It is split in two and our main harvest and water is on the side of the occupation line, it is frustrating and scary to think about.{quote} The border marks gives a visual understanding of how the house is divided via google maps. Dvani Village, 2017.. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_yua78d_Shifting-Borders_03_thumb.jpg A family stands near their corn field in Pakhulani village in Georgian in 2017. A family stands near their corn field in Pakhulani village in Georgian in 2017. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_suhkik_Shifting-Borders_13_thumb.jpg An Ossetian person (L) and a Georgian person (R) pay respects to a deceased relative of theirs, as they have a drink together at a cemetery in the village of Khurvaleti, Georgia, April 29, 2019. An Ossetian person (L) and a Georgian person (R) pay respects to a deceased relative of theirs, as they have a drink together at a cemetery in the village of Khurvaleti, Georgia, April 29, 2019. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_8fq4kc_Shifting-Borders_04_thumb.jpg Mari Meladze, 18, poses near the occupied territory of Georgia's South Ossetia region in the village of Odzisi, Georgia, August 19, 2022. On that day, the de facto South Ossetian authorities announced they would reopen the Odsizi/Akhalgori checkpoint after three years, for 10 days per month. {quote}My village is so isolated,{quote} she said. {quote}When the checkpoint closed in our village, many were left isolated from their family members. After three years, the checkpoint is open, and locals can relocate between the regions. For relocation locals need a special pass which has an expiration date. After the expiration date, the holder of the pass is not guaranteed to get extension of the pass. This makes it hard for anyone who works in the regions or has a small business.{quote} Mari Meladze, 18, poses near the occupied territory of Georgia's South Ossetia region in the village of Odzisi, Georgia, August 19, 2022. On that day, the de facto South Ossetian authorities announced they would reopen the Odsizi/Akhalgori checkpoint after three years, for 10 days per month. {quote}My village is so isolated,{quote} she said. {quote}When the checkpoint closed in our village, many were left isolated from their family members. After three years, the checkpoint is open, and locals can relocate between the regions. For relocation locals need a special pass which has an expiration date. After the expiration date, the holder of the pass is not guaranteed to get extension of the pass. This makes it hard for anyone who works in the regions or has a small business.{quote} https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_urhb2j_Housedivided_03_thumb.jpg 2010. Georgia, Tserovani IDP settlement. A mother and daughter walk along a road that leads to and from Tserovani, a village created for Georgians forced to flee South Ossetia. 2010. Georgia, Tserovani IDP settlement. A mother and daughter walk along a road that leads to and from Tserovani, a village created for Georgians forced to flee South Ossetia. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_u57cje_Shifting-Borders_08_thumb.jpg A rally in support of Ukraine in front of parliament protesting the war in Ukraine and demanding the Georgian Prime Minister, Irakli Gharibashvili, to step down, after he said he would not introduce sanctions against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine on February 25, 2022 in Tbilisi, Georgia. For many Georgians, the war in Ukraine amounts to a continuation of their ongoing struggle with Russia. A rally in support of Ukraine in front of parliament protesting the war in Ukraine and demanding the Georgian Prime Minister, Irakli Gharibashvili, to step down, after he said he would not introduce sanctions against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine on February 25, 2022 in Tbilisi, Georgia. For many Georgians, the war in Ukraine amounts to a continuation of their ongoing struggle with Russia. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_dd3tsm_Shifting-Borders_09_thumb.jpg Demonstrators gathered in front of the Georgian parliament on June 20, 2022 in Tbilisi, Georgia. Approximately 60 thousand people gathered at the rally in Georgia's capital to voice support for the country's bid to join the EU-bloc. Demonstrators gathered in front of the Georgian parliament on June 20, 2022 in Tbilisi, Georgia. Approximately 60 thousand people gathered at the rally in Georgia's capital to voice support for the country's bid to join the EU-bloc. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_6pl126_Housedivided_04_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, The village of Nikozi, which rests just south of the South Ossetia border, was heavily bombed during the Russo-Georgian War in 2008. At the time of the conflict, Metropolitan Isaiah of Nikozi and Tskhinvali Eparchy, led a congregation that included people on both sides of the border. He chose to stay in South Ossetia with a portion of his community for three years, until finally returning home to Nikozi. 2017. Georgia, The village of Nikozi, which rests just south of the South Ossetia border, was heavily bombed during the Russo-Georgian War in 2008. At the time of the conflict, Metropolitan Isaiah of Nikozi and Tskhinvali Eparchy, led a congregation that included people on both sides of the border. He chose to stay in South Ossetia with a portion of his community for three years, until finally returning home to Nikozi. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_v79rcf_Housedivided_05_thumb.jpg 2009. Georgia, Village Nikozi. {quote}13th we are invaded, 14th we are alive{quote}, written on the wall of the house, from the familiy who hid from the Russian forces during the bombing of Nikozi Village. 2009. Georgia, Village Nikozi. {quote}13th we are invaded, 14th we are alive{quote}, written on the wall of the house, from the familiy who hid from the Russian forces during the bombing of Nikozi Village. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_y6lw7r_Housedivided_07_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, Khurcha Village. Nino 12 years old with make-up on her face. Nino and her 8 Siblings have status of refugees from Abkhazia, as their mother is from Gali region. 2017. Georgia, Khurcha Village. Nino 12 years old with make-up on her face. Nino and her 8 Siblings have status of refugees from Abkhazia, as their mother is from Gali region. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_w0u23b_Housedivided_08_thumb.jpg 2008. Georgia, Gori city. A drawing of the 2008 war made by Tsotne, 12 years old, school student. After the war my parents traveled to Gori and gave art lessons to children who suffered from trauma from the war. 2008. Georgia, Gori city. A drawing of the 2008 war made by Tsotne, 12 years old, school student. After the war my parents traveled to Gori and gave art lessons to children who suffered from trauma from the war. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_h1kpd2_Housedivided_09_thumb.jpg 2010. Georgia, Tserovani IDP settlement. Stadium, an afternoon after school. Tserovani, settlement built by the Georgian government to house Georgians who were forced to flee South Ossetia when the Russians invaded. 2010. Georgia, Tserovani IDP settlement. Stadium, an afternoon after school. Tserovani, settlement built by the Georgian government to house Georgians who were forced to flee South Ossetia when the Russians invaded. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_aim3sk_Housedivided_10_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, Nikozi Village. The village was heavily bombed during the Russian-Georgian war in 2008. A photo of elderly couple. The mand in the picture hanged photograph as a memory of her wife, who died during the war. 2017. Georgia, Nikozi Village. The village was heavily bombed during the Russian-Georgian war in 2008. A photo of elderly couple. The mand in the picture hanged photograph as a memory of her wife, who died during the war. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_ro9c94_Housedivided_43_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, Selfies of best friends seperated from each sides of the Enguri river. Khurcha village is controlled by Georgia, while Nabakevi village is now a base of Russian forces on the de facto region of Abkhazia. Once in a while they call each other on the phones and meet near the barbed wire fence. 2017. Georgia, Selfies of best friends seperated from each sides of the Enguri river. Khurcha village is controlled by Georgia, while Nabakevi village is now a base of Russian forces on the de facto region of Abkhazia. Once in a while they call each other on the phones and meet near the barbed wire fence. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_dqtrw1_Housedivided_13_thumb.jpg Georgia; Yellow - De facto region of Abkhazia.Rikhe, Shamgona, khurcha, Orsantia - villages I visited. Tkhaia, Pakhuliani .. ongoing. Georgia; Yellow - De facto region of Abkhazia.Rikhe, Shamgona, khurcha, Orsantia - villages I visited. Tkhaia, Pakhuliani .. ongoing. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_qlvmks_Housedivided_14_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, locals with Abkhazian or Russian documents on the road to Enguri checkpoint, which is counted to be the only remaining checkpoints between the de facto region of Abkhazia and Georgian controlled territory. It is almost unreal to cross with a Georgian Passport. 2017. Georgia, locals with Abkhazian or Russian documents on the road to Enguri checkpoint, which is counted to be the only remaining checkpoints between the de facto region of Abkhazia and Georgian controlled territory. It is almost unreal to cross with a Georgian Passport. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_7str2q_House-Divided_Daro-Sulakauri_29-copy_thumb.jpg 2016. Georgia, This bridge, in Napati village, was previously one of the main border crossings between Abkhazia and the rest of Georgia. It was once used for a railroad but was bombed in 1993. While it remained intact at the time of this photograph, it is no longer standing. 2016. Georgia, This bridge, in Napati village, was previously one of the main border crossings between Abkhazia and the rest of Georgia. It was once used for a railroad but was bombed in 1993. While it remained intact at the time of this photograph, it is no longer standing. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_s92zy9_Housedivided_16_thumb.jpg 2008. Georgia, Gori city. A drawing of the 2008 war made by Nato, 12 years old, school student. After the war my parents traveled to Gori and gave art lessons to children who suffered from trauma from the war. 2008. Georgia, Gori city. A drawing of the 2008 war made by Nato, 12 years old, school student. After the war my parents traveled to Gori and gave art lessons to children who suffered from trauma from the war. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_1mqmnh_Housedivided_18_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, On the road to Enguri checkpoint, which is counted to be the only remaining checkpoints between the de facto region of Abkhazia and Georgian controlled territory. It is almost unreal to cross with a Georgian Passport. 2017. Georgia, On the road to Enguri checkpoint, which is counted to be the only remaining checkpoints between the de facto region of Abkhazia and Georgian controlled territory. It is almost unreal to cross with a Georgian Passport. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_h7vi8e_Housedivided_19_thumb.jpg ect8lmqt bom83nkd h7vi8e Housedivided 19 thumb ect8lmqt bom83nkd h7vi8e Housedivided 19 thumb https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_j4ec1k_Housedivided_20_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, Residents of the village of Khurcha participate in a church ritual. Prior to March 2018, the village was one of the main checkpoints in and out of Abkhazia. It has now become more isolated. 2017. Georgia, Residents of the village of Khurcha participate in a church ritual. Prior to March 2018, the village was one of the main checkpoints in and out of Abkhazia. It has now become more isolated. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_2400oj_Housedivided_21_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, Otari stands in his home in Khurvaleti village, near the southern border of South Ossetia.(Otar passed away in 2019). 2017. Georgia, Otari stands in his home in Khurvaleti village, near the southern border of South Ossetia.(Otar passed away in 2019). https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_jdf1fp_Housedivided_22_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, Khurcha-Nabakevi checkpoint. Before March this was one of the most active checkpoints between the de facto region of Abkhazia and Georgian controlled territory. Now as the Russians have closed its borders, the village has become quiet and isolated. Once you cross the bridge it is no longer a territory controlled by Georgia. Children take swims, sometimes crossing the border. A small stream of Enguri River separates the checkpoint between Khurcha and Nabakevi, which is patrolled by Russian border guards and Abkhaz customs officers. There are no police on the Georgia-controlled part of the crossing.Khurcha village is also known for its incident when Georgian man was killed by an Abkhaz border officer. 2017. Georgia, Khurcha-Nabakevi checkpoint. Before March this was one of the most active checkpoints between the de facto region of Abkhazia and Georgian controlled territory. Now as the Russians have closed its borders, the village has become quiet and isolated. Once you cross the bridge it is no longer a territory controlled by Georgia. Children take swims, sometimes crossing the border. A small stream of Enguri River separates the checkpoint between Khurcha and Nabakevi, which is patrolled by Russian border guards and Abkhaz customs officers. There are no police on the Georgia-controlled part of the crossing.Khurcha village is also known for its incident when Georgian man was killed by an Abkhaz border officer. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_urlj2u_Housedivided_23_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, Nikozi Village. Mariam, 18 years old. Living close to the occupied territory, remembers the war with Russia in 2008, says she will never forget it. Her village was bombed during the war. 2017. Georgia, Nikozi Village. Mariam, 18 years old. Living close to the occupied territory, remembers the war with Russia in 2008, says she will never forget it. Her village was bombed during the war. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_bfa3zd_Housedivided_41_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, Khurvaleti settlement, near South Ossetia. IDP's family cottage.Children taking a rest. 2017. Georgia, Khurvaleti settlement, near South Ossetia. IDP's family cottage.Children taking a rest. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_8y17gs_House-Divided_Daro-Sulakauri_39-copy_thumb.jpg 2011. Georgia, Nikozi. A village near Tskhinvali, South Ossetia. Paata stands near the fenced property. Due to suspicious unexploded bombs left after the russian invasion, locals fences numerious terrtories in the village. 2011. Georgia, Nikozi. A village near Tskhinvali, South Ossetia. Paata stands near the fenced property. Due to suspicious unexploded bombs left after the russian invasion, locals fences numerious terrtories in the village. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_dxc1fb_Housedivided_24_thumb.jpg 2011. Georgia, Nikozi. A village near Tskhinvali, South Ossetia. A mother with her four children escaped the russian troops that invaded their village. After South Ossetian war in 2008 their house was bombed, they now live in their grandparents house, which survived the bombing. 2011. Georgia, Nikozi. A village near Tskhinvali, South Ossetia. A mother with her four children escaped the russian troops that invaded their village. After South Ossetian war in 2008 their house was bombed, they now live in their grandparents house, which survived the bombing. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_xs50st_Silence_21_thumb.jpg 2010. Georgia. A cottage. Tserovani; A refugee settlement for 2,001 georgian families from South Ossetian war in 2008. It's one of largest village that contains two thousand cottages that was built in two month by the Georgian government. There are oproximatley 230 thousand refugees in Georgia. 2010. Georgia. A cottage. Tserovani; A refugee settlement for 2,001 georgian families from South Ossetian war in 2008. It's one of largest village that contains two thousand cottages that was built in two month by the Georgian government. There are oproximatley 230 thousand refugees in Georgia. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_38fop9_House-Divided_Daro-Sulakauri_18-copy_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, Nini, a resident of the village of Khurcha, leans on a windowsill near the southeastern border of Abkhazia. 2017. Georgia, Nini, a resident of the village of Khurcha, leans on a windowsill near the southeastern border of Abkhazia. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_nvay4q_House-Divided_Daro-Sulakauri_28-copy_thumb.jpg GEORGIA. 2017. Locals with Abkhazian or Russian documents on the road to Enguri checkpoint, which is counted to be the only remaining checkpoints between the de facto region of Abkhazia and Georgian controlled territory. It is almost unreal to cross with a Georgian Passport. GEORGIA. 2017. Locals with Abkhazian or Russian documents on the road to Enguri checkpoint, which is counted to be the only remaining checkpoints between the de facto region of Abkhazia and Georgian controlled territory. It is almost unreal to cross with a Georgian Passport. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_2o2hk9_Housedivided_50_thumb.jpg 2018. Georgia, near the occupied territory of South Ossetia, you can get a signal from your phone texting that now you are in Russia. 2018. Georgia, near the occupied territory of South Ossetia, you can get a signal from your phone texting that now you are in Russia. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_lnlz07_House-Divided_Daro-Sulakauri_17-copy_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, Village Pakhulani. Family living next to the border. Pakhuliani is one of the two checkpoints between the da facto region of Abkhazia and Georgian controlled territory. As known to the media there is only one checkpoint crossing. While on this assignment I discovered one more village where people could cross the border with illegal documents. 2017. Georgia, Village Pakhulani. Family living next to the border. Pakhuliani is one of the two checkpoints between the da facto region of Abkhazia and Georgian controlled territory. As known to the media there is only one checkpoint crossing. While on this assignment I discovered one more village where people could cross the border with illegal documents. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_423qol_House-Divided_Daro-Sulakauri_48-copy_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, Locals in village Orsantia, near the de-facto region of Abkhazia. 2017. Georgia, Locals in village Orsantia, near the de-facto region of Abkhazia. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_m16xnh_House-Divided_Daro-Sulakauri_23-copy_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, Bershueti Village. Lado (Georgian) and Mzia (Ossetian) been together for 35 years. They met at their mutual friends house. {quote}I saw her and planned to kidnap and marry her{quote}, said Lado. {quote}He still married me, even after the accident{quote}, Mzia had brutal car accident at a young age and never fully recovered.Living close to the occupied territory, after the war in 2008, they have made their way to South Ossetia without documents illegally to see their grandchild, though Mzia recalls that the stress was too much for her and she will not do it again. Bordeiring the de facto region of South Ossetia, there have been protests in Bershueti against creeping occupation and the latest move on another so-called border green banner. 2017. Georgia, Bershueti Village. Lado (Georgian) and Mzia (Ossetian) been together for 35 years. They met at their mutual friends house. {quote}I saw her and planned to kidnap and marry her{quote}, said Lado. {quote}He still married me, even after the accident{quote}, Mzia had brutal car accident at a young age and never fully recovered.Living close to the occupied territory, after the war in 2008, they have made their way to South Ossetia without documents illegally to see their grandchild, though Mzia recalls that the stress was too much for her and she will not do it again. Bordeiring the de facto region of South Ossetia, there have been protests in Bershueti against creeping occupation and the latest move on another so-called border green banner. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_3gqcfy_House-Divided_Daro-Sulakauri_20-copy_thumb.jpg 2010. Georgia, Students practice traditional folk dancing at a school gym in Tserovani. 2010. Georgia, Students practice traditional folk dancing at a school gym in Tserovani. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_euszix_House-Divided_Daro-Sulakauri_10-copy_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, Children stand in their home in Pakhulani village, on the southeastern border of Abkhazia. This village is the lesser-known of the two checkpoint crossings along the border. 2017. Georgia, Children stand in their home in Pakhulani village, on the southeastern border of Abkhazia. This village is the lesser-known of the two checkpoint crossings along the border. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_q4yk6n_Shifting-Borders_10_thumb.jpg Local people and journalists stand and pass flowers over to Data Vanishvili's grandson Dato Vanishvili, 14, as he stands in Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia, during 88-year-old Data's funeral in the village of Khurvaleti, Georgia, March 22, 2021. Data Vanishvili, then already in his eighties, became a symbol of this fearful frontier existence after he, his wife and son woke up in 2013 to find a barbed-wire fence had been erected in the night, putting their home on the Ossetian side of the boundary. Vanishvili became well-known in Georgia for staying put and defiantly speaking out publicly. Despite the risks, he would cross the boundary to get his pension and to buy food. On his deathbed at the age of 88, his final words to his wife were a plea not to abandon their home. {quote}Do not leave the house, do not go anywhere, sit by the stove, the Georgians will help you,{quote} his family recall him saying. He was buried in the breakaway region of South Ossetia. Local people and journalists stand and pass flowers over to Data Vanishvili's grandson Dato Vanishvili, 14, as he stands in Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia, during 88-year-old Data's funeral in the village of Khurvaleti, Georgia, March 22, 2021. Data Vanishvili, then already in his eighties, became a symbol of this fearful frontier existence after he, his wife and son woke up in 2013 to find a barbed-wire fence had been erected in the night, putting their home on the Ossetian side of the boundary. Vanishvili became well-known in Georgia for staying put and defiantly speaking out publicly. Despite the risks, he would cross the boundary to get his pension and to buy food. On his deathbed at the age of 88, his final words to his wife were a plea not to abandon their home. {quote}Do not leave the house, do not go anywhere, sit by the stove, the Georgians will help you,{quote} his family recall him saying. He was buried in the breakaway region of South Ossetia. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_u50utc_Housedivided_31_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, Village Tkhaia. Tengo Mikava, 57 years old fisherman, kidnapped by the Russian soldiers. “I was fishing, they quietly creeped behind my back and pointed the gun on my feet telling me to move. I was taken Gali in Abkhazia and fined for illegal crossing”. he quotes. “This happened a day after Vladimer Putin visited Abkhazia, on August 9th”.On the photograph he is standing on the place were he was kidnapped, a zone unsafe at night. 2017. Georgia, Village Tkhaia. Tengo Mikava, 57 years old fisherman, kidnapped by the Russian soldiers. “I was fishing, they quietly creeped behind my back and pointed the gun on my feet telling me to move. I was taken Gali in Abkhazia and fined for illegal crossing”. he quotes. “This happened a day after Vladimer Putin visited Abkhazia, on August 9th”.On the photograph he is standing on the place were he was kidnapped, a zone unsafe at night. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/ect8lmqt_bom83nkd_d5pthg_House-Divided_Daro-Sulakauri_12-copy_thumb.jpg 2017. Georgia, a brightly lit cross, erected after the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, stands on the road leading to the village of Dvani. During the conflict, up to 50 houses were burned down and bombed. 2017. Georgia, a brightly lit cross, erected after the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, stands on the road leading to the village of Dvani. During the conflict, up to 50 houses were burned down and bombed. https://darosulakauri.com/the-black-gold 2026-09-23 monthly 0.8 https://darosulakauri.com/i-was-dreaming-when-i-wrote-this-my-three-month-diary-of-a-pandemic 2026-09-23 monthly 0.8 https://darosulakauri.com/deprived-of-adolescence 2026-09-23 monthly 0.8 https://darosulakauri.com/euromaidan 2026-09-23 monthly 0.8 https://darosulakauri.com/double-aliens 2026-09-23 monthly 0.8 https://darosulakauri.com/error-404-democracy-not-found 2026-09-23 monthly 0.8 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_24.jpg democracy not found 24 democracy not found 24 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_01.jpg Mikheil Saakashvili, current President of Georgia and leader of the United National Movement Party. Mikheil Saakashvili, current President of Georgia and leader of the United National Movement Party. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/bidzina_02.jpg bidzina 02 bidzina 02 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_02.jpg democracy not found 02 democracy not found 02 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/georgian_dream_56.jpg georgian dream 56 georgian dream 56 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_03.jpg Georgia; Pre-Elections 2012. Georgia; Pre-Elections 2012. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_04.jpg democracy not found 04 democracy not found 04 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_05.jpg democracy not found 05 democracy not found 05 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_08.jpg democracy not found 08 democracy not found 08 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_06.jpg democracy not found 06 democracy not found 06 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_09.jpg democracy not found 09 democracy not found 09 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_12.jpg "The System stinks!". "The System stinks!". https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_13.jpg democracy not found 13 democracy not found 13 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_17.jpg Police surrounds a rally to clear the streets for the transport. Police surrounds a rally to clear the streets for the transport. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_07.jpg democracy not found 07 democracy not found 07 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_20.jpg Gldani Prison Gldani Prison https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_22.jpg democracy not found 22 democracy not found 22 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_21.jpg Gldani Prison Gldani Prison https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_26.jpg Georgia; Pre-Elections 2012. Students burning brooms, after they seen the leaked footage of how prisoner was raped with a broom. Georgia; Pre-Elections 2012. Students burning brooms, after they seen the leaked footage of how prisoner was raped with a broom. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_30.jpg democracy not found 30 democracy not found 30 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_29.jpg democracy not found 29 democracy not found 29 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/democracy_not_found_43.jpg Students burning brooms, after they seen the leaked footage of how prisoner was raped with a broom. Students burning brooms, after they seen the leaked footage of how prisoner was raped with a broom. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/georgian_dream_57.jpg georgian dream 57 georgian dream 57 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/rally_20.jpg rally 20 rally 20 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/rally_03.jpg rally 03 rally 03 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/rally_05.jpg rally 05 rally 05 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/rally_06.jpg rally 06 rally 06 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/georgian_dream_58.jpg georgian dream 58 georgian dream 58 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/oct1_01.jpg Polling station N6. Oct. 1. Tbilisi. The Georgian parliamentary election 2012. It is the 7th legislative election to be held since independence. Polling station N6. Oct. 1. Tbilisi. The Georgian parliamentary election 2012. It is the 7th legislative election to be held since independence. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/oct1_03.jpg Oct. 1. Tbilisi. The Georgian parliamentary election 2012. It is the 7th legislative election to be held since independence. Oct. 1. Tbilisi. The Georgian parliamentary election 2012. It is the 7th legislative election to be held since independence. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/oct1_02.jpg Polling station N6. Oct. 1. Tbilisi. The Georgian parliamentary election 2012. It is the 7th legislative election to be held since independence. Polling station N6. Oct. 1. Tbilisi. The Georgian parliamentary election 2012. It is the 7th legislative election to be held since independence. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/oct1_06.jpg Oct. 1. Tbilisi. The Georgian parliamentary election 2012. It is the 7th legislative election to be held since independence. Oct. 1. Tbilisi. The Georgian parliamentary election 2012. It is the 7th legislative election to be held since independence. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/oct1_09.jpg oct1 09 oct1 09 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/oct1_14.jpg oct1 14 oct1 14 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/oct1_15.jpg Tearing down the National Movement Banner. Tearing down the National Movement Banner. https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/oct1_17.jpg oct1 17 oct1 17 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/oct1_18.jpg oct1 18 oct1 18 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/oct1_16.jpg oct1 16 oct1 16 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/Ivanishvili_Saakashvili.jpg Oct. 9, 2012. GEORGIA. Tbilisi. Mikheil Saakashvili and Bidzina Ivanishvili meet at Presidential Palace. The meeting was attended by the Georgian dream members: Irakli Alasania, Irakli Gharibashvili, Sozar Subari and Davit Usupashvili, and from the incumbent government: Giga Bokeria, Gigi Ugulava, Pavle Kublashvili and Davit Bakradze. Oct. 9, 2012. GEORGIA. Tbilisi. Mikheil Saakashvili and Bidzina Ivanishvili meet at Presidential Palace. The meeting was attended by the Georgian dream members: Irakli Alasania, Irakli Gharibashvili, Sozar Subari and Davit Usupashvili, and from the incumbent government: Giga Bokeria, Gigi Ugulava, Pavle Kublashvili and Davit Bakradze. https://darosulakauri.com/anomaly 2026-09-23 monthly 0.8 https://darosulakauri.com/news-publications 2026-09-23 monthly 0.8 https://darosulakauri.com/i-was-dreaming-when-i-wrote-this 2026-09-23 monthly 0.8 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/book-intro.jpg I WAS DREAMING WHEN I WROTE THIS I WAS DREAMING WHEN I WROTE THIS https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/diary-book_02.jpg diary book 02 diary book 02 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/diary-book_27.jpg diary book 27 diary book 27 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/video4.jpg video4 video4 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/diary-book_41.jpg diary book 41 diary book 41 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/diary-book_17.jpg diary book 17 diary book 17 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/diary-book_19.jpg diary book 19 diary book 19 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/video3.jpg video3 video3 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/diary-book_21.jpg diary book 21 diary book 21 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/diary-book_33.jpg diary book 33 diary book 33 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/video2.jpg video2 video2 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/diary-book_36.jpg diary book 36 diary book 36 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/diary-book_40.jpg diary book 40 diary book 40 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/diary-book_37.jpg diary book 37 diary book 37 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/diary-book_18.jpg diary book 18 diary book 18 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/diary-book_31.jpg diary book 31 diary book 31 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/diary-cover1.jpg diary cover1 diary cover1 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/video1.jpg video1 video1 https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/book-description.jpg book description book description https://storage.neonsky.app/50475f865af03/images/diary-book_42.jpg diary book 42 diary book 42 https://darosulakauri.com/as-the-sun-rises,-tale-of-the-night-disappears 2026-09-23 monthly 0.8 https://darosulakauri.com/gallery-1784017219318-7219318 2026-09-23 monthly 0.8 https://darosulakauri.com/--- 2026-09-23 monthly 0.8