«ABKHAZIA... WAS FULL OF INTRIGUES»: THE POLITICAL HISTORY OF ABKHAZIA IN THE FIRST HALF OF XIX CENTURY IN «MEMORIES» G. I. PHILIPSON

This article examines the original concept of the political history of Abkhazia in the first half of the XIX century which was reconstructed by means of qualitative analysis of a well-known narrative source - «Memories» by G. I. Philipson. The author minutely analyzes relevant evaluative conclusions by the Russian general which refer to Abkhaz politicians, social processes in the region, and the specific characteristics of interaction between local communities and the tsar administration. Particular attention is paid to the personal characteristics of the ruling princes, personal qualities which had a direct impact on the real nature and objective dynamics of imperial incorporation.