About Culture – The Memtevri of Ajara
Ajara (Georgian: აჭარა) is a largely mountainous region in south-west Georgia with areas rising to more than 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level. Seasonal farming, connected with cattle breeding, has been practiced in the mountains since Paleolithic times. The mountain farmers call themselves “Memtevri” and their cattle and milk products are an important part of the local … Continue reading
About Sights – Astronomical Clock in Batumi
Made in Germany, the Astronomical Clock in Europe Square in the city of Batumi (Georgian: ბათუმი) adorns the restored facade of the former National Bank building. A chime indicates the full hour, a single ring the half-hour. Apart from the time of day, the clock also shows astronomical information – the placement of the sun and … Continue reading
About Sights – The Orta Mosque in Batumi
The Orta Mosque (Georgian: ორთა ჯამე) in the city of Batumi on Georgia’s Black Sea coast was commissioned by Aslan Beg Khimshiashvili, a Muslim Georgian nobleman in 1886, and is one of the finest examples of Islamic art in Ajara. The mosque is popularly known as the “Jamia in the middle” for it once stood in … Continue reading
About Sights – Miracle Park in Batumi
Miracle Park, in the city of Batumi (Georgian: ბათუმი) on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, is situated on the last stretch of Batumi Seafront Boulevard and contains the Alphabet Tower, the Statue of Love and the Ferris Wheel. It often hosts concerts and festivals, such as Julio Iglesias’s concert in 2011. The 130 meter Alphabet Tower in Miracle … Continue reading
About Sights – Batumi Port
The Ancient Greeks established a colony on Georgia’s Black Sea coast at the site of modern day Batumi (Georgian: ბათუმი) and called it Bathus – derived from the Greek phrase bathus limen meaning “deep harbour”. Located on a bay just northeast of Batumi city. the port of Batumi is an important oil export point providing access to … Continue reading
About Sights – Batumi Art and Music Center
Designed by the Georgian architect Lado Khmaladze, the Batumi Art and Music Center opened with a performance of the musical “Keto and Kote” on August 14 2011. How to get there? The Art and Music Center is located in the city of Batumi in Ajara on Georgia’s Black Sea coast. Address: Odissey Dimitriadi str. 1 Georgia About … Continue reading
About Sights – The Green Lake
The beautiful Green Lake (Georgian: მწვანე ტბა) is located in the northern part of the Arsiani Range near Beshumi (Georgian: ბეშუმი) in Georgia’s Ajara region. Situated between mountains this beautiful lake is surrounded by spruce and beech trees. The clear and transparent water is slightly mineralized. How to get there? The lake is a 2 … Continue reading
About Sights – Khikhani Fortress
Khikhani Fortress (ხიხანის ციხესიმაგრე) in Khulo district of Ajara was built in the 13th century A.D. Inaccessible from three sides, the fortress occupied a strategic position and retained its military function for 700 years. It is believed that the site was originally occupied by a church (the Church of St. George) built in 1230 A.D. … Continue reading
About Sights – Petra Fortress
Petra Fortress (Georgian: პეტრას ციხე) is located in the village of Tsikhisdziri in the Kobuleti district of Ajara. Built during the 6th century A.D., it held an important strategic position at the crossroads of the route linking Georgia with Iran and Armenia. The fortress is one of the most significant monuments on the entire eastern coast … Continue reading
About Sights – Gonio Fortress
Gonio fortress (Georgian: გონიოს ციხე) is a well preserved Roman fortification in Ajara, on the Black sea coast. Located on the left bank of the River Chorokhi the fortress is 12 km south of Batumi and just 4 km from the border with Turkey. The site is believed to hold the tomb of the Apostle Mathew … Continue reading
About Sights – The Medieval Stone Bridges of Ajara
By the Middle Ages, Ajara (Georgian: აჭარა), in the south western part of Georgia, formed part of a strong feudal kingdom and many roads and stone bridges were built during this period. The beauty of Ajara’s medieval stone bridges makes them as significant as the mighty fortresses, monuments, and churches that are also spread around … Continue reading
About Sights – 19th Century Mosques in Ajara
Ajara (Georgian: აჭარა) is an autonomous republic of Georgia located in the southwestern corner of the country, bordered by Turkey to the south and the eastern end of the Black Sea. According to 2006 estimates by the Department of Statistics of Ajara, 30% of Ajara’s population are Muslim. Islam spread to Ajara as a consequence of the Ottoman Empire’s occupation … Continue reading
About Food – Acharuli (Ajarian Khachapuri)
Khachapuri (Georgian: ხაჭაპური), is a filled bread stuffed with melting cheese. It is justifiably considered to be one of Georgia’s most famous national dishes. In an earlier article we described three of the most popular types and gave a step-by-step guide on how khachapuri dough is made. Find it here. In this article we will show how to … Continue reading
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