On October 1, the 4th International Scientific Conference "Shamba Readings" was held at the Abkhazian State University. This forum of scholars, civic activists, and students was, as always, dedicated to the memory of the distinguished professor and Honorary President of the WAC, Taras Shamba.

The main topic of discussion was "The Inviolability of Abkhazia’s Independence and the Unacceptability of Georgia’s Territorial Claims." Alongside this, personal memories were shared: friends, associates, colleagues, and students spoke about how Taras Shamba and his work had shaped their views and life paths.

This significant academic event was jointly organized by the ASU, the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Abkhazia, the World Abaza Congress (WAC), and the Moscow Abkhazian Diaspora.

The discussion was moderated by Beslan Kobakhia, an Academician of the Russian Municipal Academy and a member of the WAC Supreme Council.

"We traditionally time these events to coincide with Abkhazia’s Day of Victory and Independence. We deliberately schedule the conference for the day after the national holiday so that our guests from abroad can share in these solemn days with us and fully participate in the working program. It is particularly gratifying to see representatives of the Abkhazian Diaspora from Turkey among the participants today," Kobakhia noted.

Aleko Gvaramia, Rector of ASU, opened the event with a welcoming address.

"I sincerely congratulate you on the Day of Victory and Independence! I wish each of you to find your purpose—one that inspires you to grow, acquire knowledge, and dedicate all your efforts to constructive endeavors. This is the best way to carry on the great cause for which our ancestors fought," Gvaramia added.

Dmitry Zhiba, Head of the WAC Department for Local Branches, also addressed the participants, reading out an official welcome message from Mussa Ekzekov, Chairman of the WAC Supreme Council.

"Distinguished participants of the 4th International 'Shamba Readings' Conference!" On behalf of the World Abaza Congress, I extend a personal welcome to everyone here at Abkhazian State University.

Taras Mironovich Shamba was a man of exceptional energy, profound intellect, and boundless devotion to his homeland and the interests of his people. He was one of the founders of the Congress and put forth great effort to uniting the Abkhaz-Abaza people—whose members reside in various countries—and strengthening their ties to their historical homeland. His profound wisdom enabled him to find solutions to the most complex challenges of modern times.

It is a great honor for me to be among those who had the privilege of knowing Taras Mironovich, working alongside him, and continuing today the cause to which he dedicated a significant part of his life.

It is significant that the "Shamba Readings" have become not only a tribute to this outstanding scholar and public figure but also a vibrant academic forum for discussing issues that shape contemporary life in Abkhazia.

Yesterday, we celebrated the Republic’s Independence Day. Thirty-three years ago, victory in the Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia was achieved at the cost of severe hardships and immense sacrifice.

It is our duty and responsibility to safeguard the country, work for its prosperity, and defend its sovereignty.

The theme of this conference highlights the importance and relevance of preserving our historical heritage. Defending historical truth based on documents and scientific argumentation—is a cornerstone of Abkhazia’s independence.

The ideas and convictions of Taras Mironovich Shamba serve as the guiding principle for our work, both past and future. The World Abaza Congress will always support initiatives aimed at upholding historical justice and the unity of the Abkhaz-Abaza people. "I wish the conference participants productive work, in-depth discussions, and significant scientific findings."

During the sessions, leading scholars presented a comprehensive scientific disproof of Pavel Ingorokva’s pseudohistorical theory regarding the "migratory origins" of the Abkhazian people—a theory Tbilisi had used for decades to provide an ideological justification for its territorial claims on the republic. Plenary presentations addressed the anthropological, genetic, linguistic, and legal aspects demonstrating the invalidity of Georgian claims. Furthermore, researchers conducted a comparative analysis of Ingorokva’s theory with other radical ideological concepts.

At the end of the conference, participants adopted a final resolution. The document included a formal appeal to UNESCO and other relevant international organizations, urging them to take note of the scientific evidence and to counter the falsification of history.