SOKHUMI

formerly Sukhumi, city, capital of Abkhazia, Georgia. It lies on the site of the ancient Greek colony of Dioscurias on the Black Sea coast. Sokhumi's seaside location, beaches, and warm climate made it a popular Black Sea resort, with many sanatoriums and holiday camps. Local industries include fruit canning and wine making; there are also foundries and electrical-equipment plants. The city is the site of Sokhumi Botanical Garden, as well as a teacher-training institute and an institute of subtropical agriculture. Sokhumi was heavily damaged in 1993 during fighting between Abkhazian separatists and Georgian military forces holding the city. Pop. (1991 est.) 120,000.