Established within the fifth century, Tbilisi has an extended historical past that has gone by means of the ebb and movement of progress and upheaval. Its strategic location alongside the traditional Silk Highway made it a super place for commerce, but in addition labored in opposition to its favour because it grew to become extremely coveted amongst regional powers. It’s been inhabited for over 1,500 years, and dominated by quite a lot of totally different cultures, together with the Persians, Arabs, Mongols, and Russians.
All these have resulted in a multicultural mosaic, which until at the moment remains to be clearly represented within the totally different architectural kinds of buildings. Annie Silagadze, who works as a resort administrator within the metropolis centre, explains: “You’ll see Soviet Brutalism, previous Georgian properties, Orthodox church buildings, West Asian- and Center Japanese-style bathhouses, a Russian Imperial-style opera, and distinctive trendy buildings and buildings all combined collectively in a single metropolis.”
Dwelling to over a million, Tbilisi contains a singular make-up of various peoples together with Georgians, Armenians, Greeks, Russians, Azeris, and Jews. This multicultural society advanced from Georgia’s storied historical past and distinctive location in between Europe and Asia: The nation is flanked by Turkiye, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia. And for locals like Sani Orvelashvili, 30, a graphic and movement designer, and a good friend of Annie’s, that is what makes town so distinctive.
“Tbilisi could be very eclectic – we’ve many alternative ethnic teams and expats residing right here. Within the Meidan neighbourhood, you’ll be able to encounter a synagogue, mosque, Armenian Apostolic church and Georgian Orthodox church inside a 10-minute strolling distance,” she says.
The beautiful view of Tbilisi from the Narikala Fortress. Picture: Rachel Ng
Supply: Her World
