Tbilisi

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

　　Tbilisi is divided into an old town and a new town. The old town, which borders the river, features winding alleys, ancient fortresses, churches dating back to the 5th century, and the former royal palace of Georgia. The new town, built against the mountains, can be accessed via cable cars. Its city center houses the Georgian government building, shops, theaters, and museums, with six main streets radiating outwards for convenient access throughout the urban area. Near the eastern part of Tbilisi at the foot of Mtatsminda (Mount Mtatsminda), a range of ancient buildings from the 17th to 19th centuries, including nunneries and an 18th-century church, have been preserved from south to north. On the mountain ridge, there are remnants of an ancient fortress and the massive statue of the “Mother of Georgia,” erected after World War II. This imposing statue faces the old town; she holds a sword in her right hand and a bowl in her left, symbolizing Georgia’s great victory in the anti-fascist war and serving as a symbol of the city.