Georgia – State in the south of Caucasus, located at eastern seaside of the Black Sea. Its neighbouring countries are: Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia. Georgia contains two autonomous republics, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. There are 63 administrative districts, 61 towns, 53 boroughs and about 4500 villages. Georgia covers 69700 square kilometers. The highest mountain in Georgia is Mount Shkhara at 5,068 meters (16,627ft) and the lowest point –the Black Sea (0m). Georgia is a multinational country. Its major population is Georgians (70%). Orthodox Christianity is the state religion of Georgia; however there are almost every religious followers of the world.
Georgia is a country of ancient Christian culture. This territory was inhabited even spreading Christianity, many centuries ago before our era. The world-known fact certifies that the human skulls of “The first European” are found in Dmanisi, Georgia. The state has always been attracted for foreigners. Traditions, such as ancient culture, interesting historical past, location, faith, originality, folklore, feast, hospitality, have especially attracted travelers, investigators, historians or scientists, friends and even enemies of our country.
Traditions and Cultural heritage of Georgia
The Georgian Church is Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church. Georgia is rich with oldest architectural monuments as well as with modern buildings. Several ancient Georgian monuments are in the list of UNESCO World Heritage. The latest astonishment is Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. This is one of the biggest monastery complexes in the world, with the height of 83 meters. There is recently made unique icon “Saqartvelos Imedi” which means “Hope of Georgia” and lots of saint body parts are secured here. This is the icon without analogy all over the world.
Georgian manuscript – is one of the fourteen alphabets in the world. According to Georgian historian, Leonti Mroveli, Georgian alphabet was created by King Parnavaz I of Iberia in the third century B.C. Although it is considered , that it was invented much earlier, based on discoveries at the territory of Nekresi Monastery in 2000-2003. Georgian alphabet is unique because each letter corresponds each sound.
Georgian Folklore and Music Instruments – Georgia is the country of the oldest musical culture. The ancient archeological notes about Georgian music instruments date back to the 15th century B.C. The famous fact, sent of Georgian folk song “Chakrulo” in the space, that is in the list of UNESCO World Heritage nonmaterial monuments, indicates exclusiveness of Georgian folk-lore. The main dignity of national songs is polyphony. Number of followers of polyphonic music have significantly increased recently on the world .
Georgian National Choreography – has the history of many centuries. According to archeological and ancient literary materials , Georgian national dance was the component of Georgian life style. Every region has its own dances and each of them bears different character and content. Nowadays, there are lots of national dancing groups in Georgia, among them are world-known “Sukhishvilebi”, “Erisioni “, “Rustavi” and so on.
Georgian Hospitality– Georgia is one of the most hospitable countries in the world. Georgians still respect ancient traditions and have great appreciation to ancestors’ customs. You will often hear this phrase in Georgia “Stumari ghvtisaa” which means “Guest is God’s”. Friendly relationship with a guest is precious for Georgians. The guest is taken as the gift from God and is treated with great respect.
Art and Literature – World worth monument of Georgian literature is Shota Rustaveli’s poetic masterpiece “The Knight in the Panther’s Skin”, which is translated into numerous foreign languages. There have always lived lots of world respected, the most gifted poets, writers or artists in all art fields. Several Georgian painters, such as Nikoloz Pirosmanishvili (Niko Pirosmani), Lado Gudiashvili and Davit Kakabadze, are well known with their paintings in the world. Numbers of ancient and unique things are being kept in the state. Travel with us and find out more about Georgian art and have more touch with our cultural heritage .
Territorially, Georgia is a small state; however there are various means for having excellent rest. Georgia is waiting for all tourists having desire to get pleasure from the astonishing country situating at the Europe-Asian crossroad. Georgian nation is well known for its hospitality and tolerance.
You can travel in Georgia during all four seasons. Here are the sea and mountains. Georgia is rich with ancient and unique monuments. You can see human remains of the “First European”inhabitants , world importance archeological discovery . You will taste world famous wines, see the highest settlement in Europe . The only two-domed church in Christian world, the second highest domed church, several large monastery complexes caved in rocks and many other interesting sites or monuments.
Georgia always waits for you. Arrive, travel and become “One of us “ just some period.