Tbilisi (Tbilisi, Тбилиси), the capital and political, economic, cultural and educational center of Georgia, is an important transportation hub in the Caucasus region; it is located between the Greater Caucasus and the Lesser Caucasus, on the edge of Central Georgia On the banks of the Kura River in the east, it is located at the strategic hub of the Transcaucasus; Tbilisi is also the largest city in Georgia, with a population of 1.34 million, an area of ??348 square kilometers, an altitude of 500-650 meters, and an average annual temperature of 12.8°C. The Kura River passes through a steep canyon in Tbilisi, flowing in an arc from northwest to southeast. The entire city spreads out to the foothills in steps along both banks of the Kura River.
Since the 19th century, this city has become a transportation hub from Russia to Turkey. It is currently the terminus of the Georgian military highway; the main railway line connects it with the Transcaucasus and the North Caucasus, leading to Batumi and Baku. , Yerevan and other places; there are many highways intersecting here; there are air routes with some large cities in the former Soviet Union and surrounding European countries.
Tbilisi is a famous ancient capital in Transcaucasia, with castles, churches and bell towers built in the Middle Ages. In 1966, three urban subway lines were opened, and now the city has a convenient transportation network consisting of subway, aerial ropeways and cable railways. There are 11 universities including the Georgian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Mountain Agriculture and Subtropical Crop Planting Machinery, the Institute of Agricultural Mechanization and Electrification, and a botanical garden in the city.
History
Tbilisi was founded as the capital in the 4th century AD and was the capital of many Georgian dynasties; the ancient Tbilisi Castle was built in the 4th century AD; Georgia In the past, it was invaded by Arabs, Turks and other foreign nations, and Tbilisi was not immune.
According to historical records, in the 4th century AD, a settlement called Tbilisi located along the Kura River became the capital of Georgia. The earliest record of Tbilisi in the literature is a siege battle of foreign invasion that occurred in the 1960s. Since then, the history of Tbilisi has been forever linked with protracted wars and brief periods of peace, the ruthless destruction of war and post-war massive construction, prosperity and decline.
In the 6th century, Tbilisi was occupied by the Persians; in the 7th century, it was occupied by the Byzantines and Arabs. In 1122, Tbilisi was recaptured by David II and made the capital of Georgia. It was captured by the Mongols in 1234, sacked by Timur in 1386, and subsequently captured by the Turks several times. In 1795, the Persians set fire to the city, turning Tbilisi into a scorched earth. From 1801 to 1864, the principalities of Georgia were successively annexed to the Russian Empire, and Tbilisi was also annexed by Russia.
In 1921, the former Soviet Union designated it as the capital of the Republic of Georgia and began unprecedented large-scale urban construction activities. After decades of continuous construction, Tbilisi has become one of the most beautiful and comfortable cities in the former Soviet Union.
On April 9, 1991, the Republic of Georgia declared independence, with Tbilisi as its capital.
Economy
Tbilisi is the industrial center of Georgia. Georgia’s machinery manufacturing industry is mostly concentrated here, mainly in machinery manufacturing and metal processing industries; it is the main production area of ??electric locomotives. , also produces aircraft, metal cutting machine tools, agricultural machinery, motors, precision instruments and other equipment. In terms of light industry, food processing (wine, oil, dairy products, cigarettes, etc.) is relatively developed, and the silk textile and shoemaking industries are also prosperous.
Tourism
Most of Tbilisi’s industrial enterprises are located on the left bank of the river, while administrative agencies, universities and scientific research institutions are located on the right bank. Tbilisi is divided into two parts: the Old City and the New City. The Old City is on the waterfront and has winding alleys, dilapidated castles, churches built in the 5th century and the former Georgian palace. The new town is close to a mountain, and people can go up and down the mountain by cable car. In the city center are the Georgian government buildings, shops, theaters and museums. Six streets radiate to all parts of the city, and the transportation is very convenient.
The Georgian Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden is located in the canyon southeast of the ancient castle with an elegant environment. It was originally an ancient palace garden. In 1845, it was converted into the National Botanical Garden, and later it was changed to the Georgian Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden.
There is a bathing area here, which was an important mineral spa area in Tbilisi in ancient times. This is a group of cave-style bath buildings. People use the natural hot spring water containing sulfur minerals flowing from the adjacent Tabor Mountain to bathe. It has excellent medical effects. It has become a famous tourist and rest area. Walking north along Bath Street, you will come to the bank of the Kura River. The tall equestrian statue of the founder of the ancient city of Tbilisi stands on the high bedrock on the north bank of the Kura River.
In the foothills of Surolak Mountain near eastern Tbilisi, ancient buildings such as nunneries from the 17th to 19th centuries and churches from the 18th century are preserved from south to north. On the ridge, there are ruined ancient castles and the huge "Mother Georgia" statue built after World War II. This majestic and tall statue faces the ancient city. She holds her wrist in her left hand and holds a sword in her right hand. It symbolizes the great victory of Georgia's anti-fascist war and has become a symbol of the city. Going north along the rugged mountain road on the ridge, you will find the ruins of the ancient Tbilisi Castle built in the 4th century AD. Other monuments include the Palace of Queen Darezhan and the Palace Church.
Festival
October 23rd every year is the "Tbilisi Soba" festival, which started in 1979. It is both a city day in Tbilisi and a celebration of crops. Harvest festival. In Georgia, grape growing and wine making are one of the pillar industries here, so the "grape stomping" activity that shows the grape juice pressing and brewing process has become the highlight of the "Tbilisi Soba" festival