Tbilisi

Ანჩისხატი

Coat of arms of Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti

Tiflis - Angelino Dulcert - 1339

03 Chardin Tblisi 1671

Teflis Tournefort

Coat of arms of Tiflis Governorate 1878

Tbilisi is the capital city and the largest city of Georgia, lying on the banks of the Kura River with a population of approximately 1.5 million people. Tbilisi is a significant industrial, social, and cultural center. It is also an important transit route for global energy and trade projects. Tbilisi's diverse history is reflected in its architecture, which is a mix of medieval, classical, and Soviet structures.

History

The area of present-day Tbilisi has been inhabited since at least the 4th millennium BC. According to legend, Tbilisi was founded in the 5th century AD by Vakhtang I of Iberia, who came upon a warm spring and decided to build a city on the site. The name Tbilisi derives from the Old Georgian word T'pilisi, meaning warm, referring to the area's sulfur hot springs. Throughout its history, Tbilisi has been a point of contention among various global powers, including the Persian Empire, Byzantine Empire, Arab Caliphate, Mongol Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. It was taken by the Russian Empire in the early 19th century and later became the capital of the Democratic Republic of Georgia in 1918. After a brief period of independence, Georgia was incorporated into the Soviet Union, with Tbilisi remaining as the Georgian capital. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Tbilisi became the capital of an independent Georgia in 1991.

Geography

Tbilisi is situated in the southeastern part of Georgia, lying on both sides of the Kura River and surrounded by mountains on three sides. The city's climate is transitional from humid subtropical to continental. The city experiences hot summers and cold winters. The surrounding landscape varies from forested hills and mountains to semi-desert areas.

Culture

Tbilisi is home to a number of cultural landmarks, including the Narikala Fortress, Sioni Cathedral, and Freedom Square. The city is also known for its theaters, museums, and galleries, such as the Georgian National Museum and the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre. The old town of Tbilisi, known for its cobblestone streets and diverse architecture, reflects the city's long and complex history.

Economy

Tbilisi is the economic hub of Georgia. The city's economy is diverse, encompassing a wide range of industries including manufacturing, services, and tourism. Tbilisi has been undergoing significant economic growth, with improvements in infrastructure and an increase in foreign investment.

Education

Tbilisi is a center for education and science in Georgia. The city hosts several of Georgia's most prestigious educational institutions, including Tbilisi State University, which is the oldest university in the Caucasus region, and the Georgian Technical University.

Transportation

Tbilisi is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The Tbilisi International Airport serves as a key hub for air travel in the region. The city's public transportation system includes buses, a metro system, and a network of minibuses. Tbilisi also serves as a critical point in the country's railway system, connecting it to other parts of Georgia and neighboring countries.

See Also

• List of cities in Georgia
• Culture of Georgia
• Economy of Georgia