Georgia – A Brief History

The Republic of Georgia is most frequently identified as a state in the former Soviet Union. However, Georgiaís association with the former Soviet Union from 1921 to 1991 occupies very little of the countryís varied historical background. Georgia is a land rich in cultural and agricultural heritage that is unique to its borders and one that over the centuries has proven irresistible to both friend and foe.

Separated from Russia by the Caucasus Mountains to the north, bordered by Azerbaijan to the east, Turkey and Armenia to the south, and the Black Sea to the west, Georgia occupies a geographically important region nestled between Europe and Asia. Strategically located on spice and silk trade routes, foreign invaders targeted Georgia as a prime conquest. According to one estimate, Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, has been conquered and rebuilt 29 times. It is Georgiaís strategic location has played a key role in the evolution of the diversity of Georgian culture.

Foreign influence paved the road to the cultural melting pot that today is modern Georgia. For centuries, Georgia acted as a gateway between east, middle east, and western civilizations. Although over 80% of Georgiaís population declare themselves Georgian, the country is home to citizens whose backgrounds represent more than 80 nationalities. Georgian culture is widely recognized as one that evolved by embracing the finest traditions of agriculture, food, entertainment and commerce from foreign visitors over the course of 10,000 years.