Tbilisi

Tbilisi

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia and its political, economic, cultural, and educational center, as well as a major transportation hub in the Caucasus region. It is situated between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus mountain ranges, along the Kura River in east-central Georgia. Located at a strategic point in the South Caucasus, Tbilisi is also the country’s largest city. The vast majority of industrial enterprises are located on the left bank of the river, while government offices, higher education institutions, and research facilities are situated on the right bank.

Tbilisi is divided into an old town and a new town. The old town lies along the riverbank, featuring winding alleys, ancient ruins, churches dating back to the 5th century, and the former royal palace of Georgia. The new town is nestled against the mountains, with access to cable cars for uphill and downhill travel. The city center houses the Georgian government building, shops, theaters, and museums, with six main streets radiating outward for convenient transportation throughout the urban area. Near the eastern part of Tbilisi, at the foot of Mount Mtatsminda (also known as Sololaki), there are well-preserved ancient buildings from the 17th to 19th centuries, including nunneries and an 18th-century church. On the mountain ridge, there is a ruined ancient fortress and a massive statue of the “Mother of Georgia,” erected after World War II. This imposing figure faces the old city, holding a sword in her right hand and resting her left arm on her hip, symbolizing Georgia’s great victory in the anti-fascist war and serving as an iconic symbol of the city.