Georgia of the Caucasus
When you look at the map you will understand why the Caucasus is described as “Where East meets West”. Georgia is right in the centre!
Caucasus as a region is not exactly familiar to many people. The region is generally defined to include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and nearby areas within Iran, Russia, and Turkey. It has a foothold in both Eastern Europe and Western Asia, but is generally viewed as part of Europe.
Blessed with some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, the Caucasus is home to Mount Elbrus (5,642 m), the highest mountain in Russia and in Europe, including the Caucasus region.
Georgia, the “land of dagger dancing”, is etched between northeastern Turkey and southwestern Russia, bordering Armenia and Azerbaijan to the south. It has a distinctive culture and a long and rich history that can be traced back to the classical era (7th BC to 5th BC) and beyond.
With a compelling blend of both European and Asian cultures and heritage, Georgia offers a mix of Euro-Asian architecture and culture, rivalled only by the natural beauty of its mountain landscapes.
We start our journey in the capital city of Tbilisi. This sprawling city, located on the banks of the Kura River, has a population of about 1½ million people. You can easily spend several days here, and if you are into photography, you will find heaven in Tbilisi. The old city, called Altstadt, is a labyrinth of narrow streets where wooden balconies look down from old brick-built homes.
From Tbilisi, we head north along the infamous 210 km long Georgian Military Highway which runs between Tbilisi up north to Vladikavkaz, the capital of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania, in Russia. This was the traditional route used by both invaders and traders throughout the early ages.
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Globerovers Magazine July 2017
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia
Streets of Tbilisi, Georgia
Sulphur baths in Abanotubani, Tbilisi
“Mother of a Kartli” or “Mother of a Georgian”
Georgian food
Sveti-tskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta
Sveti-tskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta
The Holy Cross Monastery of Jvari is perched on the rocky mountaintop outside the small town of Mtskheta. Inside the town, the 6th century “Great Church of Jvari” remains the most sacred place in Georgia. The building clearly shows its turbulent history of surviving wars and several forms of erosion.
Georgian Military Highway
Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument along the Georgian Military Highway
Georgian Military Highway: This is the traditional route used by both traders and invaders throughout the ages!
The villages of Kazbegi and Gergeti are photogenic, though the gem of the valley is the Gergeti Trinity Church in the shadow of Mount Kazbegi.
Fountain at the top of the hill next to the Gergeti Trinity Church (Tsminda Sameba)
Gergeti Trinity Church (Tsminda Sameba)
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Globerovers Magazine July 2017