We most openhearted invite you to visit
Georgia, a country famous for its great cultural heritage, ancient
history, hospitality and fabulous feasting traditions.
Georgia is a small country in the
Caucasus, surrounded on the north by Russia, on the east by
Azerbaijan, on the south by Armenia and Turkey, and on the west by
the Black Sea. It occupies a territory of 69,700 square km. The
population is approximately 4.6 million. Over its more than two
thousand years of statehood, Georgia’s independence has been lost
and regained several times. Georgia is at the crossroads of Europe
and Asia, and the Great Silk Road once passed through the country. It
has a very important geopolitical location connecting East to West.
Georgia is a Christian country (adopted in the 4th century). The
population is mostly Georgian (Eastern) orthodox, but other religious
affiliations have traditionally had a presence here. Georgia is known
world-wide for its religious and ethnic tolerance.
Many different Christian churches, a
Mosque and a Synagogue co-exist peaceably in the center of the
capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. The population of the country speaks
Georgian, a unique language spoken only in Georgia and having no
equivalent. In 1991, Georgia announced its independence from the
Soviet Union and after some misfortunes is beginning to build a
democratic state. Georgia is a western-oriented country, governed by
a president and democratically elected parliament.
The currency is the lari, which can be
exchanged freely anywhere in the country. Entry visas გenerally not
required. GSM cellular coverage includes the entire territory of
Georgia. Taxicabs are cheap and prices are mostly negotiable. Tbilisi and other cities offer moderately priced hotels. Many air
companies, including The national flag air carrier Airzena Georgian
Airlines provide regular flights.
Myth of the Argounauts narrates that
the leader of the Argounauts, Jason, traveled to Kolkhida in search
of the Golden Fleece, finally finding his beloved Medea. Kolhida was
the name of the land, which is now Western Georgia, whereas the
Eastern Part of Georgia was called Iberia. Yes, indeed, like the
Iberian Peninsula. One highly speculative hypothesis by scholars
states that the Iberians were tribes which migrated from the South
Caucasus towards the West, some reaching Iberian Peninsula, whereas
some of them went to the North and traveled as far as the British
Isles.
Ancient Georgia had contacts with the
representatives of all civilizations, the Phoenicians and Greeks,
Romans and Arabs. It has been proved that Georgian Statehood goes
back to the 4th-3rd centuries B.C ., when Georgian tribes were united
under King Farnavaz.
The Georgian alphabet, which is unique
among the 14 known World alphabet groups, also dates from this
period. Throughout its difficult history, Georgia has preserved its
national identity fighting against the Arabs, Mongols, Persians,
Turks and others who continually attacked the country. Georgia also
managed to defend its religion. As Legend tells us, St. Nino of
Cappadoccia came to Georgia carrying a cross of vines bound together
with strands of her own hair. As a result of her mission in 335, King
Mirian declared Christianity the official religion of Georgia. In
fact, religion was the factor which has played the most significant
role in the fight of Georgians to preserve their identity.
Georgia is a country of legends,
emotions and toasts! One of the most popular legends a Georgian will
tell you is about God, who was distributing lands to the different
nations. Georgians came late because they were feasting, drinking
toasts to God, and so Georgians missed their turn. So God gave them
what was left - the land which he had kept for himself. You will be
told many legends and toasts during Georgian feasting (Supra) and we
can assure that you will enjoy all of them.
Welcome to Georgia!
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