Georgia travel guide
Georgia is a country in the Caucasus, located between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, and is one of the countries that gained independence from the Soviet Union. This country is one of the countries located in Europe and Asia (Eurasia). It has a common land border with Russia to the north, Turkey, Armenia to the south, and Azerbaijan to the east. Georgia has a very long history. Its people are not Russians, Turks, or Persians but have an independent culture. A 9000-year-old culture that they still preserve. They speak in the official Georgian language and write in the Georgian alphabet, one of the world’s fourteen alphabets.
Georgia is the second country in the world that adopted Christianity as its official religion in the 4th century AD. This country has about 5 million people, of which 84% are Orthodox Christians and 10% are Muslims. The capital and, of course, the largest city of this country is Tbilisi, a Caucasian word meaning warm, and this name was given to the city due to the presence of many hot springs in this area.
History of Georgia
The old life of humans in Georgia reached one million and eight hundred thousand years ago when a group of first humans (Georgian humans) lived there. Georgia is one of the oldest countries in the world and has the most rich culture. From the foundation of the kingdom of ancient Georgia or Iberia by Parnavaz I in the 4th century BC to the Mongol invasion of Georgia in the 13th century, there is a period of peace and tranquility in the history of Georgia. From the Mongol invasion onwards, Georgia has had a past full of ups and downs. He has spent the past ten years standing against the attacks of Iranians, Ottomans, and Russians, the last of which is the Russian attack on Georgia in 2008.
Tbilisi was destroyed and rebuilt about 29 times. However, still, the old composition of the city, with narrow and winding cobbled streets, old-style balconies, and many ancient churches, has remained intact. Shades of Islamic and Middle Eastern architecture can be seen in parts of the city known as Old Tbilisi.
Georgian customs
Georgia is famous for its old customs and beliefs, traditional music, theater, cinema, and Georgian art and dance. In the 20th century, famous Georgian painters such as Niko Pirosmani, Lado Lado Gudiashvili, and Ellen Akhaldian, ballet dancers such as George Balanchine, Vakhtang Chabukiani and Nino Ananiashvili, poets such as Galaction Tabidze, Lado Asatiani and Mokhran Makavariani and theater and film directors such as Robert Strua, There were Tengiz Abuladze, Giorgi Dane Lia and Otar Uze Liani.
Georgians generally eat slowly and calmly because they see eating as an excuse to enjoy being together. The host pays special attention to the guests’ comfort, satisfaction, and proper hospitality.
Georgian cities
The largest city and capital of this country is Tbilisi. This beautiful city depicts a fusion of Georgian culture, history, and architecture and is known as one of Europe’s most beautiful and lively cities. Despite having many historical ruins, Tbilisi still shines like a diamond and attracts tourists. This huge metropolis is the largest city in the Caucasus and right in the center of the Caucasus. Every year, it hosts numerous conferences and meetings that have raised this city in Eastern Europe and made its name famous worldwide.
The coastal city of Batumi, one of the oldest cities in Georgia, is located by the Black Sea. In addition to attracting foreign tourists, this beautiful coastal city is considered one of Georgians’ most important tourist centers. Its beautiful nature and modern architecture attract many people from all over the world. The proximity of this coastal city to the Turkish border has also caused many Iranians to travel to Batumi by private car through the Bazargan border and experience a few days of relaxation next to the beautiful nature, the forest, and the sea.
Mestia is one of the most important and touristic cities in Georgia. This city is famous for its beautiful mountains. If you like hiking and walking in the heart of nature, travel to this city and enjoy hiking in the Caucasus mountains.
Georgia tourism
Georgia has many natural and historical beauties, from pristine mountain views and snowy peaks to old houses with wooden balconies and paved paths that satisfy its lovers. In general, this country is a good destination for travel, and its sights begin in Tbilisi. The most critical view of Tbilisi, which can be seen from all over the city like a jewel, is the Samba Church. A beautiful church that is one of the largest churches in the world and the largest church in Eastern Europe. In addition to the main building, this church’s complex includes the archbishop’s residence, Naqos Tower, and the Academy of Religious Sciences.
Peace Bridge is one of the most essential sights in Georgia. In early 2010, the Tbilisi City Council finalized the order to construct a structure to connect the old and new parts of Tbilisi to a prominent Italian designer and architect. The official opening ceremony of the “Peace Bridge” over the Kura River was held in May of the same year. It is beautiful and spectacular.
Another must-see attraction in this country is the Narin Castle in Tbilisi, located on Kala Hill. This castle is known in Georgia as Narikalami, which means small castle. One of the oldest buildings and sights of Tbilisi is located on top of a hill overlooking the city of Tbilisi and the Kura River, between the sulfur baths and the Tbilisi Botanical Garden.
A neighborhood full of natural hot spring baths, located on the banks of the Kura River and one of the most important and popular attractions in Georgia. The construction of these baths is due to the existence of natural spa springs that are abundant in this area. According to legends, the king of Kartel (the old name of the Kingdom of Georgia), Vakhtang Gargasali (which means wolf-headed), in the 5th century AD, and because of the discovery of these mineral springs while hunting, became interested. He built a new city here due to the hot water of the springs. This city was given the name of Tbilisi, which means warm place.
Among other important sights of this country, we can mention the statue of Kartlis, which has the title of the mother of Georgia. A beautiful and spectacular figure is a symbol above the Sulalaki hills of Tbilisi and can be seen from almost all corners of the city. This statue shows a woman with a sword and a bowl in one hand. A bowl is for welcoming those who enter Georgia with friendship, and a sword is for those who are enemies.
The memorial statue of Medea in Batumi is the name of a woman in Greek myths and legends. When Jason came to Colchis to find the Golden Fleece, Medea fell in love with him and helped Jason fulfill his father’s strict conditions and eventually steal the Golden Fleece. They run away together and get married. Later, Jason left him to marry Creon’s daughter Glaucke. Medea killed Glaucus, Creon, and her children out of jealousy and anger. This building was built to keep this legend alive in Batumi on the shore of the Black Sea. It is beautiful and must be seen by all tourists.
And the statue of love in the coastal city of Batumi tells about the life of Ali and Nino. Ali is a Muslim boy from Azerbaijan who falls in love with a Christian girl named Nino. Because of their different religions, their families reprimand the lover and the beloved. They are forced to separate, and after a while, they leave the mortal world to join each other in a different world. These statues represent the souls of Ali and Nino, who meet in heaven next to the beautiful beach of Batumi. Interestingly, when these two statues reach each other, the audience starts to whistle and clap their hands in joy.
