Samson Chanba Abkhazian writer and statesman. Date of Birth: 06.06.1886 Country: Georgia

Biography of Samson Chanba

Born in the village of Atara in the Sukhumi District, Samson Chanba was an Abkhazian writer and statesman. He came from a peasant family and received his education at the Drandskaya Monastic School. In 1914, he graduated from the Khoni Teacher's Seminary and went on to work as a teacher.

Chanba wrote in both Abkhazian and Russian languages and began publishing his works in 1916. He is best known as the author of the romantic poem "Virgin Mountain" (1919) and the first Abkhazian drama "Mahajirs" (1920, staged in 1928), which depicted the Abkhazian emigration to Turkey. His other notable works include "Apsny Khanym" (1923), "From Past Days" (1929), and psychological novellas that laid the foundation for Abkhazian national drama.

In 1934, Chanba wrote the novel "Seidik," which focused on the early period of collective farm construction and became one of the first significant works of Abkhazian prose. He also compiled the "Geography of Abkhazia" (Sukhumi, 1925).

Aside from his literary contributions, Chanba served as the editor of the newspaper "Apsny-Kapsh" (Red Abkhazia). In collaboration with him, the first professional Abkhazian theater was established in 1929.

From 1922 to 1925, Chanba held the position of People's Commissar of Education of the SSR Abkhazia. From 1925 to April 17, 1930, he served as the Chairman of the Central Executive Committee of the SSR Abkhazia. From April 17, 1930, to 1932, he was the People's Commissar of Education of the SSR-ASSR Abkhazia. Unfortunately, during the period of repression from 1934 to 1937, he was arrested and executed.

Posthumously, Chanba was rehabilitated, and the Abkhazian State Drama Theater in Sukhumi was named after him. Streets in many cities and settlements in Abkhazia are also named in his honor.