GEORGIA

Official Name Georgia
Capital City T'bilisi
Population 4,693,892
Language Georgian 71% (official), Russian 9%, Armenian 7%, Azeri 6%, other 7%
Time Zone GMT+4
Independence 9 April 1991 (from Soviet Union)
National Holiday Independence Day, 26 May (1918); note - 26 May 1918 is the date of independence from Soviet Russia, 9 April 1991 is the date of independence from the Soviet Union
Currency lari (GEL)
Summer Temp: 24º C
Winter Temp: 6º C
Ethnic Groups Georgian 70.1%, Armenian 8.1%, Russian 6.3%, Azeri 5.7%, Ossetian 3%, Abkhaz 1.8%, other 5%
Religions Georgian Orthodox 65%, Muslim 11%, Russian Orthodox 10%, Armenian Apostolic 8%, unknown 6%

Location: South-western Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia
Area:
total: 69,700 sq km
land: 69,700 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Land boundaries:
total: 1,461 km
border countries: Armenia 164 km, Azerbaijan 322 km, Russia 723 km, Turkey 252 km
Coastline: 310 km
Climate: warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast
Terrain: largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the north and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south; Kolkhet'is Dablobi (Kolkhida Lowland) opens to the Black Sea in the west; Mtkvari River Basin in the east; good soils in river valley flood plains, foothills of Kolkhida Lowland
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
highest point: Shkhara Mountain 5,201 m
Natural resources: forests, hydropower, manganese deposits, iron ore, copper, minor coal and oil deposits; coastal climate and soils allow for important tea and citrus growth
Natural hazards: earthquakes
The region of present-day Georgia contained the ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Kartli-Iberia. The area came under Roman influence in the first centuries AD and Christianity became the state religion in the 330s. Domination by Persians, Arabs, and Turks was followed by a Georgian golden age (11th to the 13th centuries) that was cut short by the Mongol invasion of 1236. Subsequently, the Ottoman and Persian empires competed for influence in the region. Georgia was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Independent for three years (1918-1921) following the Russian revolution, it was forcibly incorporated into the USSR until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. Despite myriad problems, some progress on market reforms and democratisation has been made since then. An attempt by the government to manipulate legislative elections in November 2003 touched off widespread protests that led to the resignation of Eduard SHEVARDNADZE, president since 1995. New elections in early 2004 swept Mikheil SAAKASHVILI into power along with his National Movement Party.

Getting There
Because of Georgia's chronic energy crisis, blackouts continue to darken Tbilisi with some regularity, particularly in the winter. Be prepared for airport delays if a prolonged outage occurs. Though blackouts have, in the past, disabled the airport's guidance beacon, no serious accidents have occurred here. Two local carriers - Georgian Airlines and Air Georgia - have hubs at Tbilisi, from which they serve various regional destinations. Larger airlines serving the airport include British Airways, Swiss Air and Turkish Airlines; Aeroflot provides service to Tbilisi from destinations throughout the former Soviet Bloc.

The highway that connects Georgia and Russia along the Abkhazian coast via the Caucasian Range tunnel is closed. Other road entry points include the route via the Georgian Military Highway, which runs through the Dariali gorge and through to Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan in the south. Travellers report that bribes are often expected at border crossings. One suggestion is to travel with a couple of travellers cheques, claiming they are the only money you have; they're useless to the guards.

Three large ports (Batumi, Poti, Sukhumi) are located on the Black Sea coast of Georgia. Batumi and Poti are the points of departure for cargo ships leaving occasionally for Odessa, Sochi, Trabzon and Istanbul. While the days of thumbing a ride on a cargo vessel are largely over, you might get lucky if you have something to give in return. If you're hoping to arrive by ship,the trans-shipment points for Georgia-bound craft are Genoa and Piraeus. Have a back-up plan.

History

Georgia's recorded history dates back more than 2,500 years. Some of the earliest human remains, dating back 1.8 million years have been found in Dmanisi in Georgia. Georgian -- a South Caucasian (or “Kartvelian”) language unrelated to any other outside the immediate region -- is one of the oldest living languages in the world, and it has its own distinctive alphabet. Tbilisi, located in the picturesque Mtkvari River valley, is more than 1,500 years old.
Georgian ports were involved with trading with the Greeks. The story of Jason and the Argo in which he set out to find the Golden Fleece probably was a voyage into Georgia where it was a custom to hang sheep fleeces in rivers to catch gold dust from the river sediments. Such a system has been even observed in use in recent times in both Georgia and Romania.
The Romans conquered Georgia in 65BC under Pompey and it remained under Roman rule until AD298 when it was handed over to Persian rule. In the ensuing centuries it was an area endlessly fought over by Persian, Mongols and Turks. Highlights of their history include the state accepting Christianity in AD337 making it the second state in he world (after Armenia) to accept Christianity. In the 12th Century Tamar Mepe (queen Tamara) ruled the country and her rule has often been looked back upon as the golden age of Georgia.
Much of Georgia's territory was fought over by Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Mongol, and Turkish armies from at least the 1st century B.C. through the 18th century. The zenith of Georgia’s power as an independent kingdom came in the 11th and 12th centuries, during the reigns of King David the Builder and Queen Tamara, who still rank among the most celebrated of all Georgian rulers. In 1783 the king of Kartli (in eastern Georgia) signed the Treaty of Georgievsk with the Russians, by which Russia agreed to take the kingdom as its protectorate. In 1801, the Russian empire began the piecemeal process of unifying and annexing Georgian territory, and for most of the next two centuries (1801-1991) Georgia found itself ruled from St. Petersburg and Moscow. Exposed to modern European ideas of nationalism under Russian tutelage, Georgians like the writer Ilya Chavchavadze began calling for greater Georgian independence. In the wake of the collapse of tsarist rule and war with the Turks, the first Republic of Georgia was established on May 26, 1918, and the country enjoyed a brief period of independence under the Menshevik president, Noe Zhordania. However, in March 1921, the Russian Red Army re-occupied the country, and Georgia became a republic of the Soviet Union. Several of the Soviet Union’s most notorious leaders in the 1920s and 1930s were Georgian, such as Joseph Stalin, (Stalin, was born in Georgia. He, in the name of communism, committed some of the worst crimes in the 20th Century), Sergo Orjonikidze, and Lavrenti Beria.
In the post-war period, Georgia was perceived as one of the wealthiest and most privileged of Soviet republics, and many Russians treated the country’s Black Sea coast as a kind of Soviet Riviera.
Eventually with the coming of the more liberal Gorbachev the door opened for freedom of expression. First the Georgian Communist Party declared themselves independent of the Soviet Union and shortly after a free vote resulted in a non-communist government under the nationalist university lecturer Zviad Gamsakhurdia being elected. His very Georgian oriented leadership alienated minorities and his leadership lost credibility, protests ended in street fighting in Tbilisi. His place was taken by Eduard Shevardnadze who had previously been Gorbachev's foreign minister. Although he tried to bring law and order to the country and to rebuild the economy his policies accelerated a separatist movement in Abkhazia which ended in a bloody and destructive civil war with 250,000 Georgians being displaced from Abkhazia. His period was further marked with considerable corruption and nepotism.
On April 9, 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Georgia declared independence from the U.S.S.R.
Georgia began to stabilize in 1995. Peace remains fragile in the separatist areas of Abkhazia and South Ossetia -- overseen by Commonwealth of Independent States' (essentially Russian) peacekeepers, the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG), and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Some progress has been made in negotiations on the Ossetian-Georgian conflict. Negotiations are continuing on the stalemated Georgia-Abkhazia conflict under the aegis of the United Nations.
The Georgian Government stakes much of its future on the revival of the ancient Silk Road as the Eurasian energy transportation corridor, using Georgia's geography as a bridge for transit of goods between Europe and Asia. Georgians are renowned for their hospitality and artistry in dance, theater, music, and design.
President Saakashvili was elected in January 2004 following the flawed Parliamentary elections, which led to the Rose Revolution in November 2003. Saakashvili quickly launched an ambitious reform agenda aimed at restoring good governance and ensuring Georgia’s territorial integrity. The political status of the breakaway provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is unresolved. President Saakashvili and his team have made significant gains during their short tenure but still have much work to accomplish.
Renewed fighting in neighbouring Chechnya (Russia) in late 1999 generated concerns that the conflict would spill over into Georgia. Several thousand Chechen refugees moved into Georgia's Pankisi Gorge in late 1999, adding to the refugee/internally displaced population. The Abkhaz separatist dispute also continues to absorb much of the government's attention. While a cease-fire is in effect, about 300,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) who were driven from their homes during the conflict constitute a vocal lobby. The government has offered the region considerable autonomy in order to encourage a settlement, which would allow the IDPs, the majority of whom are ethnic Georgians from the Gali region, to return home, but the Abkhaz insist on independence.
Currently, Russian peacekeepers, under the authority of the Commonwealth of Independent States, are stationed in Abkhazia, along with UN observers. Their activities are hampered by land mines and guerrilla activity. Years of negotiations have not resulted in movement toward a settlement. Working with France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Russia and through the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the United States continues to encourage a comprehensive settlement consistent with Georgian independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) and other organizations continue to encourage grassroots cooperative and confidence-building measures in the region.
The parliament has instituted wide-ranging political reforms supportive of higher human rights standards, including religious freedoms enshrined in the constitution.
Tbilisi

Tbilisi, capital of Georgia from the 5th century AD, has a long and fascinating history. Founded in the 4th century by King Vakhtang Gorgasali on the site of its warm mineral-water springs – it developed into the main city of the Caucasus. By the 12th century Tbilisi was one of the more important political, economic and cultural centres of the Middle East. It stood as a key stop on the famous Silk Road - right on the border between Europe and Asia (west and east). Tbilisi’s Old Town, the most ancient part of the city, is renowned for its wonderful mix of cultures. The mosque, the synagogue, the Armenian church mingle harmoniously with the splendid Georgian churches and architecture. The wooden houses with open, carved balconies seem to welcome every visitor. The balmy sulfur baths have hosted poets, writers, musicians, kings down through the centuries. The multi-ethnic markets with large variety of produce and languages, gives the city an eastern, cosmopolitan feel. Looking down on the city are Mtatsminda (Holy Mountain) and the 4th century Narikala Fortress, excellent for views on the swirling river Mtkvari (Kura) and this city of so many ages and nationalities.

Attractions of Tbilisi:
Tbilisi’s unique Old Town, winding roads, alleys and wooden balconies
Metekhi Church standing proudly above the river on a cliff-top
Sioni Cathedral the beating heart of Georgian Orthodoxy
Anchiskhati Church a yet more ancient style of Georgian church with a choir to match
Sulphur baths nowhere better to relax
Narikala Fortress, nowhere better than to admire the view
Mtatsmida Church with its poets and artist’s cemetery overlooking the city centre.
Museums: Georgian State History Museum, Georgian Art Museum, The Open-Air Museum of Folk Architecture, Tbilisi History Museum.

Black Sea Coast
Batumi
A seaside resort and port in the southwest of the republic, Batumi is the capital of the Ajarian Autonomous Republic. Close to the Turkish border (20km/12.5 miles), the town has a decidedly Turkish character, with a mosque and 19th-century bath house. However, its charm lies less in any particular sights than in its lush, subtropical setting, among citrus groves and tea plantations, with mountains rising up from the edge of the sea. The Ajarian Museum (with its superb national costume collection), the circus, park, Botanical Garden and the theatre are also well worth visiting.
Sukhumi
The capital of Abkhazia, in the far northwest of Georgia, was until recently a relaxed, sunny port/resort, renowned for its beaches fringed with palms and eucalyptus trees, lively open-air cafes and cosmopolitan population. The ruined 11th-century Castle of the Georgian Bagratid King, the Botanical Gardens, Shroma Cave with its amazing stalactites and stalagmites, and the monkey-breeding farm were particular favourites among visitors. Abkhaz, Georgians, Greeks, Russians, Turks and others lived here in apparent harmony until recent years when the city was overtaken by civil war and thousands of refugees fled.

Gori
The birthplace of Iosif Dzhugashvili, better known to the world as Stalin, lies 95km (59 miles) west of Tbilisi. The town has the last surviving public statue of Stalin in the former USSR, as well as a park and a museum devoted to Stalinist hagiography. The latter has been ‘temporarily’ closed for several years, ostensibly for renovation, but more probably to give the curators pause to decide how to display their exhibition in view of prevailing attitudes to the local hero. It also contains the ruins of a 12th-century fortress and a 16th-century church dedicated to St George.
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Tori
The spa town of Bordzhomi, 150km (93 miles) west of Tbilisi in the Tori region, produces much acclaimed mineral water. It is possible to hike in the surrounding hills. Bakuriani is located 29km (18 miles) southeast of Bordzhomi at an altitude of 1700m (5580ft). Before the current breakdown of order, Georgian tourist authorities were working to promote the studarui on the Georgian Military Highway as an international ski resort, proclaiming its clean air, uncrowded slopes and marvellous setting. There is a luxury hotel complex run by the same company that owns the Metekhi Palace in Tbilisi. 10km (6 miles) from Bakuriani, heading towards Bordzhomi, is the 12th-century Daba Monastery, and nearby a 60m (197ft) waterfall. During the summer it is also possible to visit Lake Tabatskuri, sunk into a hollow high in the mountains.

Mtskheta
Historians date this historic town back to the 2nd millennium B.C. Mtskheta subsequently became the capital of Georgian Kingdom of Iberia between 500BC - 500AD. Here Georgians adopted Christianity in the beginning of 4th century and Mtskheta still remains the Headquarters of Georgian Orthodox Church. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c.) and Jvari Monastery (6th c.) are among the finest architectural monuments in Georgia

Tusheti Province
Situated right up against the Daghestan border, in the heart of the Greater Caucasus, Tusheti is a remarkable place, famous for its tall, black-slate medieval towers and hill-top villages. The high forested mountainsides and snow-capped peaks are a haven for Gerogia’s many kinds of eagle and vulture that soar between deep valleys. Tourists are fascinated by the villages of Dartlo, Parsma and Dano with their stone shrines or ‘khati;’ - evidence of a people still with strong links to ancient mountain traditions.

Gelati & Bagrati Cathedrals
The city of Kutaisi dates back to the Argonauts’ time (13th -12th centuries B.C). Formerly capital of old Colchida, Kutaisi then ruled all of Western Georgia. The nearby Gelati Monastery was founded in the 12th century by Georgia’s most famous king, David the Builder (1073 – 1125 AD). Its walls are covered in splendid floor-to-ceiling murals of Georgia’s saints and monarchs

Vardzia cave-town, and South Georgia
Vardzia in the Meskheti province of southern Georgia - is a thirteen story cave town built between 1186-9 by Georgia’s famous Queen Tamara. It stands as a unique example of the Georgian renaissance in an area of many medieval sites. Around the town Akhaltsikhe you can find the elegant Sapara Church and dramatic Khertvisi Fortress.

The Georgian Military Highway & Kazbegi
The Georgian Military Highway is the historical road leading north from Tbilisi into Russia. It passes the spectacular Ananuri fortress, then climbs the sides of the dramatic Aragvi River Valley, then over the Jvari Pass (2395m) and down into Kazbegi (1700m). Surrounded by gigantic mountains Kazbegi is a picturesque settlement overlooked by the biggest of all - Mount Kazbek (5047m) - one of the six 5000 metre peaks of the Caucasus. The Sameba Church in Gergeti is beautifully situated on the hill above the town and provides splendid views of Mt. Kazbek. The region, with its many valleys and peaks is one of the most popular walking destinations in Georgia. The nearby Chaukhi mountains provide superb rock-climbing, with numerous routes. The Gudauri ski resort located just the other side of the Cross Pass on the southern slopes of the Caucasus offers the best skiing (and heli-skiing) in the Caucasus.

Uplistsikhe cave-town & Ateni Church
Uplistsikhe (‘the Lord's citadel’) is a cave town hewn into the living rock, 8kms south-east of Gori. The citadel dates back to the 7th century BC. It served as a strategic point on the ancient Silk Road from ancient times untill the 15th century AD. It contains a large central hall for pagan rituals, living rooms and a 9th century church. The picturesque Ateni Church (7th century) also near Gori is yet another classic architectural representation of the Georgian church, as are its impressive interior murals.
Svaneti Province & the Central Caucasus
Svaneti, the mythological western province of Georgia, land of the ‘Golden Fleece’ (where locals still sift for gold through sheepskins) lies high up in the Greater Caucasus. Several 5000 metre plus peaks thrust glaciers down into this beautiful and remote region, where amazing stone towers rise up beside homesteads, some dating back to the 12th centuries. Never far away is one of Svaneti’s numerous, richly frescoed churches, focal points for lively communities where traditions have been preserved for two thousand years. Unique icons and manuscripts are on display in the capital, Mestia’s museum, overlooked by huge hanging peaks. Mestia is a well known climber’s launch point and the dramatic trekking trails will appeal more to the adventure traveler. The villages of Ushguli, ‘the highest permanently inhabited in Europe,’ give a stunning view of Mt. Shkhara (5201m) the highest peak in Georgia.
The Lesser Caucasus, Bakuriani, and the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
The Lesser Caucasus rise up on the southern side of Georgia and contain several animal species endemic to Georgia. Set in their heart are the resort towns of Borjomi and Bakuriani - established by the Tsar in the 19th century, as a spa town and game reserve. He also built a narrow gage railway to connect the two towns – still running today. Since then Bakuriani has developed into Georgia’s second ski resort in the winter and a walker’s paradise in summer. The Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park has recently been developed into a superb nature reserve, with educational trails for children and magnificent, several-day hikes through virgin forest and canyons, for adults. The rich flora and fauna range from the sub alpine to the sub-trpoical. Beyond the Park are the Meskheti and Javakheti provinces – dominated by their high plateaus at over 2000 metres. The area is rich with history, churches and fortresses. They also contain Georgia’s largest lakes on the high volcanic plateau.

Kakheti Province
Kakheti, Georgia’s famous wine district, lies due east from Tbilisi in a land dotted with fine old churches and vineyard after vineyard. Stop into any home and be offered a glass of delicious home made wine – this province has a history to match the quality and variety of its wines. Among the architectural gems are the gracious Alaverdi Cathedral (11th c), the picturesque Ikalto Academy (4th - 13th c), Shuamta Monastery (7th c), and the elegant Gremi Church (16th c)
Racha Province
Racha is a richly mountained province, neighboring Svaneti. A place of marvelous, virgin forests and snow-capped peaks – all that surround villages with impressive medieval churches (such as Nikortsminda). It is also home to one of Georgia’s favourite semi-sweet wines, Khvanchkara.

Shatili and the Khevsureti Province
Deep and narrow river gorges, severe snow-capped peaks, virgin nature, mountainsides carpeted with flowers, traditional stone villages, make Khevsureti an unforgettable experience. Shatili, it’s main village-citadel, is a unique cluster of houses built-in together to form a defensive citadel. It still stands proudly above the Arguni river – as it has from the 9th century – as a symbol of Georgia’s independence and resilience.
The Monasteries of David Gareji
David Gareji is situated deep in semi-desert about 75 km south-east of Tbilisi. Founded in the 6th century by the Christian Father St. David, the monasteries of Lavra, Udabno, Dodo and Bertubani are remarkable for their original cave frescos that date from the 8th to 13th centuries. But the setting is no less impressive and expect to see the fabulous white Egyptian Vulture soaring in the sky above.
Imereti, Guria & Samegrelo Provinces
These western regions of Georgia attracted the Greeks and Romans many centuries ago who established settlements. Today the landscape is equally appealing to the tourist. It ranges from bird-rich wetlands now being developed for visitors close to the Black Sea coast, to subtropical low-lands and forested mountains. Many medieval churches and monuments adorn these provinces, but the focal points are the larger, historical towns of Kutaisi (Georgia’s second city), Poti and Zugdidi. In the village of Vani (that dates back to the 8th - 3rd centuries BC) a fascinating excavation is still underway, each year unearthing more treasures from ancient Colchis – now being transported to the main museums in Tbilisi.

Ajara Region: Batumi, the Black Sea Coast, Gonio Fortress
Set in the southwestern corner of Georgia, against the eastern coast of the Black Sea, Ajara spans a wide variety of landscape, from high forested mountains to lush sub-tropical hills – all set beside the balmy Black Sea coast. Batumi, the capital, is a major sea port and offers a beautiful Botanical Garden beside the Black Sea, surrounded by tea and citrus plantations. Down toward the Turkish border lies the ancient town of Gonio. Built in the 2nd century BC the town played a vital role as crossroads between the west and the Caucasus. Archaeological excavations still take place in Gonio – and have already unearthed a wealth of gold and other artifacts.
Dmanisi Hominids
In conclusive proof of Georgia’s ancient origins and key position within international travel, bones from ‘the first Europeans’ were discovered in Dmanisi, in southern Georgia, 75kms southwest of Tbilisi. Dating back 1.8 million years, the now famously reconstructed faces, present a crucial link between the first human migrations from Africa to Europe. Today the dig continues in Georgia’s picturesque southern mountains.

Georgian Language and Script
Georgian language belongs to the Iberian – Caucasian group of languages. There are 3 dialects in Georgian (Kartvelian) language (Georgian, Svan and Mengrelo – Laz dialects).
Georgian alphabet is one of the 14 existing alphabets in the world. It consists of 33 letters. Many scientists believe that Georgian alphabet was derived from one of the Semitic alphabets around 6th – 5th century BC. The alphabet has been modernized during centuries, but keeps the original roots. One Georgian historian informs us that Georgian script was created in the 3rd c. BC by Georgian King Parnavaz. The mosaic inscription in the Judean desert in Palestine is known as the oldest Georgian inscription ever found. It dates back to the 433 AD. Bolnisi Sioni Church, situated south of Tbilisi, also has one of the oldest (493 AD) inscriptions in Georgian. The oldest manuscript (864 AD) is kept in St. Catherine’s Monastery on the Sinai Peninsula.
Georgian literature has ancient and remarkable history. The oldest known literacy work “The Martirdom of Shushanik” was written in 476 – 483 AD by Iakob Tsurtaveli.
“The Knight in the Panther Skin” created by Shota Rustaveli at the end of the 12th century is the most brilliant literacy work in Georgian literature. This poem has been translated into many languages of the world.
Georgian Art & Architecture
History of Georgian art dates back to 4000 years; Archeological excavations have proved the existence of large centers of metallurgy in Georgia. The art of metal-working has been developed and perfected during many centuries of antique and medieval periods. Among the specimens of gold-ware dated back to III and I millennium BC, the gold sculpture of lion, the gold and silver cups from Trialeti and the jewelry from the Akhalgori treasury are the masterpieces of Georgian art.
The new era of art and architecture began with adopting Christianity as the state religion in Georgia in 337. A high level of development was attained by various branches of art: fresco-painting, iconography, miniature decoration of manuscripts, chasing on gold and silver, enameling, etc. Two major forms of ecclesiastical building developed in Georgia since the 4th century: the central domed structure and basilica. Sioni Church in Bolnisi and Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta are remarkable examples of early medieval architecture of Georgia
Georgian art reached its golden age in the 11th – 13th centuries. Immortal monuments of Georgian architecture were built in the 10th – 13th cc; Churches Bagrati, Oshki and Khakhuli (both in Turkey territory), Gelati, Svetitskhoveli, Samtavisi, Alaverdi, Ikorta, Betania, Nikortsminda, etc. Vardzia, the huge complex carved out of rock is the evidence of the high level achieved by Georgian architecture.
The works of Georgian goldsmiths Beka and Beshken Opizari are an outstanding contribution to world-art. The Opizaris’ icon of Our Lady from Khakhuli belongs to the world’s finest works in cloisonné enamel. Georgian mural painting blossomed during the Middle Ages.
The new era in Georgian art begins in the 19th century. This period is presented by painting as well as sculpture, decorative applied art and architecture. The 20th century art in Georgia has new revival; Painters Niko Pirosmani, Gigo Gabashvili, Mose Toidze, Lado Gudiashvili, David Kakabadze, Elene Akhvlediani and sculptors Iakob Nikoladze, Elguja Amashukeli, Merab Berdzenishvili, Zurab Tsereteli, are well known in Georgia and abroad.
Georgian Songs and Performing Arts
Georgian people have long been famous for their musical traditions. Folk-secular musical culture, which produced polyphonic music and turned composition into an independent branch, developed side by side with Church-music. It is traditional for Georgian songs to be sung in three-part harmony (though in some regions the fourth voice may be included). Singing is an important element of Georgian culture. There are songs linked with social and celebration activities. There are work songs, traveling songs, lullabies, wedding songs, dance songs, and table songs. The Georgian folk singing tradition stands out in the world as complex, unique, very profound and very ancient.
Georgian dancing is world-famous. The Georgian dance is distinguished for its aristocratic restraint and steadiness: a man is a knight, a lady is as delicate and gracious as a fairy.
Very often Georgian folk singing and dancing performances are available in Tbilisi Concert Hall and other cities of Georgia. CDs and cassettes of Georgian songs can be purchased at music shops in Tbilisi.
Georgian Wine and Cuisine
Georgia is considered to be one of the oldest homelands of viniculture in the world. Archaeologists found the oldest traces of wine production (7000-5000 BC) in Georgia. For many centuries vine remains one of the fascinating symbols of Georgian history and culture. Vine growing is one of the ancient branches of economic activities of people in Georgia. Famous sorts of Georgian wines are Rkatsiteli, Manavi, Napareuli, Tibaani, Tsinandali, Vazisubani, Mukuzani, Saperavi, Kindzmarauli, Khvanchkara, etc. The head of the Georgian table is Tamada, a person who proposes traditional toasts.
Georgian cuisine is diverse and delicious; It consists of much ingredients and spices and offer variations of beef, lamb, pork, chicken, fish, cheese, eggplant, walnuts, hazelnuts, pomegranates, kidney beans, hot peppers, etc. Mtsvadi (barbeque), roast pig, chanakhi, tabaka, khinkali, chakapuli, khachapuri, phkhali, satsivi, badrijani, churchkhela are some of the many popular dishes in Georgia.

Culture
The Georgians are among the most hospitable people on Earth, with strong traditions of chivalry and codes of personal honour. They believe that guests come from God. Friendship is prized highest among all the virtues. It is celebrated in the great national epic, The Knight in the Tiger's Skin, by Shota Rustaveli and which provides an insight into daily life, in which a person's worth is judged not by how much money he has in bank but how many friends he has. The Georgians are proud, passionate, and fiercely individualistic, yet deeply connected with each other through a shared sense of belonging to a greater Georgian family. Women are highly esteemed in society and are accorded a respect endowed with great courtliness. The statue of Mother of Georgia (kartlis deda) that stands in the hills above Tbilisi perhaps best symbolized the national character: in her left hand she holds a bowl of wine with which she greets her friends and in her right is a sword drawn against her enemies
The unique polyphonic Georgian songs are the signature of Georgian culture. Centuries-old, the unique songs and melodies, as well as traditions and styles of performance have been passed down from generation to generation. The geographical isolation of Georgia’s different regions have resulted in the development of a number of distinctive dialects, both linguistic and musical, that are named after the respective toponyms: Kakhuri, Kartluri, Rachuli, Svanuri, Megruli, Imeruli, Guruli, Ajaruli, etc. The musical dialects of all those regions differ in tempo, modulation and harmony, but share one common feature: polyphonic – mostly three-voice – singing. Choirs are generally entirely male. There are many folk groups in Georgia singing folk songs and their recordings are widely available both in the music shops locally and on the internet. Classical and contemporary music does also occupy an important place in the cultural life of Georgia. Gia Kancheli, Liana Issakadze, Lekso Toradze, Alexander Korsantia, Paata Burchuladze, are the world-renown Georgian musicians.
The first cinema in Georgia was established in Tblisi, in 1896. The first Georgian cinema documentary ("Journey of Akaki Tsereteli in Racha-Lechkhumi") was shot in 1912. In Soviet times, Georgian film-making and theatre gained outstanding reputation and recognition, both in the country and abroad. The famous Georgian film directors are Tengis Abuladze, Mikheil Chiaureli, Otar Ioseliani, Gia Danelia, Eldar Shengelaia, and many others. Their films permeated with the unique Georgian humour and joie de vivre bring no less enjoyment to contemporary generations of film-lovers. The Georgian National Theatre was founded in 1791 in Tbilisi. At present, the largest and best-known Georgian theatres are Rustaveli Theater, Rezo Gabriadze’s marionette theatre, Marjanishvili Theatre. The most prominent contemporary theatre directors are Robert Sturua and Rezo Gabriadze. The opera theatre that has been founded back in 1851 is currently led by the Nino Ananiashvili, formerly the prima-ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.