Tbilisi

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Tbilisi — the capital of Georgia and the country’s political, cultural, and economic center.

The city is located in eastern Georgia, on both banks of the Kura River (Mtkvari), at an altitude of 380–600 meters above sea level. Tbilisi covers an area of approximately 502 km² and has a population of over 1.15 million people.

🏞 Geography and Location

Tbilisi lies in the Tbilisi Basin, bordered to the north by the southern foothills of the Saguramo Range, to the east by the Iori Plateau, and to the west and south by the branches of the Trialeti Range. Thanks to its favorable strategic position, the city serves as Georgia’s main transportation and economic corridor.

📜 Name Origin and Legend

The name “Tbilisi” comes from the Old Georgian word “Tpili” — meaning warm.

According to legend, during a hunt, Vakhtang I Gorgasali wounded a deer, which ran into a hot spring and was miraculously healed. Impressed by the hot water, the king cleared the forest and founded the city. It was named “Tbilisi” because of these warm mineral springs. The historic heart of the city — Abanotubani — was built around these springs.

🏛 Historical Background

Archaeological evidence shows that the area of Tbilisi was inhabited as early as the 4th millennium BC.

The city is first mentioned in historical sources in the late 4th century AD, when a fortress was built during the reign of King Varaz-Bakur.

In the 5th century, King Vakhtang Gorgasali expanded and developed the city, becoming its symbolic founder. Over the centuries, Tbilisi served as a royal residence, the seat of a Persian pitiakhsh (governor), and later the center of Georgian statehood.

🌆 Modern Tbilisi

Today, Tbilisi is Georgia’s main urban hub, home to government institutions, leading universities, theatres, museums, galleries, financial institutions, and business centers. The city harmoniously blends historical districts with modern architecture.

🏙 Districts

Tbilisi is divided into 10 administrative districts:

✔ Gldani District

✔ Didube District

✔ Vake District

✔ Isani District

✔ Krtanisi District

✔ Mtatsminda District

✔ Nadzaladevi District

✔ Saburtalo District

✔ Samgori District

✔ Chugureti District

📸 Tbilisi Today — a vibrant and diverse city that combines ancient history, rich culture, and a modern lifestyle. Its unique architecture, historical neighborhoods, wine and culinary traditions, and warm hospitality make it one of the most remarkable destinations in the region.