Georgia

Curiosities

Georgia is a small but fascinating country located in the Caucasus region, where Europe and Asia intertwine both geographically and culturally. Although it often goes unnoticed on maps, Georgia is a land full of history, traditions, stunning landscapes and peculiarities that make it unique. Below, I present a series of curiosities that reflect its cultural, historical and natural wealth.

ℹ️ Origin of the Name and its unique language

  • In Georgian, the country is called “Sakartvelo”, while the name “Georgia” has roots in the Greek term “Georgios”, which means “worker of the land” or “farmer”.
  • The Georgian language, Kartuli, is one of the oldest and most unique in the world. It belongs to the Caucasian language family and is not related to any other major language.
  • Its alphabet, mkhedruli, has 33 characters and is one of the 14 existing alphabets in the world. It is notable for its elegance and roundness, making it a work of visual art.

ℹ️ The cradle of wine

  • Georgia is considered one of the cradles of viticulture. There is archaeological evidence indicating that wine was produced in this region more than 8,000 years ago.
  • Georgians use a traditional method called “qvevri”, in which wine is fermented and stored in large clay vessels buried underground. This method is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

ℹ️ The strategic location of the country

  • Georgia is located at a strategic point between Europe and Asia, being an important crossroads of civilizations since ancient times. As a result, it has been influenced by multiple cultures, such as Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Ottoman and Russian.
  • Despite its location, Georgians mostly consider themselves European both culturally and historically. In fact, the country is seeking to join the European Union.

ℹ️ Mountains, sea and diverse landscapes

  • Georgia is a country of geographical contrasts. It has beaches on the Black Sea, such as those in Batumi, and mountain peaks of more than 5,000 meters in the Caucasus, such as Mount Shkhara and Mount Kazbek.
  • Ushguli, in the Svaneti region, is one of the highest settlements in Europe, located at about 2,200 meters above sea level and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
  • The Vashlovani National Park and the semi-desert of David Gareja contrast with the green forests and glaciers of the north.

ℹ️ Religion and Spirituality

  • Georgia was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 337 AD, even before the Roman Empire.
  • The Georgian Orthodox Church is a fundamental institution in the cultural and spiritual life of the country, with ancient churches and monasteries spread throughout the region. One example is the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, which according to tradition houses the robe of Christ.

ℹ️ Unique Culinary Traditions

  • Georgian food is a fusion of European and Asian flavours. Dishes such as khinkali (dumplings filled with meat and spices) and khachapuri (bread filled with cheese) are staples on any table.
  • The supra, or Georgian banquet, is a cultural tradition that abounds with food, wine and toasts. The master of ceremonies, called tamada, is in charge of leading the toasts, which are often poetic and full of symbolism.

ℹ️ Hospitality and national pride

  • Georgians are renowned for their hospitality. There is a local saying that “The guest is a gift from God,” and so they always make visitors feel welcome.
  • Despite their small size, Georgians have a strong sense of national pride, reflected in their history, traditions, and struggle for independence.

ℹ️ Cultural heritage and folklore

  • Georgian dance is renowned for its elegance and spectacularity, with movements that represent masculine strength and feminine grace. Each region of the country has its own unique dance style.
  • Georgian polyphonic singing, another UNESCO-recognized tradition, is one of the oldest and most complex musical forms in the world.

ℹ️ Dmanisi Man: A Human Ancestor

  • Remains of hominids dating back 1.8 million years were found at the archaeological site of Dmanisi. This discovery revolutionized the understanding of early human migrations from Africa to Europe and Asia.

ℹ️ The Land of the Golden Fleece

  • The region of ancient Colchis (present-day western Georgia) is the place where the Greek myth of the Golden Fleece originated. According to legend, Jason and the Argonauts traveled here to find the precious treasure.

ℹ️ Modern Politics and Historical Challenges

  • Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia became independent in 1991. Since then, it has faced several conflicts, such as the war with Russia in 2008 over the regions of ABkhazia and South Ossetia, which still claim autonomy.
  • Tbilisi, the capital, is a vibrant, multicultural hub with architecture that blends medieval, Soviet and modern.

ℹ️ Advances in sustainability

  • Despite being a developing country, Georgia has implemented initiatives to protect its biodiversity, being home to unique species such as the Caucasian leopard and the Caucasian aurochs.