Children of the Sun

Children of the Sun: The Laz For centuries, the Laz people have lived along the eastern Black Sea coast, shaped by mountains, sea, and sun, yet their story has remained largely absent from mainstream historical narratives. Children of the Sun: The Laz reveals the origins, identity, and enduring legacy of this ancient people, whose roots lie within the Caucasian world of antiquity. The Laz, historically connected to the Colchian civilization, belong to the Caucasian cultural and ethnic sphere, with deep ties to the South Caucasus and the eastern Black Sea region. Drawing on historical sources, linguistic evidence, cultural traditions, and ancestral continuity, this book traces the Laz from ancient Colchis to the modern era, restoring their place within the broader history of the Caucasus and Anatolia. The book explores Laz language, social structure, spiritual symbolism, and collective memory, showing how a distinct identity survived imperial rule, border shifts, and centuries of historical marginalization. Rather than viewing the Laz as a peripheral group, this work presents them as an integral part of the ancient Caucasian civilizations that shaped the region. More than a historical account, Children of the Sun: The Laz is a testament to cultural resilience and continuity. It gives voice to a people long overlooked and offers readers a deeper understanding of Caucasian heritage, forgotten histories, and the civilizations of the Black Sea world.