Saribash: An abandoned beauty in the Caucasus Mountains
Hidden in the heart of the mountains, the remote village of Saribash is known for its untouched beauty. But neglect has put its future at risk.
The village is located 1800 meters above sea level. Only 50 years ago, life was much livelier with about 200 families living in Saribash. However, since the centrally managed economy started to fall apart in the 1990s, the population has been forced to leave their homes due to unemployment, rising social problems, and crumbling infrastructure.
Today, only eight families—18 people—live in the village. They are bound to the land by the beautiful nature, clean water, fresh air, and the relatives who have been buried here. For this reason, they put up with the challenges and stay.
One of the biggest difficulties for the people living in the village is the road, which is often closed for weeks in the spring and autumn when the Kurmuk River rises. The situation is often equally perilous in the winter, due to avalanches. The rocks pried free from the mountain by the snow tumble onto the road, making it difficult to pass. For this reason, only heavy off-road vehicles and trucks can go to the village.
Despite all these challenges, those who remain in the village do not want the road to be repaired: they worry that once a good road is in place, there will be nothing to stop mass development in the area, ruining the pristine nature with villas and five-star hotels. Instead, they want the government to create jobs in the village so Saribash’s former residents will return.
This photo story was prepared with support from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) South Caucasus Regional Office. All opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of FES.
DONATE NOW