Every year, the capital of Georgia is visited by tourists from different countries, who remain very impressed with the area. So what is interesting for each guest of the city and what population of Tbilisi can be found on its streets?
Some historical information
Tbilisi is an elder city, not only of Georgia, but of the whole world. Archaeological scientists have found that the first settlements on the territory of the modern city appeared in the 4th century AD.
But the first mention of Tbilisi as a city dates back to 479. From that moment on, the territory of the current capital of Georgia was inhabited by various peoples with their own culture. Such a colorful effect was reflected in the modern look of the city.
Until 1936 the city was called Tiflis, but only in Russian colloquial speech. Locals called him Tpilisi. This name comes from the location on the territory of warm sulfur springs, and from the Georgian “Tbili” means “warm”.
Name legend
About how the city got its current name, a national legend is formed. According to her, initially the territory of modern Tbilisi was completely covered by forests, in which there were many wild animals and birds. And one day the monarch Vakhtang Gorgasal, ruling at that time (V century A.D.), shot a pheasant, which fell into a sulfur source and was cooked. This served as the opening of healing thermal springs, near which Vakhtang Gorgasal ordered the city to be laid.
In the modern city, at the location of sulfur sites, the baths quarter is located.
Geographic location
The heart of Georgia is located on the banks of the picturesque Kura River. It covers an area of 726 square kilometers and is the largest city in the country. It borders with other Georgian cities - Gardabani and Mtskheta.
The number of citizens
At the time of the 2016 census, the population of Tbilisi was 1, 082, 000 people - this is 1/3 of the total population of the whole country.
Ethnic composition of Tbilisi
The population of Tbilisi is very colorful. This is not a place where only indigenous people live.
According to sociological data, the picture of residents is as follows:
- the bulk are people of Georgian nationality - 85%;
- 7.5% are Armenians;
- Russian population in Tbilisi is 3%;
- Kurds - 1.7%;
- Azerbaijanis - 1%;
- Ossetians - 0.9%;
- Greeks - 0.35%;
- Ukrainians - 0.3%;
- Jews - 0.2%.
Based on such a multinational composition, religious diversity is emerging. The overwhelming majority of the population, which includes Georgians, Russians, Ukrainians and Greeks, preaches Christianity, Armenians adhere to Gregorian Christianity. Muslims are less prevalent; Kurds and Azerbaijanis are its supporters.
In addition, other religious views exist in Tbilisi: Baptism, Lutheranism, Judaism.
Attractions Tbilisi
Tbilisi needs to go around the whole, since almost on every street there is some kind of attraction. If there is not much time for a sightseeing tour, then you can limit yourself to the following objects.
"Sulfur baths" are the main attraction of the capital. It was sulfur springs, according to local legend, that caused the foundation of the city. Another main reason for the pilgrimage of tourists to these places is the therapeutic effect provided by these sources.
This area is considered the oldest in the city. The main feature of the baths is that they do not have a room for heating water. This is not an omission of builders, they are simply not needed, since the water temperature in these sources can reach 60 degrees.
The bathhouse is a domed building, which was built on the motive of Persian buildings. Once the baths were very popular and worked around the clock, and their number was 60 buildings.
Currently, there are only a few bathhouses in Tbilisi: VIP, "No. 52", "Royal Bath".
An excellent place for a family holiday is Bombora Park, which is located in the city center, on Mount David (also known as Mtatsminda). This mountain is a symbol of the city, which offers a wonderful panoramic view of all of Tbilisi.
On the approach to the hill (on a slope), the Church of St. David is built, the construction of which dates back to the 19th century. When climbing to the top itself, there will be a TV tower, the height of which is 277.4 meters.
But the main attraction is Bombra Park. It has an observation deck that provides a full view of the city. Surprising with their bizarre shapes are houses and castles. But tourists pay special attention to attractions, which are presented in several versions: children's, extreme, family, as well as a game village.
Norashen is an Armenian Gregorian temple, it was built in the XV-XVI century. But over time, its pristine appearance changed, so now tourists can see the style of architecture of the XVIII century.
In addition to Norashen, there are several more Armenian churches in Tbilisi. The most famous are Surb Gevork and Surb Gevork Mugni.
Rustaveli Avenue is a street that is central in the Georgian capital, and is also considered one of the main ones. It got its name in honor of the Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli.
If you want to see all the city bustle and real Tbilisi life, you should definitely visit Rustaveli Avenue. It is here that all cultural, commercial and historical objects are concentrated: theaters, museums, various shops, cafes, including open-air, hotels, the main city road. The whole city is concentrated here.
The length of the avenue is about 1.5 km. From one of its edges, the avenue ends with Freedom Square, from the other - with Rustaveli Square, on which a monument to the poet is installed.
This is only one hundredth of what can be seen in Tbilisi. The city is full of all kinds of buildings: temples of various faiths, museums with various expositions, old houses in contrast with modern ones. There is not enough day to see everything.
Industrial value
The city is also of industrial importance not only for Georgia, but also for the whole world. The main industry enterprise is mechanical engineering, metal processing, food industry.
The city has built several existing plants: for the construction of electric locomotives, aviation them. Dimitrova, for the production of agricultural machinery, machine tool, production of equipment for winemaking, instrument making, iron foundry, electric car repair.
The food industry is represented by the production of old wine and cognac drinks, sparkling wines, tobacco, butter, bakery products, dairy products. Also, the city is famous for the production of silk, woolen and knitted fabrics. Well-established production of haberdashery, clothing and footwear. There are also furniture factories in Tbilisi, a production of building materials, a ceramic factory, and pharmacy. In addition to production structures, the scientific sphere is well developed in the capital of Georgia.
