PERSONAL PROJECTS: House Divided (Shifting Borders): Shifting Borders

Mari Meladze, 18, poses near the occupied territory of Georgia's South Ossetia region in the village of Odzisi, Georgia, August 19, 2022. On that day, the de facto South Ossetian authorities announced they would reopen the Odsizi/Akhalgori checkpoint after three years, for 10 days per month. {quote}My village is so isolated,{quote} she said. {quote}When the checkpoint closed in our village, many were left isolated from their family members. After three years, the checkpoint is open, and locals can relocate between the regions. For relocation locals need a special pass which has an expiration date. After the expiration date, the holder of the pass is not guaranteed to get extension of the pass. This makes it hard for anyone who works in the regions or has a small business.{quote}
Shifting Borders

Mari Meladze, 18, poses near the occupied territory of Georgia's South Ossetia region in the village of Odzisi, Georgia, August 19, 2022. On that day, the de facto South Ossetian authorities announced they would reopen the Odsizi/Akhalgori checkpoint after three years, for 10 days per month. "My village is so isolated," she said. "When the checkpoint closed in our village, many were left isolated from their family members. After three years, the checkpoint is open, and locals can relocate between the regions. For relocation locals need a special pass which has an expiration date. After the expiration date, the holder of the pass is not guaranteed to get extension of the pass. This makes it hard for anyone who works in the regions or has a small business."