Aging Village
Khurvaleti - A conflict Zone Village on the Edge of Deterioration
Although the village of Khurvaleti belongs to Georgian territory, you can't go there just like to any other Georgian village. Instead, you need special permission and supervision.
Lyuda Salia, a refugee from Abkhazia, decided to move from one conflict zone to another, and currently resides in Khurvaleti, operating an elderly shelter. This is not her only task, though. In addition to taking care of the elderly, Lyuda is also an activist, shielding an ever-growing border. In fact, she is one of the first people who keeps the Georgian media informed regarding the updates in the conflict zone
Surrounded by barbed-wires, Khurvaleti has been split in 2 halves since 2008. It is one of the villages in disputed Tskhinvali region that is being controlled by Russian soldiers.
In order to visit Khurvaleti, you need to inform the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. You are being supervised by armed officials on each step, in order not to accidentally breach the
de-facto border.
de-facto border.
“
"When I finish my studies and start to work, I will occasionally visit my village too."
The village is gradually deteriorating. According to Lyuda Salia, only 3 kids were born in the last 4 years. Most residents abandon their homes, moving to more peaceful areas with better life opportunities.
Authors
Gvantsa Nadibaidze
Journalist
Sopio Apriamashvili
Journalist
Tiko Zurabishvili
Journalist
