MODI TO GEORGIA #7 by Modi to Georgia

Capital Of Georgia Interview with the Mayor of Tbilisi

Vakhtang I of Iberia Magic Garden in downtown

PUBLISHER Vladimir Dzhishkariani EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Irine Jordania ART DIRECTOR Temo Machavariani PROJECT CONCEPT Giorgi Akhalkatsi ENGLISH TEXT EDITOR Tamar Mirianashvili TRANSLATOR Tamar Mirianashvili DIRECTOR OF PROJECT & MARKETING MANAGER Leli Mirijanashvili INVITED EDITOR Nino Daraseli PHOTO EDITOR Temo Machavariani LAYOUT CONCEPT Levan Asatiani AUTHORS : Aka Morchiladze / Igor Obolensky / National Centre of Manuscripts / Dato Gorgiladze Tamar Adorneli PHOTOS : Zina Barnovi / National Centre of Manuscripts/ Buba Kudava / Nodar Sumbadze Khatia Psuturi / BOG FOUNDERS : Vladimir Dzhishkariani / Tea Chelidze DIRECTOR Vladimir Dzhishkariani IT DIRECTOR Zviad Mosiashvili DISTRIBUTION Mikheil Amashukeli ACCOUNT Paata Salia THE TECHNICAL STAFF : David Kutivadze / Milana Drucker PARTNERS:

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Georgian National Museum / Georgian State Literature Museum / National Centre of Manuscripts / Georgian National Archive / International Union For Conservation of Nature / The Administration of the President of Georgia / Department of Tourizm and Resorts of Georgia / The Agency of Protected Areas/ Ministry of Economy and Sustainable of Georgia / The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Georgian National Investment Agency / Press-speaker of the President of Georgia Manana Manjgaladze / Tbilisi City Hall Administration Tata Kurkhashvili and Khatia Psuturi/ Administration of National Botanical Garden of Georgia /Turkish Airlines Director for Tbilisi ofice Fatih Guven / The Georgian Ambassador to France Mamuka Kudava / Director of the Georgian National Museum David Lordkipanidze

Publisher by: Publishing House ‘MODI’ Tbilisi, 0171, Kostava str. 68, build 3 Phone/Fax: +99532 409398, +99532 409397 E-mai: infmodi@hotmail.com Copyright by Publishing House ‘MODI’ LTD All rights reserved Printed By: Publishing House ‘MODI’ LTD

COVER BOG Headquarters

jer kidev XII saukuneSi cnobili sparsi poeti xayani Sirvaneli Tavis leqsSi qristian qals qarTulad uxmobs: ‘’moi, moi’’. Sua saukuneebis erT-erTi aRmosavleli poeti ki ambobs: ‘’saqarTveloSi viyavi da sul moi, moi viZaxeo’’. rogorc Cans, yvelaze xSirad stumarTmoyvare qarTvelebisgan enis armcodne mogzaurs swored ‘’modi’’ (Tu misi xalxuri forma ‘’moi’’) esmoda da yvelaze adviladac am sityvas imaxsovrebda. qarTvel kacs ver warmoudgenia rame martom akeTos, vinmes ar Seexmianos, ar dauZaxos, ar moipatiJos, azri ar gauziaros. albaT amitomaa amdeni ‘’modi’’ Cvens saubarSi, saqmeSi, cxovrebaSi. qarTvelebi xom ‘’modiT’’ viwyebT: modi vicekvoT, modi vimReroT, modi vTqvaT, modi gavakeToT, modi avaSenoT, modi davlioT, modi wavideT, modi vibrZoloT, modi vifiqroT, modi davweroT, modi vicocxloT da ase usasrulod... erTxelac saubari albaT ase daiwyo: modi, ’’modi’’ gamovceT...

buba kudava

To Georgia

In one of his poems, the 12th century Persian poet, Khaqaini Sherwani, used the word modi when his lyrical hero was trying to attract the attention of a Christian girl. Centuries ago, foreign visitors used to associate the word modi with Georgians, and the country, as they would often hear Georgians say “modi, modi, modi.” Modi is Georgian for “come” and is the word we use to informally call or invite somebody over, yet the meanings within this word are boundless. “Please come over, come in, have a seat, make yourself comfortable…” It is as if this word reflects why Georgians find it unimaginable to do things on their own and invariably invite others to join in, welcome them into their homes, share their experiences and ideas. More often than not, our discourse starts with modi, indicating that the listener is very much welcome - let’s dance, let’s sing, let’s talk, let’s drink together, let’s go, let’s fight, let’s think, let’s write, let’s live our lives… One conversation might even start with, “Let’s publish Modi!

BUBA KUDAVA

To Georgia

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CONTENT

26.

The City in The City

24.

Five Things By Rusudan Kervalishvili

40.

34.

TSINANDALI The Most Romantic Palace in Georgia Igor Obolensky

50.

A Trip Across The Alazana Sir Oliver Wardrop

48. 60 Wolfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Head Dato Gorgiladze

34. House of Joy Aka Morchiladze

1,26 May square, Tbilisi, 0171 Georgia t: +995 32 2 300099 f: +995 32 2 300001 e: info@hi-tbilisi.com www.holidayinn.com

CONTENT

54. Sculpture Vajha Meliqishvili Tamar Meliqishvili

62. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High Time Igor Obolensky

72.

A Mansion in Gudiashvili Street

88.

Magic Garden in d ow n t o w n

100 100.

What about? The art of preserving beauty...

A Georgian

INTRODUCTION

Nat ional Costume Men’s Attire 1.

3. 4. 5. 6.

Chokha – an outer coat, typical for all Caucasian nations: tight-fitting above the waist and with wide flaps below, trimmed all around with twisted silk braid, as well as round the cuffs and decorative pockets, which were tall and slanted. Akhalukhi – worn under the chokha (the outer coat): a long, tight-fitting, buttoned shirt made out of pattered or printed fabric, with a braided high-collar. Decorative cartridge pocket – for holding flint gun or pistol cartridges. The pockets were lined with tubes made of wood or bone Belt – mainly maid of silver, designed to hold a sword Dagger – with a bone shaft and silver niello scabbard Sword – the type of horseman’s sword, with a bone shaft, often silver nielloed..

H.R.H. Davit Bagrationi Moukhran -Batonishvili

To Georgia

INTRODUCTION

2 1 3

5 4 6

October

INTRODUCTION

Bridges of Metekhi Bridge Metekhi Khidi was the first and the only bridge almost until XIX century. We read about the bridge in VIII century sources, saying that “notwithstanding the reign of Arab-Muslims there still stood the bridge over the city” (Martyrdom of Saint Abo).

Bridge passed through many historical events; in 985, famous Arab geographer Almuqudas tells us while describing Tbilisi city: “Tbilisi is crossed by the River Mtkvari, spread on both banks and connected with the Bridge”. In 1226, when Jalal ad-Din, last ruler of the Khwarezmid Empire was capturing Tbilisi, he ordered to place icons of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ brought from Sioni Cathedral, on the bridge and ordered people to walk on them. One, who refused to walk on the icon, was beheaded and thrown into the River Mtkvari. After this tragedy, annually Georgia pays tribute to 100 000 martyrs on special day by throwing flowers into the River Mtkvari. Italian missioner Dionigi Carli gives us very interesting notes in his report sent to Rome, about Tbilisi and Metekhi Bridge in 1681: “For crossing the Bridge, one has to pass the Fortress gate, where the River narrows and is crossed by the Birdge; below the bridge there is citadel as well; but it stands higher than the city itself. It is spread on three mils territory, including the city. The most beautiful part of the city is the Fair”. In 1795, Metekhi Bridge was destroyed by Agha Muḥammad Khān. City population contributed for rebuilding the Bridge and it was recovered in 2 years. It survived for only 8 years and in 1805 it was drawn by the flood. Afterwards people built temporary bridge, which was substituted by new bridge in 1823-1826, this was drawn by the flood again. 1830 bridge collapsed as well. New bridge i.e. 2 narrow iron bridge was built in 1843 and it served the city until the end of WWII. In 1950 began massive construction of Metekhi Bridge, which was finished in 6 months and in 1951 it was opened for people.

Kinto and Karachokheli

In XIX century, Kintos belonged to special stratum of Tbilisi; this vivid stratum mostly included owners of groceries and dukhans, but most of them were involved in retail sale of the products carrying by wooden tray placed over their heads. They were famous of frantic and passionate praising of their goods and even were not ashamed of befooling their clients. Oats, false measurements, expired goods packed with rich twaddling were the kernel of diligent entrepreneurial working of people from lower class of trading stratum of Tiflis. Kintos were attracting their customers with no so called “advertising slogans”. “Hot pies, three kopeks change”, etc. Very often, Kintos were accompanied by Karachokheli and sometimes they were messed up. But according to the poet Ioseb Grishashvili, there are two major differences. “Kinto is chaotic swindler, dressed inaccurately, without chokha, loving showing off, drinking wine from woman’s shoes. Their speech is sharp and ambiguous. They play street organs and don’t care for urban traditions, besides they are attracted by game of dice and ribaldry. They are mocking at love, praised by Rustabeli. As for Karachogeli, they are completely opposite to Kintos. They are brave knights, with proud and sincere voice, always keeping their work; they drink wine only from cups and bowls, sincerely sing about love, write poems, adore duduk music. The name is derived from the black Georgian attire Chokha; Karachokheli sells only good product, providing discounts for poor people. It is strange, but Kintos were formed from Karachokheli.” If the phenomenon of Tiflis Karachokheli counts many centuries, Kinto was born in XIX century. In XIX Arthur Leist wrote about Kintos: “Kintos are good material for humorists, as their method of speech, behavior and skills are very funny.”

To Georgia

Our Life Tamar’s Bridge

Construction of Tamar’s Bridge began in 1932; bridge’s former name of Cheluskinelebi. Originally, construction of the bridge was not planned on that place, but little away, between Pastel and right bank streets. In 1927, was announced contest for revealing the best project. Project of K. Zavriev won the contest. Later it was improved and in 1932 bridge constructions began. Arrangement of street from Hero square to the bridge required hard excavation works; 1.6 m high basalt walls were built on both sides of the street. It was necessary to widen existing narrow pass towards Railway Station, removing of small houses and constructing of new dwelling places. Finally, short road to the Railway Station from Hero Square was arranged and named after King Tamar.

INTRODUCTION

Baratashvili Bridge Instead of present Baratashvili Bridge, in XVII century, there was a bridge called Mukhrani Bridge. Platon Ioseliani writes in his book “Ancient heritage of Tiflis”, “Aragvi (Metekhi) Bridge was built in XVII century by Nugzar, Prince of Aragvi, it didn’t last long. Piers of the bridge were kept and stood the river velocity bravely”. We don’t know how long this Bridge survived and why it collapsed. But we do know that before building of another bridge on that place, it kept the name of Mukhrani Bridge. In the newspaper letters of the first half of XIX century, this place is mentioned as Mukhrani Bridge, though it didn’t exist then. Afterwards, bridge built in 1911 received the name of the previous bridge. During the whole XIX century, boat service was provided, carrying 2000 persons per 24 hours, named as Mukhrani Bridge Boat. In 1880, city government allocated 60 000 rubles for constructing Mukhrani Bridge; but for various reasons it was not built. The issue of new construction was raised again in 1903 and in 1911, the bridge was opened successfully. Baratashvili Bridge was built in 1966, on the same place, after dismantling the Mukhrani Bridge.

Dry Bridge Small Mikheil Bridge or as it is often referred – Dry Bridge. It was build in 1851 by the project of Italian architect Giovanni Scudieri. It is the only stoned bridge in Tbilisi still keeping its original face to the present day. Its aperture is one of the largest for stone bridges. On the territory of the bridge you can find the fair of old books, antiquities, exhibition of handmade works and paintings.

INTRODUCTION

River of Joy There are 25075 rivers in Georgia, main among them is the River Mtkvari, giving life to Meskhet-Javakheti, Kartli and Kakheti, including almost the whole east Georgia. The first Georgian state was formed on the banks of Mtkvari. On the banks of the River Mtkvari, there are situated the cities of Antique times and middle centuries: Gori, Uplistsikhe, Urbnisi, Kaspi, Sarkine, Mtskheta, Tbilisi, Rustavi, Gardavani and Khunani. There are also fortresses, such as: Khertvisi, Atskuri, Gori, Ksani, Narikala, examples of the Georgian monuments – Svetitskhoveli, Jvari, Uplistsikhe and Vardzia engraved in rocky mountains. Etymology - The name Kura is related extract from name of Cyrus the Great or to an ancient Albanian term for ‘reservoir.’ The Georgian name of Kura is Mt’k’vari (in old Georgian Mt’k’uari), either from Georgian ‘good water’ or a Georgianized form of Megrelian tkvar-ua ‘gnaw’ (i.e., “river that eats its way through the mountains”). Strabo mentions the River Mtkvari in his writings for nine times. “In the Center of Iberia, there is plain territory with the rivers, among them the largest one is Kiri (Mtkvari)”. Plutarch writes the following: “Mtkvari flows from Iberian Mounts, joined by the Aras River from Armenia and flows into the Caspian Sea with 12 outfalls”.

It rises in northeastern Turkey in a small valley in the Kars Upland of the Lesser Caucasus. It flows east, then west and north past Ardahan, crosses into Georgia, then into a canyon near Akhaltsikhe. From there, it runs northwest in a gorge for about 75 kilometres (47 mi), spilling out of the mountains near Khashuri. It then arcs east and starts to flow east-southeast for about 120 kilometres (75 mi), past Gori, then near Mtskheta, flows south through a short canyon and along the west side of T’bilisi, the largest city in the region. Total length of the River 1364 km, basin space – 188 000 km2. About 52% of the river’s flow comes from snowmelt and glaciers, 30% comes from groundwater seepage, and roughly 18% from precipitation. 10000 liters industrial and municipal wastewater discharge are flown into the River per minute. Tbilisi city is spread on both banks of the River Mtkvari, there are ancient buildings such as: Anchiskhati Church, Sioni Chathedral, Metekhi and Karvasla. There were treasuries of the Georgian Kings, the first Georgian printing house; the famous hot spring area is located in old Tbilisi district as well. One of the most beautiful military roads of Georgia begins in Tbilisi and follows up the River Mtkvari.

To Georgia

INTRODUCTION

Sheltered by the massive peaks of the greater Caucasus, hidden away from the outside world, is the extraordinary land of the Khevsurs - Khevsureti. Nowhere else in Europe is there a place that feels so mysterious, unique and magical, a place where ancient pagan traditions survive, and medieval fortress villages guard the secrets of the valleys. Only accessible by road for seven months a year, Khevsureti moves at its own pace. Until the 1930s people here wore chainmail amour and carried swords and shields. The Soviet Union did much to try to destroy the ancient way of life, but rituals, songs and crafts are still preserved by the people of this proud, independent land. The Khevsurs never submitted themselves to any feudal lord, taking decisions independently, steered by community leaders called Khevisberis, who also acted as priests for the local shrine, each of which had its own pagan deity. Animal sacrifice is still common here, but other traditions have died out in some of the other regions. Blood feuds were common in this remote land, where life was always hard and family honor paramount. Constant war with the Muslim peoples of the North Caucasus resulted in the extraordinary architecture seen here today, where many villages were actually designed as fortresses, with family homes doubling as defensive structures. The Khevsurs were exceptional warriors and were often promoted as royal bodyguards. In battle, Khevsurs wore flags adorned with crosses and considered themselves permanent members of the army of the sacred flags and guardians of Georgian Kings. There has been a hypothesis, that these Georgian highlanders were descendants of the last European Crusaders because their folk culture – the material, social, and religious practices – greatly resembled those of the Crusaders. The Khevsur men, dressed in chain mail and armed with broadswords, wore garments full of decoration made up of crosses and icons, which served as a means of protection, according to Christianity. The pure European origin of Khevsurs is not supported by most modern scholars. However, some form of settlement of Crusaders in these areas is possible, as they are mentioned in several manuscripts of the time as participants of several battles against the Muslims in Georgia (100 “Frankish” Crusaders participated in King David’s army in the Battle of Didgori).

INTRODUCTION

Wall of The Past

Narikala is an ancient fortress overlooking Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, and the Kura River. The fortress consists of two walled sections on a steep hill between the sulphur baths and the botanical gardens of Tbilisi. On the lower court there is the recently restored St Nicholas church. The fortress was established in the 4th century as Shuris-tsikhe (i.e., “Invidious Fort”). It was considerably expanded by the Umayyads in the 7th century and later, by king David the Builder (1089-1125). The Mongols renamed it “Narin Qala” (i.e., “Little Fortress”). Second city wall was stretched from Narikala to the River Bank, Metekhi Bridge, from the west side Narikala was defended by so called “Shah’s throne”. It is also notable that in VI-IX centuries, there was situated observatory. Until the middle of XVII century, Narikala citadel was the political-administrative center of Kartli Kingdom. There were King’s Palace, Church and other buildings. In the second half of XVIII century, Narikala included the most important military buildings in Tbilis, such as Royal City Castle, Tavrizi Castle, including water reservoir, which supplied the fortress with water from Tsavkisi; In 1795 Narikala was used for city defense against Agha Muḥammad Khān Invasions, being the last one in its history. In 1801, after Russian annexation, new government destroyed Narikala. Most of extant fortifications date from the 16th and 17th centuries, including Istanbul Tower, remains of two gates, one of them so called Ganja gate. In 1827, parts of the fortress were damaged by an earthquake and demolished.

INTRODUCTION

HER B A R I U M

To Georgia

INTRODUCTION

T B I L I S I EN S I S

Art project : Nodar Sumbadze October

MODI To Georgia

Five Things

YOU Should Know About Georgia By Vice Speaker of Parliament of Georgia Rusudan Kervalishvili

It’s really hard to say only 5 reasons worth to visit Georgia. But, in case of ten or even hundred, I’d feel the same because the reasons could be just endless… You know what? I can easily tell you 5 reasons why you should not come to Georgia:

You should not come to Georgia if: you care your weight, or simply aren’t a gourmet! The Georgian cuisine is especial among the special ones. Culinary is a kind of art here and nearly most of locals are masters of it. And, it really does not matter whether you go to an expensive restaurant, fast food, or just eatery…

You should not visit Georgia if: you want to have a quiet horizontal holyday just for a short period of time: There are so many beautiful and exciting places to visit in Georgia, sightseeing, ancient and historical monuments, fascinating landscapes of high hills and low lands, enjoying skiing in snowy mountains and swimming in warm tender sea, unbelievable but both simultaneously available during one season… So, if you have a brief vacation you will definitely get exhausted. You should take a special long holiday for Georgia.

MODI To Georgia

It does not worth for you to come to Georgia if: you are not sociable and excessive contacts and cares drives you crazy and makes you tired! The Georgians are distinguished nation with their hospitality. “Guest comes from God!” – All Georgians are nurtured with these words since their early childhood. Someone (not only your host) always tries to take you somewhere, invite you at delicious dinner, show you something absolutely new and unfamiliar to you, gift you something… in short, the guest is always cared here.

You should not come to Georgia if: you don’t have strong will and can’t get back to work right after having great time! There is great variety of fantastic wines in Georgia. Everybody offers you to taste his wine. The Georgians enjoy having good time, singing, and dancing. It’d be strange if you don’t feel in love with Georgian polyphonic songs and inflammatory dances for rest of your life. Believe me, it’s absolutely natural if you spend all your holiday at Georgian dinner enjoying divine wine accompanied by wonderful songs and dances.

In short, despite all the above mentioned, I do believe you should visit Georgia! You should see with you own eyes this country always keeping its doors opened for you! Georgia is waiting for you . MODI TO GEORGIA!

I should not advise you to come to Georgia if: you don’t indent to change your address As a matter of fact, Georgia is such mysterious and interesting land that it is not ruled out if you wish to stay here forever. Today, many former guests are hosts in Georgia. The country has some kind of unforgettable charm and charisma influencing on every single visitor. Some resist the temptation, others just yield…

Interview

To Georgia

The City in the city

The Mayor of Tbilisi Mr. Gigi Ugulava shared with “Modi” Magazine, his persona thoughts to the modern Tbilisi.

Interview with The Mayor of Tbilisi Mr. Gigi Ugulava / Interviewer: Irine Jordania

In Georgian, the capital city is called “Dedakalaki” - the Mother City. Leaving alone the linguistic explanation of the phenomena, on the emotional level it is obvious, that the capital inspired a very special attitude of the Georgians from the very beginning of the history. The role and importance of Tbilisi never faded away, although through the 16 centuries of the existence the city frequently experienced periods of decline.

October

Interview

What would you say the passenger sitting aside you, who has the first time arriving in Tbilisi?

which grows, develops and gets beautiful day by day. Nowadays modern history of Tbilisi is creating along with us.

Tbilisi is one of the oldest cities in the world. First settlements here belong to the Neolithic Period IV-III centuries B.C. Tbilisi has a status - the capital of Kartli from the second half of V century.

What do you think, what sectors are operating in Tbilisi by international standards?

History had kept a wonderful legend about Tbilisi foundation. Tbilisi is particular by its historical monuments, the oldest districts and their remarkable sights, traditions and special hospitality, which attracts most of tourists. Tbilisi met XXI century with its usual diversity and variety. Day by day the city changes it appearance but at the same time it keeps the characteristics that are typical for Tbilisi. Past and future, yesterdays and todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s densely joins to each other here. There are many modern constructions building here that acquire the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1500 years-old architectural face different and interesting look. Tbilisi is the live organism,

To Georgia

In case if we speak about municipal services, easily may be said, that we could make several sector closure to modern standards. For example, transports system had radically changed and automaticity payment mechanism had been introduced. Besides, we made getting construction permits easier, which made available to carry out the process online. Generally, population services go by the principle of One Stop Shop, which makes the communication between public service and population easier. As for other sectors Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d define financial sector, which develops very fast and is represented by not only local players, but also by well known international financial institutes.

October

Interview The most important projects implemented by you ... Development of Tbilisi infrastructure is priority for us. Construction of new highway, by which several districts are connected now, had completed few months ago. Also, building of new tunnel that will have the same functional importance is planned. Besides, developing of old city districts - old Tbilisi development has high importance. Not only exterior restoration of historical buildings, but also, their capital rehabilitation is in progress. At the end, revitalization of whole districts has laid the foundation. After its termination, these revitalized districts will have new economic and touristic importance. Creating of parks, squares and touristic zones are actual for us. For example, Rike Park, which is recreational zone, is full of visitors after its opening. Also, it is worth mentioning Peace Bridge, that is a connector between Rike Park and one of old Tbilisi districts. Talking about important projects, we have to note the project of railway relocation, that will make 100 ha land plot free and give the prospect of further development of free territory. we impellent the project along with partner organizations. Termination of the project will take several years.

Development of Tbilisi infrastructure is priority for us. Construction of new highway, by which several districts are connected now, had completed few months ago. Also, building of new tunnel that will have the same functional importance is planned 30

To Georgia

Interview

At last, I’d like to note Tbilisi Sea Development project. The aim of the project is rehabilitation of recreational zone. We hope that Tbilisi Sea will turn to the new touristic visit card for residents as well as for visitors. Another important factor, that gives the popularity of Tbilisi Sea project is that Tbilisi will host Youth Olympic Festival in 2015. We plan to construct the Olympic Village in this territory.

How important is the role of Tbilisi festivals in the cultural development of the city? Since the ancient times Tbilisi was the cultural centre of the whole Caucasus, source of inspiration for poets and creators. World’s famous theater workers, producers, actors, and artists, who commenced not only art course and create many masterpieces, had recognized the art and worked in the capital of Georgia. As one of the major priory I consider to keep this excellent tradition of Tbilisi, to be the cultural life running here forever and to be the art lovers attracted from the whole world as usual. For this

reason, we arrange festivals regularly, which importance is already spread beyond the county. I’d like to note proudly Tbilisi Theatric Festival, also Musical festival –“Autumn Tbilisi” named of great maestro J. Kakhidze, the capital hosts Film Festival, Poetic Festivals every year, that make worthy contribution in cultural life of Georgia and the whole region. Tbilisi Festivals are our visit card. This tradition will continue and get more widescaled.

Interview

Could you, please, name â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Wonders of Tbilisiâ&#x20AC;?, which may be considered as a visit card of the capital, in your opinion?

Pedestrian peace bridge, which connects left bank of the river Mtkvari to right bank and represents pattern of modern architecture.

Renovated Rike Park, which is distinguished with its location and beauty. 32

To Georgia

Renovated Agmashenebeli Avenue in Tbilisi

Renovated Abanotubani and Kala district.

The ropeway connection from Rike Park to Narikala The ropeway connection from Moving of Railway to Tbilisi Sea surroundings and constructing of new city on the free territory, that will be â&#x20AC;&#x153;The City in the cityâ&#x20AC;? October

Tbilisi

MAIN STORY

Georgia’s capital of Tbilisi has a history of continuous habitation that goes back more than 6,000 years. Today over 250 archeological sites exist in and around Tbilisi, which can be explained by the unique location of the city and its environs. Since ancient times, Tbilisi has been the center of trade routes that criss-crossed east to west and north to south, connecting Asia to Europe. Aka Morchiladze

edieval Tbilisi was truly a specific kind of magnificence. There were of course many other cities in the Near East; larger, wealthier and more famous, in a political and eternal sense. While these were cities on a grand scale, Tbilisi had a particular individuality and unbeatable character not found anywhere else.

At one point it was an independent city-state, while at another it was the capital of a powerful country and yet at another time it was a defeated military stronghold. And all the while, there was something invariable about the city, a never-changing element which ensured its lasting history. The word ‘tbili’ means ‘warm’ in Georgian, somehow indicating that the place where the city was built had to be warm, but not necessarily in the sense of its climate.

It was known as ‘The House of Joy,’ a moniker that didn’t originate from the local imagination, but was how the foreigners used to refer to Tbilisi.

The legend of how the city was founded sounds less myth-like than it does plausible. One day King Vakhtang Gorgasali, one of the greatest figures of Georgian history, was hunting in a dense forest on the banks of the Mtkvari river. He set his falcon onto a wounded pheasant, but the trained bird of prey failed to return – the King found both the retriever and prey in a warm spring.

Politically more chaotic than organized, seemingly accustomed to frequent changes of garrisons and razed to the ground several times, Tbilisi still retained a faithfulness to itself, enjoying both its political and mighty trade function. Throughout its long history, the city’s importance fluctuated quite frequently. It had seen and lived through everything a Medieval city could experience.

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As legend has it, it was the warm spring that drew the King’s attention. Vakhtang Gorgasali was noted for building cities, so naturally he wouldn’t have ignored

MAIN STORY such an interesting place. The spring spurted warm sulphur water, but little was known of its chemical nature at that time – warm water with curative properties was a miracle in itself. The King ordered the forest cut down and selected a suitable place to build a fort. He didn’t live to see it completed, but his son and heir, Dachi Ujarmeli, saw the building through and moved the capital from Mtskheta to Tbilisi in the 5th century A.D. Needless to say, it wasn’t only the warm spring that inspired the kings. Both Vakhtang and Dachi appreciated the advantageous strategic potential of the place, as others would too. The following centuries would see Tbilisi an Arab emirate, the capital of Georgia again, the centre of a Persian province, home of a Turkish garrison, the capital of Georgia once again, the main Caucasian city of the Russian Empire and back into the Georgian capital. Baths were built exactly where King Vakhtang discovered the warm spring and they would identify the heart

The word ‘tbili’ means ‘warm’ in Georgian, somehow indicating that the place where the city was built had to be warm, but not necessarily in the sense of its climate of the city throughout the centuries where they remain today. Not particularly noteworthy at first sight, these sulfur baths have become one of the major symbols of Tbilisi’s longevity. The baths weren’t simply warm or just known for their curative and inexplicable properties. They served as an attraction for visitors of the city, not just for washing the dust off. Built along Persian traditions, the baths of Tbilisi became a world in their own right; an entirely complex industry, complete with its own traditions and magic charm. Unlike their Persian analogues, the water in Tbilisi baths didn’t need to be heated. Moreover, they were marked with a local distinction: an unhurried, leisurely attitude mixed with cheerfulness, so typical of Tbilisi. For foreign visitors the baths are a small, unexpected miracle they can discover under the hilly city streets. Russian poet Alexander Pushkin said he had

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MAIN STORY

The following centuries would see Tbilisi an Arab emirate, the capital of Georgia again, the centre of a Persian province, home of a Turkish garrison, the capital of Georgia once again, the main Caucasian city of the Russian Empire and back into the Georgian capital. Baths were built exactly where King Vakhtang discovered the warm spring and they would identify the heart of the city throughout the centuries where they remain today

Vakhtang I “Gorgasali” (439 or 443 — 502) of the Chosroid dynasty, the king of Iberia, natively known as Kartli (eastern Georgia), ascended the throne at the age of fifteen. At that time Kartli was continually being invaded by the Persians from the south and Ossetians from the north. The situation was no better in western Georgia where the Byzantines had captured all the lands from Egrisi to Tsikhegoji. King Vakhtang led a victorious campaign against the Ossetians, freed the captive princess (his older sister), and signed several treaties with Caucasian mountain tribes to secure their cooperation in the struggle against foreign conquerors. He liberated western Georgia from the Byzantines, reinforced the authority of King Gubaz, and returned in triumph to Kartli. It was said King Vakhtang was tireless in battle. Legend has it that while vested in armor and fully armed, he could carry a war-horse on his shoulders and climb from Mtskheta to the Armazi Fortress in the mountains outside the city. On the crown of Vakhtang’s military helmet a wolf was depicted on the front and a lion on the back. Upon catching a glimpse of the helmet, the Persians would cry out ,“Dar’ az gurgsar!” (“Beware of the wolf ‘s head!”). This was the source of the king’s appellation “Gorgasali.” King Vakhtang built fortresses in Tukhari, Artanuji, and Akhiza, founded monasteries in Klarjeti at Artanuji, Mere, Shindobi, and Akhiza, and established many other strongholds, churches, and monasteries too. In the year 502, the sixty-year-old king was obliged to defend his country for the last time. In a battle with the Persians he was fatally wounded when a poisoned arrow pierced him under the arm. All of Georgia mourned King Vakhtang’s death. His body was moved from the royal residence in Ujarma to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, which he had built, and was buried with great honor.

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never seen anything so luxurious in his life, while it took French writer Alexandre Dumas some time to come to his senses after the surprise of discovering them. The city is unimaginable without the baths. There were times when they determined the rhythm, routine, celebrations and lifestyle of Tbilisi. Hundreds of stories - fact and fiction - circulated in the Orient about the mysterious powers of the baths; mostly all tall tales. Agha Mohammad Khan, the shah of Persia, even believed the mystic waters could cure his

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impotency and immediately after taking Tbilisi, he headed for the baths. But when these waters failed him, he razed the entire city. No matter how frequently Tbilisi was set on fire by invaders, nothing ever happened to the baths since water doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t burn. It is as if the eternalness of the city lies in the perpetuation of this mysterious water that seemed to attract everyone as soon as they heard about it. Perhaps the true power of this water is that whoever takes a plunge, whether friend or foe, will never be able to forget Tbilisi

Theater of Marjanishvili

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Making Georgia

Wolf’s Head King Vakhtang I Gorgasali of the Chosroid dynasty, was a king of Iberia, natively known as Kartli , in the second half of the 5th and first quarter of the 6th century. Gorgasali is a sobriquet meaning in Iranian “wolf’s head”. He led his people, in an ill-fated alliance with the Eastern Roman Empire, into a lengthy struggle against Sassanid Iranian hegemony, which ended in Vakhtang’s defeat and weakening of the kingdom of Iberia. Tradition also ascribes him reorganization of the Georgian church and foundation of Tbilisi, Georgia’s modern capital. He emerged as one of the most popular figures in Georgia’s history already in the Middle Ages, and has been canonized by the Georgian Orthodox Church. Dato Gorgiladze

he story below is very old one, it the story about a king; as usual kings are always associated with the past, reminding us a person in precious, beautiful attire, with beard and riding on exceptional horses, while leading enormous armies. By all means, live of historical persons are very interesting, though everything is relative and as far we dig into past, as secret and mysterious become the personalities of the kings. King Vakhtang Gorgasali is really very old, dated the fifth century. When reading the stories about him, it is quite difficult to differ the truth and legend, but who knows?! – Maybe people of those times really had some enormous and fairy capabilities . . .

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in 449, father of Vakhtang, King Mihrdat died. It was impossible to substitute him as Vakhtang was seven years old at that time and couldn’t govern the country. Father of the Queen Sagdukht – Barzabod, Prince of Gardman was the follower of Zoroastrism and there was danger that his grandson, Vakhtang would turn in Mazdaism as well; but Sagdukht visited her father and in favour of some compromises, made him to change his mind. We may surely say that he was raised with war spirit, as he lived in grave times, in 451, there was ravaging raid by the Ossetians from the north, they destroyed Kartli and among other people, his three years old sister Mirandukht was captured. At the age of 15, Vakhtang came to throne, haunted with revenge he began to prepare for fights in the north, for relieving her sister Mirandukht from captivity.

Making Georgia

By this time, Khazarians joined Ossetian army and larger force expected King Vakhtang. But before massive struggles, there was tradition of face-toface fight, 15 years old Vakhtang was 2.20 cm high, so he could fight down two enemies. Finally, Georgians won the fight, released the captives; though all his wishes were fulfilled, the fire inside him was never vanished; he decided to conquer other regions of the north Caucasus as well, which he accomplished successfully. During this time he crossed the Mount Elbrus – the highest peak in the Caucasus, people even dedicated a poem, saying that by stepping on Elbrus, King Vakhtang made those huge mounts to move and shake, thus was depicted his greatness and enormous physical strength.

he trained and equipped his troops, arrested those who were caught in betrayals, some of them were expelled from the Country, some were sentenced to death. Persians entered Georgia with enormous troops, as we read in chronicles, during battles, the King was there, where his help was needed, supporting his warriors. The King fought with 16 kg sword, he wore the helmet, with wolf engraved in the front and the lion on the back. Persian warriors were scared of him and loudly shouted, when saw the King: “Dur az Gorgasar”, meaning “Be aware of wolf-head”, thus was born the nickname of the King Vakhtang I.

At the age of 15, Vakhtang came to throne, haunted with revenge he began to prepare for fights in the north, for relieving her sister Mirandukht from captivity

As you may have noticed, I mentioned the King with his nickname – Gorgasali. Story of this nickname is also very interesting: the King knew that Persians planned to conquer Georgia, so the King was getting ready to meet the enemy relevantly,

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It is strange that a strong and fierce person like Gorgasali was extremely merciful and just at the same time. When the King Vakhtang went for returning captured south-west lands, on his way to the lands he conquered the cities. Gorgasali ordered his warriors not to rob city inhabitants and not to kill innocent people. The King released all captives and encouraged them to live peacefully.

Once, in then-capital Mtskheta, envoy of the Persian Shah visited the King and delivered him the message of the Shah, expressing his wish to visit the Shah. Situation for the King was dangerous and risky as he was going to pay the visit to the Persians, he fought down recently; there was no guarantee that this visit was a trap. But the king made honorable decision, he put his 5 years old son – Dachi to throne and he left for Persia. This was a risky, but foreseen political move. Shah Peroz met the King Vakhtang generously and asked him for support in long-term campaign. King Vakhtang agreed and joined the Persians against common enemy. 40 000 warriors were led by Gorgasali and they all headed to the East.

After returning to his homeland, Gorgasali launched the series of reforms for strengthening his country as much as possible; he took his first steps in religion by supporting Christianity. For this and for many other deeds the Church of Georgia canonized him in XX century. Among many Georgian legends regarding the King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the most famous one is the legend of foundation of Tbilisi city. As legend say, then-territory of Tbilisi city was covered by forests and Gorgasali visited for hunting. A legend has it that when King Vakhtang was in the forest, his falcon chased a pheasant. The bird fell into a hot water spring and the king and his servants saw the steam come out of the water. Surprised by the abundance of hot water and suitable geographic location, Vakhtang gave orders to build a city on this site and named it “Tbilisi”, that is, “the site of warm springs”. Abanotubani, the oldest place in the Capital with hot springs is considered to be the exact place mentioned in the legend.

radition also ascribes him reorganization of the Georgian church and foundation of Tbilisi, Georgia’s modern capital

During the Indian fights, the King fought down fifteen Indian warriors in face-to-face struggles; very soon his devoted friend and warrior Saurmag was killed insidiously; as legends say he mourned his body for three days and after burial he invited the King of Sinds for battle, Vakhtang won the battle and brought the defeated King to Peroz, though later at the request of Vakhtang the king was forgiven and was not sentenced, they simply imposed penalty.

Legend accompanies his death as well; it happened that the relationship with Persia was tensed again.

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Gorgasali ordered to kill the most reliable support of the Persians in Kartli â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Varsken Pitiaxh (Viceroy), which was equal to rebel. In the first battle, small Georgian army couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t defeat the Persians, and the King began to prepare for the next attack. At that time, Persians changed the ruler twice; the last battle took place in Samgori Valley; chronicles say that the enemy knew that the Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s military attire was damaged under his arm and when he raised his sword for fighting, enemy shot the poisoned arrow to him . . . King Vakhtang died in the town he founded, in Ujarma. Enormous statue of the King stands in front of the Metekhi Cathedral; it is one of the main symbols of Tbilisi. Notwithstanding the level of education and age, every person in Georgia knows about the King Vakhtang Gorgasali. It is wonder, is there any greater happiness, than to be talked about and admired by people for 15 centuries? Supposedly, there is nothing greater

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National Centre of Manuscripts

1/3 Merab Alexidze Street, 0193 Tbilisi, Georgia Tel.: (995 322) 36 41 85 Fax: (995 322) 36 32 41 info@manuscript.ac.ge www.manuscript.ge

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SCULPTURE

VAJHA MELIKISHVILI

Damana Melikishvili “After every visit he would leave us withsomething to contemplate about” used to saythe artists about Vajha Melikishvili.The creator is fortunate, if he comes with somethingto say, if he’s able to create his own worldand if this world is different from anything else,his own world…Vajha Melikishvili’s life was full of constantsearch and novelties of forms, deep originalitywith understanding of things and eventsand a great talent of generalization. Accordingto the evaluation of art scholars, he was distinguishedby the way of thinking and it was channeledtowards the visualization of immaterial,which is the sign of the eternity of the arts.Simon-Vajha Melikishvili was born in 1936.He was brought up in the atmosphere of the ancestorsof Simon Mchedlidze martyred clergy,which still carried the air of XIX century, the spiritof Georgia of that era and where environmentof

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Ilia Chavchavadze and Akaki Tsereteli wasstill alive … where XIX and XX centuries mergedwith each other.He received his secondary educationin Tbilisi No 1 school for boys, so famous forits traditions, continued his studies in the TbilisiAcademy of Arts under the guidance of suchdistinguished artists as Sergo Kobuladze, SilovanKakabadze, D. Gabashvili… His teacher wasone of the founders of new Georgian sculpture,Nikoloz Kandelaki. In 60-ies, the diploma work byVajha Melikishvili, called “the Thirst”, attractedthe attention of the society by its professionalcraftsmanship and the originality of the work.This was a bold declaration of a young sculptorin the field of the monumental sculpture.The main objective in Vajha Melikishvili’slife was to serve the art faithfully. Despitehis altruism and tolerance in everyday life, on aprofessional path he was a unyelding man ofprinci-

Waiting – Grieving Mother 1984

ICON Queen Tamar 1995 - 2004

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ICON pal, always fighting against what he consideredas an obstacle and obstruction to thedevelopment of true art.Period when Vajha Melikishvili emergedas an artist, coincided with the crucial breakingpoint in Georgian visual arts. He became an activeparticipant of this process: he constructedthe number of important complexes in Georgiaand outside the country: The Stela of Victory(Signagi, 1965), Akaki Tsereteli Memorial (SachkhereSkhvitory Junction, 1988); “The great memorialto the “Lost in War”- “The Cube of Glori”(1976-1984) – more than 120 deformed figureswhich nevertheless abide to the classical lawsof form, and which astonish the viewer with thevirtuosity of expression of the torture of bodyand soul in the form of a sculpture, with the highlevel of professionalism in expressing the globaleternal pain of mankind in realistic symbols.Vajha Melikishvili is an author of suchseries of bas-reliefs as “The Riches” (Tbilisi, 1968);one located in the Krtsanisi Governmental Residence“Motifs of Tbilisi”; the composition builton the Gospel, designated for the gates ofSioni Cathedral – “Mother Mary with the Child”;Among his works are the portraits of famousGeorgian figures, among others of Shalva Dadiani,Valerian Gunia, Nestor Kalandarishvili… thegreat sculpture of Mikheil Tamarashvili…In the last period of his life he was preoccupiedwith the historical and mythologicalthemes: “The Story Teller”, “The King Aieti”, “TheKing Tamar” – these of his works were of upmostinterest among his colleagues and a society ingeneral and created fierce arguments. This isthe extract from one of the published articles regardingthe exhibition held in the Blue Gallery in2002: “This was rather unusual, non-pretentiousexhibition, where the cast molded works ofthe Sculptor, Vajha Melikishvili were presented:“King Tamar”, “King Ayet”, “Iakob Gogebashvili”,“Paata”, “The Goddess of the Balance”-these sculptures contain, the distinguished individualityon one hand and strong generalizationon the other, which is materialized in “widestrokes” typical to monumental sculptures, or inalmost filigree craft as in ivory. But each of themis full of a little bit sad, but always very brightemotional spark. These sculptures are waiting tobe finally molded, but unfortunately the fundsusually become available for other, traditional(stereotypical) projects, with the explanationthat the society chooses the ordinary (and it isso regretful that no steps are taken to developthe taste in the arts of such society). But it needsto be mentioned that, these works, presented invarious exhibitions, attracted the attention ofthe society and were highly prized by the viewers.Thus the accepted assumption that the traditionof the round sculpture is non-existent inGeorgia, because of which it can not be furtherdeveloped, is completely diminished by theworks of Vajha Melikishvili.”Completely new stage and perspectivesof not only Georgian Sculpture but alsothe book illustration arts are linked to Vajha Melikishvili’sname. Just naming the very first bookillustrated by him will be sufficient- “Song andMusic

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ICON Text Book” by Jimsher Mujiri, which hecreated during his student years, in 60-ies. Fromthe graphics point of view the famous book byIrakli Abashidze “In the Footsteps of Rustaveli”is unique by its sophisticated and fine artistryand calligraphy (Publishing House “Literatureand Art”,Tbilisi, 1965); Also his illustrations of thebook by the king Vakhtang the VI and SulkhanSaba Orbeliani “Kilila and Damana” (The textwas verified by Magali Todua, Publishing House“Merani”, Tbilisi, 1965) – this is a new stage of traditionalGeorgian miniature art, which does notviolate and originally continues the traditions ofthe esthetics visual arts of middle ages.As for the sculptures, I would recall thereviews which were publish following his lastexhibition: “If you happen to be passing theRustaveli Avenue, your attraction by no meanswill be drawn towards the sad figure of a womanin front of the Gallery, with the prolonged,“nonesthetic” proportions (Expecting the returnhome of a missing son from war –“GrievingMother”): the passerby will slow down near thistragic figure, by this giving their condolences tothis generalized spirit of suffering mother.” Thissculpture reflecting the nearest past of Georgiaand the current worldwide reality has alsocaused controversial arguments…The sculptures presented during his lastexhibition (staging offer) , Vajha melikishvili envisagedto be mounted in Tbilisi, his home city,strolling along the streets of which he enjoyedso much: “I’ll go out, have a look at Tbilisi” hewould say and start heading towards Rustaveliavenue…

Architect 1975

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King Ayet 1985 - 1993

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Self-Portrait My Tbilisi 1995

Present column is prepared on the basis of book â&#x20AC;&#x153;Incomplete List Of My Worksâ&#x20AC;? the Aouthor of project Tamar Melikishvili

October

Presents JUST SO STORY

It’s High Time Igor Obolensky

rincess Tatiana Constantinovna of Russia was born in Saint Petersburg and died in Jerusalem, though had always wished to live in Tbilisi. But, let’s recall the story in succession…

When Abbess Tamara of the Mount Olives Convent, Jerusalem, died in 1979, not many people knew who she had been in her civil life. She was Granddaughter of the Emperor Nicholas I of Russia, and the oldest daughter of HIH the Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich of Russia by his wife Elizaveta Mavrikievna née HH Princess Elisabeth of Saxe-Altenburg, and wife of Prince Konstantin Alexandrovich Bagration-Mukhransky. Actually, meeting the Prince Bagration-Mukhransky turned young Princess streamlined life up at the HIH Nicholas II court… For the first time Tatiana met Prince Konstantine at Ostashevo, estate of the Grand Duke Konstantine, Tatiana’s father, and her uncle HIH Nicholas II in winter 1910. The Cavalry Regiment Cornet Bagration-Mukhransky received an invitation to the evening tea. During the evening the young people felt delighted and reveled in the company. The Grand Princess greatly enjoyed Prince Konstantine’s endless stories while the Prince sank into his company’s charm. Shortly, the Georgian Prince was seen quite often at the Grand Princess family house in Ostashevo and the Marble Palace in Saint Petersburg. In the beginning Tatiana’s parents hoped friendship between their daughter and a representative of a noble but non-emperor family would have disappeared. “The Cornet must realize that he cannot expect more than tea companies, and boating in Pavlovsk courtyard!”

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Upon words by Tatiana’s brother Grand Prince Gavriyl Konstantinovich, HIH Emperor Nicholas II asked for consent His mother Emperor Maria Fedorovna to make changes to the Pauline Laws on Royal Marriages. Later, Nicholas II confessed to Tatiana’s mother that He could not dare to discuss the subject with the Widow Empress during three months, and when at last He decided His mother responded only three words, “It’s high time”. While repeating His mother’s words the Emperor lowered His voice exactly in the way Her Imperial Highness did. Henceforth, the highest consent on the marriage was received. The engagement ceremony was held at Royal Church in Oreand on Holy Queen Tamar’s Day, 1st of May 1911 The Grand Duke was especially anxious to know that His beloved son Oleg assisted to the couple. Oleg was the first to reveal Tatiana’s feelings to the Prince Bagration, and when he saw reciprocal feelings decided to help the couple in exchanging letters.

Konstantin BagrationMuxranski with wife Tatiana Romanova

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JUST SO STORY

When the father found out that the friendship went too far till to kisses – He decided to talk to Tatiana! At the end of the talk the father threatened if His daughter got married to the Georgian Prince, He would cease supporting them from the Imperial Treasury. But, Tatiana did not mind much about losing money, and she continued her affair with Bagration. Finally, the Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich decided to meet the loved Georgian Cornet, “You, a young man, ought to be advised that the Romanovs shell get married only to a representative of equal family!”, stated the Grand Duke. But, Bagration-Mukhransky did not intend to retread and replied, “Sir, please be advised the Bagrations are truly equal to the Romanovs!” Such familiarity immediately resulted in exiling Prince Konstantin Bagration-Mukhransky from Saint Petersburg to Tiflis and further to Tehran. And, Tatiana in order to quickly forget her Georgian friend was sent to her aunt, the Widow Empress Maria Fiodorovna, in the Crimea.Tatiana obeyed her father’s will. The Grand Duke exhorted to His daughter before

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leaving for the Crimea, “You need to calm down, and in a year or two you will realize your destine is other choice”. The young lady could not dare to argue with Her parent, and went to the sea. While being in the Crimea, the Grand Princess spent most of her time in reading a book “Queen Tamara, or Golden Age of Georgia” by Prof. Marr. The book was sent by her mother, the Grand Duchess Elizaveta Mavrikeevna. The mother secretly supported and was in favour of having the Georgian son-in-law. The book turned into a real outlet for Tatiana. The Grand Princess was craving for knowledge about Konstantin’s land. No wonder all Her discussions were about Georgia and the Bagration-Mukhranskys royal history. Tatiana proudly talked to everyone that the Bagrations dynasty enthronization was held in 1611 just two years earlier than the Romanovs. Obviously, most of the guests of the Widow Empress were not

Bagration-Muxranski Palace in Tbilisi

pleased by such statements. But the young Grand Princess did not mind others and seriously thought about moving to Tiflis, where Prince Konstantin had his own house.Sometimes, Tatiana felt like she had been to the capital of Georgia for many times, walking through its old streets upward to St. David’s Monastery hill. At last, the Widow Empress looking at Her niece’s daily suffer asked Her son to allow the young Cornet

Kostya Bagration, Tatiana’s husband, arrived from the front in spring. He served at the Cavalry Regiment and wished to be moved to the Infantry loosing dozens of soldiers at that time… be back from the Caucasus. Nicholas II could not disobey His mother’s will and soon Prince Konstantin was back from his exile. And, of course Konstantin directly went to the Crimea to see his Tatiana. HIH Maria Fedorovna did not prevent young couple from their date. Every morning the Prince came to the Emperor’s Palace and stayed with his adored Tatiana till the evening. The charming idyll was nearly broken. Grand Prince Konstantin Konstantinovich missed His beloved daughter and decided to visit the Crimea unexpectedly. The Grand Prince was more than astonished seeing Tatiana sitting in a hammock and no one but the Georgian Prince, believed to be exiled from Saint Petersburg, was resting at her feet in the courtyard of the Emperor Palace.Everyone was confused, but Tatiana rushed to Her father and kneed in front of Him begging for blessing Her marriage to the Prince Konstantin.“We love each other and be happy only together”, cried she out. The Grand Duke was touched with His daughter’s words and Bagration-Mukhransky’s persistent character.But, the marriage may only be blessed by HIH Emperor of All Russians.Upon words by Tatiana’s brother Grand Prince Gavriyl Konstantinovich, HIH Emperor Nicholas II asked for consent His

mother Emperor Maria Fedorovna to make changes to the Pauline Laws on Royal Marriages.Later, Nicholas II confessed to Tatiana’s mother that He could not dare to discuss the subject with the Widow Empress during three months, and when at last He decided His mother responded only three words, “It’s high time”. While repeating His mother’s words the Emperor lowered His voice exactly in the way Her Imperial Highness did. Henceforth, the highest consent on the marriage was received. The engagement ceremony was held at Royal Church in Oreand on Holy Queen Tamar’s Day, 1st of May 1911.Before leaving for the engagement ceremony Her Highness the Princess Tatiana Konstantinovna, Granddaughter of Nicholas I, signed a renunciation

the Cavalry Regiment

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JUST SO STORY

of the right to succession to the Imperial Throne of All the Russias belonging to Her as a member of the Imperial House. Wedding ceremony was held at Grand Duke’s estate at Pavlovsk on 3rd of September 1911. Among the guests was the groom’s aunt, the Princess BagrationMukhranskaya, who arrived from Tiflis. She was the only person did not rising up when the Emperor attending the wedding came to Her. Such familiarity was only allowed among the members of the royal family. Guests were confused, but Nicholas II respected the Georgian Princess accordingly and they exchanged greetings. Tatiana and Prince Konstantin Bagration-Mukhransky had two children: Prince Teymuraz Konstantinovich Bagration-Mukhransky (born in 1912), and Princess Irina Konstantinovna Bagration-Mukhransky (born in 1914). But, the happiness did not last long... After the outbreak of the World War I, aide-de-camp

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lieutenant Konstantin Bagration-Mukhransky went to the front. Tatiana together with Her children stayed at Her parent’s Palace in Pavlovsk and waited for Her husband to be back.Tatiana’s brother the Grand Prince Gavriyl remembers his last meeting with his sister’s husband, “Kostya Bagration, Tatiana’s husband, arrived from the front in spring. He served at the Cavalry Regiment and wished to be moved to the Infantry loosing dozens of soldiers at that time… Obviously, Tatiana was not happy with Her husband’s decision but she gave Her consent. Kostya Bagration was a brave officer. He had St. George’s armour… Kostya went back to the front soon and I did not see him anymore. On 20th of May 1915, I received a letter from my mother in the morning. She wrote that Kostya was killed. General Brusilov, Commander-in-Chief of SouthWestern front wired my father that Bagration was the Commander-in-Chief of a company and died a hero’s death in his first action near Lvov on 19th of May…

Grand Duke Konstantin Konstanivoich Romanov and his family

When I came to Tatiana she was sitting quietly in the Pilaster Hall. Thanks Lord, she believed much in God and accepted this hard blow with Christian humility. She did not even wear a black dress but only white, henceforth stressing her grief ever more. There was a funeral praying at Pavlovsk Palace Church in the evening. The praying was attended by Emperor Nicholas II with Empress and Grand Princesses and great many people… Shortly after praying Tatiana together with Igor left for the Caucasus on her husband’s funeral.” The Prince Konstantin Bagration-Mukhransky had to be buried at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the ancient capital of Georgia Mtskheta. Local newspapers reported that the widow ordered to buy all flowers available in Tiflis and brought them to Mtskheta. Before leaving for the Caucasus, Tatiana saw her father to ask for blessing and say goodbye. Unfortunately, the Grand Duke blessed His daughter for the last time. Two days after her husband’s funeral Tatiana got a telegram saying her father’s death. The young widow having two hardest blows found console in discussion with her aunt, the Grand Duchess Elizaveta Fedorovna, Abbess of Marfa and Maria’s Convent in Moscow. “All comes from God’s will. You keep praying, and will certainly meet your beloved people in Heavens”, said the Grand Duchess to Tatiana. The Grand Duchess Elizaveta, sister of Empress Alexandra Fedorovna, had also passed through similar hard blow – Her husband was murdered by terrorists. But lost and ordeals were widened. After the Bolshevist revolution in October 1917, the Grand Duke Dmitri Konstantinovich, Tatiana’s uncle, took care of

HIH Maria Fedorovna did not prevent young couple from their date. Every morning the Prince came to the Emperor’s Palace and stayed with his adored Tatiana till the evening

Maria Feodorovna Romanova (26 November 1847 – 13 October 1928) Born Princess Dagmar of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg and later Princess Dagmar of Denmark, was Empress consort of Russia as spouse of Emperor Alexander III. She was the second daughter of King Christian IX of Denmark and Louise of Hesse-Cassel. Among her children was the last Russian monarch, Emperor Nicholas II, whom she outlived by ten years. The rise of Slavophile ideology in the Russian Empire led Alexander II of Russia to search for a bride for the heir apparent, Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich of Russia, in countries other than the German states that had traditionally provided consorts for the tsars. In 1864, Nicholas, or «Nixa» as he was known in his family, went to Denmark where he was betrothed to Dagmar. On 22 April 1865 he died from meningitis. His last wish was that Dagmar would marry his younger brother, the future Alexander III. Dagmar was distraught after her young fiancé’s death. She was so heartbroken when she returned to her motherland that her relatives were seriously worried about her health. She had already become emotionally attached to Russia and often thought of the huge, remote country that was to have been her home. The disaster had brought her very close to «Nixa’s» parents, and she received a letter from Alexander II in which the Emperor attempted to console her. He told Dagmar in very affectionate terms that he hoped she would still consider herself a member of their family. In June 1866, while on a visit to Copenhagen, the Tsarevich Alexander asked Dagmar for her hand. They had been in her room looking over photographs together.

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JUST SO STORY

Wedding ceremony was held at Grand Duke’s estate at Pavlovsk on 3rd of September 1911. Among the guests was the groom’s aunt, the Princess Bagration-Mukhranskaya, who arrived from Tiflis. She was the only person did not rising up when the Emperor attending the wedding came to Her. Such familiarity was only allowed among the members of the royal family. Guests were confused, but Nicholas II respected the Georgian Princess accordingly and they exchanged greetings 68

To Georgia

Grand Duke’s Palace in Pavlovsk

her and her children. They were exiled from Petersburg.Shortly, they were ordered to be back to Petrograd, where the Grand Duke was shot. Another tragic news came from Alapaevsk – Tatiana’s brothers and the Grand Duchess Elizaveta Fedorovna were thrown alive into the shaft.Aide-de-camp Alexander Korochenzov serving to the Grand Duke Dmitri Konstantinovich, helped Tatiana and her young children to escape from Russia. They were fortunate enough to flee to Switzerland. Tatiana decided to marry Alexander Korochenzov, who saved her and her children’s life in fact.In October 1921, they married in Geneva. Not quite three months later, however, Tatiana became a widow for the second time when Alexander died in Lausanne… Tatiana raised her

children alone, and tried hard to give them good education granting independence. Her daughter Irina married to Sir Charles Hepburn-Johnston GCMG and, as Lady Johnston, accompanied hit to his many diplomatic postings overseas when not living in London.Tatiana’s son Teymuraz had a short love-affair with the Grand Princess Leonida Georgievna Bagration-Mukhransky, but moved to New York and chaired the Tolstoy Foundation there. After both children were grown and married, Tatiana fulfilled Her father’s dream and took the veil in Switzerland in 1946. The Grand duke Konstantin Konstantinovich even asked the Emperor Alexander III permission to take the veil. But the Emperor stated, “If

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JUST SO STORY We, Kostya, become monks, who will serve to Russia?!”Tatiana Romanova took the veil and become Mother Tamara, named so after the medieval Georgian Holy Queen Tamar, a remote ancestor of her husband, the Prince Konstantin BagrationMukhransky. Whenever Mother Tamara arrived to Geneva, she always stayed at Tatiana’s house, the niece of Konstantin Bagration-Mukhransky.The namesake of the Great Princess is over 80 years old now. She told me that Mather Tamara had brilliant character and great sense of humor. Before taking the veil she had a dog and called it “Megobar” that means “friend” in Georgian. For several years Mather Tamara served at St. Mary Magdalene Convent in Jerusalem, where holy relics of her aunt the Grand Duchess Elizaveta Fedorovna, who turned her to the faith, were moved to rest in peace. In 1951 Mother Tamara became Abbess of the Mount of Olives Convent in Jerusalem. She died at the age of 89 on Dormition of Holy Mother Theotokos Day, 28th of August 1979.

To Georgia

WALLS OF THE PAST

A Mansion in Gudiashvili Street Igor Obolensky

owadays the house is situated in the very center of Tbilisi. The building, like its neighbouring ones, seems slightly slipshod and unattractive.

But, one can remember times when the mansion opened its doors for famous and prominent people. It was one of the popular sites for a century. The first owner of a two-storey mansion in LorisMelikov (currently Gudiashvili) Street was the Grand Prince Bagration-Mukhransky. Its famous balcony remembers Pushkin, Griboedov, Dumas and many others enjoying fascinating sunrise views there. In 1921, the Grand Prince’s family, both parents, their son George, and their daughters Maria and Leonida, had to flee abroad. Their mansion was “nationalized pursuant to new law order of Georgia”, i.e. simply occupied by the Red revolutionary government of Soviet Georgia. The family unexpectedly returned back to Tiflis in a year. The communists promised them to return their house only after its total rehabilitation as the house had turned about into ruins in few months. The Bagration-Mukhransky accepted the proposal and rehabilitated and redecorated the whole house in short period of time. But, the communists’ refused to keep their promise and offered the Grand Prince family to live somewhere else.

It was obvious, the family had to escape from the Red Georgia. It’s strange, but they were helped by a proletarian writer Maxim Gorky exactly being in Tiflis during those days. Gorky was fortunate enough to obtain permission for the family to leave the country. The Bagration-Mukhranskys immediately left for Constantinople via Batumi. Some years later visitors could see Maxim Gorky’s portrait hanging in the central hall among the royalties and nobles’ pictures at the Parisian house of the Grand Princess Leonida Bagration-Mukhransky, married to the Grand Duke Vladimir Kirilovich Romanov. Surprised guests kept asking why the Grand Princess had a revolutionary figure’s portrait among the royal relatives? Her Highness simply answered, “Gorky saved Us”. Though, not all Bagrations stayed abroad. The elder daughter Maria went back to Tiflis in few years. Her sudden return was due to Her love-affair with an officer of soviet embassy, who persuaded Her to come back to Motherland. But, the affair was not successful and Maria Bagration-Mukhransky had to arrange Her own life alone in a totally strange and unfamiliar country for Her. She was given only a small room on the ground floor of Her family mansion. The house was completely changed. Even the street named after the Minister of Emperor Alexander II was renamed after Ketskhoveli. The first floor was divided in communal flats for several families… And, the former great mansion would have had sad lot unless one of its lodgers moving to a new

October

WALLS OF THE PAST flat did not offer his room to a young painter Lado Gudiashvili. Lado and his young wife Nino stepped in and felt themselves at home. In fact, the communal house near Kashueti Church was great place for Lado’s studio as well as the family to live. When the Gudiashvilis’ baby-daughter Chukurtma (Chuka) was born, they partitioned their grand communal space, if one can say so, and offered a small room to a babysitter. Later, the Gudiashvilis could afford to purchase more rooms from their neighbours. And, finally the whole former grand hall with high ceiling once used to serve as a ballroom of the mansion now belonged to the famous artist’s family. At that time it was pretty difficult to keep warm in the rooms having eight-meter ceiling. Thus, the ceiling was reduced with veneer, though the house was returning back its previous charm and cosy fascination. The hall again hosted prominent people’s evening companies. And, its parquet again welcomed great figures. The neighbours were also apropos. Legendary Iliko Sukhishvili and Nino Ramishvili lived in the very next flat to Lado Gudiashvili… Lado Gudiashvili died in 1986. But, his house still remains as one of the unique places. One can see such only great collection of paintings by Lado Gudiashvili (“the Prime Artist of Georgia” as Marc Chagall called him) and hear stories about the painter, his house and legendary friends there. I was lucky enough to get familiar with Lado Gudiashvili’s daughter Chukurtma. I enjoyed interesting talks with that amazing lady for few days and finally understood whom Tbilisi owed its well-known hospitality and deep-rooted spirituality – they were Chukurtma and her family. When Lado’s granddaughter Anano Meliva opened long-awaited gallery of graphic works by her great ancestor, the Gudiashvilis’ house hosted the cream of society of all Georgia. And, this is not simply good manner of expression but the absolute truth. It seemed to me that a time machine was turned on and the ancient mansion was filled with the air of invited noble parties with sounds of perfect crystal glasses, quiet talks, and slow steps on the old parquet.It must be amazingly interesting to visit the house, which hostess was Nino Gudiashvili, the great artist’s wife. All walls, from the floor up to the eight-meter ceiling, are hung with masterpieces by L. Gudiashvili.

One can find two masterpieces by Amadeo Modigliani in another room. Lado Gudiashvili brought them from Paris. Chukurtma Gudiashvili remembers, “In 1919, Lado himself went to France, and gained the right to be called as an independent and very interesting artist in “the manufacture of art” – Paris. Moreover, Lado made the Parisians understand the charm and elegance of Georgia and share his beliefs in poetic mystery and ideals. They wrote about Lado, “A young man brought national flavor of his country to Paris and organically merged it with creative structure of French taste.” As for Modigliani’s pictures… Once, my father and Modi wanted to have a cup of coffee at Café de la Rotonde. None of them had any money and Amadeo decided to draw pencil portraits of two guests for two cups of coffee. Modi chose two Polish ladies to draw, but they refused to pay for portraits saying, “They are not like us at all”. Modigliani was about to tear the portraits to pieces but my father stopped him, “It’d be better if you gift them to me. And, we’ll make ourselves somehow without coffee”…

All walls, from the floor up to the eight-meter ceiling, are hung with masterpieces by L. Gudiashvili. One can find two masterpieces by Amadeo Modigliani in another room. Lado Gudiashvili brought them from Paris

The house was visited by hundreds of high official guests. The Gudiashvilis hosted royalties, shahs, presidents… Chukurtma especially remembers visit by Senator Robert Kennedy. When John Kennedy’s brother was arriving to the Soviet Union he asked to arrange only two dates for him, one with a poet Andrey Voznesensky in Moscow, and another with painter Lado Gudiashvili in Tbilisi. Chukurtma continues her interesting story, “Senator Kennedy came to us together with his son, who was ill and was sitting on his father’s shoulders. Kennedy saw around the whole house while talking to Lado and Nino. He laughed much and enjoyed a cup of coffee with my parents. US President’s brother felt so excited at the Gudiashvilis that delayed his flight for three hours.”Once Lado was on his balcony overlooking the street (currently named after Lado Gudiashvili), and saw a

Lado Gudiashvili Was a 20th century Georgian painter. Gudiashvili was born in Tiflis on March 18 1896 into a family of a railroad employee. He studied in the Tiflis school of sculpture and fine art (1910-1914), and later in Ronson’s private academy in Paris (1919-1926). For a while, Gudiashvili belonged to a group of Georgian poets called “The Blue Horns” (1914-1918), who were trying to connect organically the Georgian national flavor with the creative structure of French symbolism. In Paris, he was a constant customer of the famous “La Ruche,” a colony of painters where he met I. Zuloaga, Amedeo Modigliani, Natalia Goncharova, and Mikhail Larionov. Gudiashvili’s work was greatly influenced by Niko Pirosmanashvili. Filled with the charm of Georgian life, the painter’s early works combine dramatic grotesque with the charm of poetic mystery. Closeness to the traditions of old Caucasian and Persian art was amplified upon his return to Georgia in 1926. Gudiashvili’s colors become warmer, and the perception of the world as a theater grew stronger . Like his compatriots, Gudiashvili freely used mythological allegories, the center of which was a graciously beautiful woman imagined as the mysterious “Goddess of the Earth.”In the voluminous “antifascist cycle” of Indian ink drawings Gudiashvili became a kind of “Georgian Goya”: beastlike monsters surrounded the ruins of art and naked “goddesses” conveyed the ideas of the death of culture.Lado Gudiashvili worked also as a book illustrator, cinema and theater decorator. He died on July 20, 1980 in Tbilisi.

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WALLS OF THE PAST suite of the Grand Princess Margaret of Denmark leaving of the building of the Supreme Council of Republic (currently the Parliament of Georgia) and coming to his house. Before the visit by the Grand Princess, the authorities concerned strictly instructed the Gudiashvilis did not approach Her Royal Highness closer than two meters. As soon as the Grand Princess stepped in the Gudiashvilis’ house, Nino held HRH’s hand and began to show her husband’s works. One of the KGB officers rushed immediately to Nino and demanded to step aside of HRH. But, Nino turned to the officer and said in absolutely calm voice, “I am the queen in my house!” The incident was over. “Now, I cannot remember all our guests. Whoever visited Georgia, came to our house, among them was American filmmaker Billy Wilder, producer of “Roman Holyday”, also John Hailey, and Arthur Hailey, and Margaret Thatcher… Richter and Rostropovich used to play in our grand hall… Yvtushenko and Akhmadulina read their poems here… My mother always hosted them in special manner, all guests were excited. And, my father presented his works to all guests. Mother brought them with words, “Lado presents this to you”. When the soviet authorities arrived, their security guards were usually patrolling the while day outside. Themes for discussion could be anything… Once, my mother called Secretary of Central Committee of the Communist Party, Comrade Tyazhelnikov “Comrade Telezhkin!” by mistake (“Telezhkin” means “trolley” in Russian). But, Comrade Secretary just replied, “Exactly, exactly, please go on”, and Mom continued, “It’s time to give the Pioneers’ Palace to the Museum of Georgia”. She was a true statesmanship person… You know only Brezhnev did not visit us because he could not walk upstairs. Our house was a kind of “untouchable”. There were no restricted themes, as the authorities perfectly knew we did not make any suspicious actions… Daddy brought some copies of the magazine “L’Art Vivant” (“The Live Art”) from France. It was about houses, and palaces. My mother scrupulously studied it and decorated the house alike. She was a very educated person. She brilliantly kept the house, organized “pur-marili” (Georgian festive dinner) and very interesting evenings… Once, a group of Georgian poets was having dinner with us, and my father hung a horn (Georgian national accessory to drink wine) full with wine on the chandelier. Our beloved poet Gogla Leonidze was tamada (Geor-

To Georgia

gian national meal leader). He poured wine into the horn and hand it from poet to poet. Such a strict tamada he was! …dinners usually continued till early mornings. Table appointments were European style with proper crockery and “lurji supra” (blue linen for table) painted “á la Pirosmani” was lying on the floor of my father’s studio. All guests were sitting on the floor and enjoying the company till sunrise. No one wanted to go home or sleep. Even me, being too young, tried to catch some glimpse from my bedroom… Guests adored Mom. She organized unforgettable events, and delicious dinners. The table crockery included glasses from Venice… tea was exclusively served in French china with delicious cake made by Nino Gudiashvili. Mom studied cuisine miracles and served food like real masterpieces. I remember Boris Pasternak’a excited words, “Nino, this is not a cake, but a sugar Parthenon”. And, when Nino offered coffee to Pasternak, he just could not help himself and answered, “I have terrible heartache today, but refusing your coffee in your cute cups means refusing a beautiful girl’s kiss”. You know, Pasternak came to Georgia to survive off harassment against him because of the Noble Prize. All his sad moments he shared living with a Georgian poet Titsian Tabidze in Tbilisi. He often visited us either. Pasternak respected and loved my parents very much. Those were some other kind of relations being above all. He called every single moment he spent in our house as his being into some other dimension… I still value Boris Pasternak’s gift. He was not published at that time, and he himself typed it on the typewriter… a poem extract from the novel in prose… Later, the extract became a part of “Doctor Zhivago”. I can perfectly remember that evening. Pasternak came into the grand hall at midnight, and in front of prominent Georgian poets said, “Please, do not read the poems, read only the dedication”. And, he dedicated following, “To the artistic couple, Lado and Nino, enigmatic and majestic, from Boris Pasternak, trying to emulate them, 7th of March 1947”. Chukurtma Guriashvili has preserved the whole house exactly in her parents’ style. Going upstairs of the house in front of Kashueti Church one can still feel Lado Gudiashvili’s time… that means try to understand Georgia itself.

IN SEARCH OF GEORGIAN WONDERS

Baron De Baye A Trip Across The Tbilisi

To Georgia

n XIX century, many foreigners visited Georgia. The most distinguished among them was Joseph Barthelot Baron de Baye, who left rich heritage for us - researches and traveling notes about Georgia, including photographs taken in different parts of our country. French Archeologist and ethnographer Le Baron Joseph Berthelot de Baye (1853-1931) dedicated the first part of his life to the French archeology; the work “Prehistoric archeology” published in 1880 remains one of the most important works on French archeology up to the present day.

As legend tells us, young Baron found a stone axe during hunting and he took great interest in archeology. Afterwards, it was found that on that territory, there was a stone workplace of prehistoric period and Baron De Baye began archeological excavations. He took discoveries in his Palace, which was not illegal in XIX century. In 1875, Baron De Baye opened a museum in his palace (present village Baye), this museum was often visited by scientists of that time. In 1905, French scientist gifted his collections to the Government of France. Correspondingly, archeological pieces were placed in the National Museum of Archeology and one hall of exhibitions even bore his name until 1950.

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IN SEARCH OF GEORGIAN WONDERS

In 1890, Baron De Baye participated in VIII International Archeological Congress in Moscow and he was interested by researches in Russian Empire. From 1892, Baron De Baye time to time visited different regions of the Russian Empire by official trips of Ministry of People’s Education and Art of France; he arranged there archeological excavations and sent his discoveries to the French museums. And periodically, when he returned to his homeland, he held scientific conferences, published articles and book on his researches and thus introduces various cultures of the Russian Empire to the European society. In 1896, Baron De Baye attended the crowning ceremony of Tsar Nikoloz II, where he introduced with

the most important and noble people of the Russian Court , among them was Count Sergei Sheremetiev; in 1897, after returning from Siberian trip, Baron De Baye visited him at the Estate of Mikhailovskoe, Moscow countryside. Count Sergei Sheremetiev, who had an estate in the village of Karanakhi, Kakheti Region, East of Georgia, invited his French friend in Georgia. In the autumn of the same year, Baron De Baye and Count Sergei Sheremetiev with his family visited Georgia via Military road. And by this traveling begins impressions and attractions of Baron De Baye towards Georgia. “One must be an artist, a poet or a singer to depict and express Tbilisi City”.

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Autumn is a period of vintage in Georgia, so at their arrival in Kardanakhi village, Baron attended all the ceremonies of vintage, including winemaking: “Men are getting into wooden winepress and press the grapes for several ours. Soft, fast and energetic movements are accompanied by beautiful Georgian songs; combination of powerful, touching, breathtaking songs and the dizzy scent of pressed grapes, makes this choir more expressive and exciting . . . It is explicitly attractive to watch harmonic and simultaneous matching of body movements and song rhythms, with wine springs flowing thereby and dancing with sun beams”. After two months visit in Georgia, Baron returned

To Georgia

to France and sent a letter to the Ministry of People’s Education and Art of France, asking an official scientific trip for researching the Caucasus region. In 1898-1903, Baron De Baye officially visits Georgia and introduces with almost every region. He visited Kakheti, Kartli, Imereti, Guria, Achara, Samegrelo and Abkhazia. “I do not exaggerate, saying that each and every guest in any Georgian family is like a king; they do everything for caring and treating them well; when taking a toast in favor of the guest, the host expresses all his true feelings towards the guest and his homeland” – writes Baron De Baye in his memories.

IN SEARCH OF GEORGIAN WONDERS

Baron acquainted with Georgian churchmen and prominent public figures, Ilia Chavchavadze, Akaki Tsereteli, Ekvtime Takaishvili, Tedo Sakhokia, Alexander Tsagareli, David Sarajishvili, etc. Local media continuously reported about the visits of Baron De Baye in Georgia, informing about exhibitions and conferences he arranged in his country. During traveling, French scientist often took photos. In 1903, Geographic Society of Paris awarded Baron De Baye with Molteni Prize, for his photos taken in the Russian Empire. Only very little part of these photos, published in his traveling books were known for the society. Fortunately, photo albums of Baron De Baye were found in Pa-

risian Quai Branly Museum, including 1400 photos taken in the Russian Empire in 1895-1910 years. This photo collection was purchased by Quai Branly Museum in 2006, at the auction. Large part of the collection is dedicated to Caucasus traveling; more than 540 photos are taken in 1897-1903, in Georgia. In June 22 of current year, National Centre of Manuscripts and Quai Branly Museum signed a memorandum; pursuant to this memorandum, Museum delivered to the Center, digital copies of photos taken by Baron De Baye, in Georgia. These photos are very important for the history and cultural heritage of Georgia. Today, these photos are being identified

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IN SEARCH OF GEORGIAN WONDERS

according to the people and places; but research already proves that we have unique photos, the most valuable visual material, presenting historical and cultural heritage of Georgia in XIX-XX centuries. These photos tell us that Baron De Baye was interested in local traditions and rules. He pictured various churches, holidays, landscapes, everyday life. In this collection, we can find photos of many church and public figures, playing important role in the history of Georgia, also photos of Georgian national attire, cultural and religious monuments, which didn’t survive, but also there are monuments, which still stands and had great role in cultural and religious life of Georgia, then and now. This collec-

To Georgia

tion together with the materials kept in National Centre of Manuscripts gives us huge impression about researches carried out in Georgia. Correspondences of Baron De Baye with his Georgian friends are kept in the National Centre of Manuscripts, including very interesting information about Georgia. In these letters, we read about the books he wrote, but unfortunately, for some unclear reasons these books were not published. In the nearest future, the National Centre of Manuscripts and Publishing House “MODI” plan to exhibit photo copies received from Paris. Thus, visitors can see this unique photo collection and follow the steps of Baron De Baye in XIX century Georgia.

Magic Garden in d ow n t o w n National Botanical Garden of Georgia

National Botanical Garden of Georgia (former Tbilisi Botanical Garden) is located in the historical part of capital Tbilisi – Abanotubani and Kharphuki. The garden is established on both banks of r. Tsavkisistskali (also known as “Leghvtakhevi” – Fig-tree gorge) and extends to the southern slopes of Sololaki ridge and northern slopes of Tabori Ridge. These ridges serve as natural barriers against penetration of cold air masses and facilitate formation of favorable conditions for growth of plants from different geographical zones such as South-East Asia, North America, Mediterranean,

MODI GEO

n the Middle Ages the area currently occupied by the botanical garden was owned by the Georgian royal family. The so called “Tsikhis Baghi” (Castle Garden) was established on the southern slope of Sololaki ridge. Historical sources indicate that the garden collections included not only native plants but also ornamental trees and shrubs introduced from foreign countries. Formal status of the botanical garden was assigned to “Leghvtakhevi” garden in 1845 by the order of the Vice-Roy of the Caucasus – Count Mikheil Vorontsov. Almost immediately a nursery of woody plants was established. Key goal of the garden at that time (mid to late XIX c) was to facilitate development of agriculture in entire Caucasus region through provision of quality fruit tree saplings such as pears, apples, peaches, plums, etc.

To Georgia

E.g., in 1849 up to half a million saplings of various fruit trees were available for transplantation. A. Rolov became the first director of the botanical garden in 1902. At that time the garden plant collections occupied only 2.5 ha. Until 1918, due to his enthusiastic efforts and through involvement of prominent botanists and plant scientists, the garden collections were extended to occupy as much as 60 ha. The following important plant collections were established in this period: collection of the Caucasian Flora, collection of alpine plants, etc; Eastern Transcaucasian forest habitat was recreated in the central part of the garden. This was also a period of intensive botanical research in the fields of plant taxonomy and ecology as well mycology and phytopathology. The garden also offered training courses for horticulturists and students.

Prince Mikhail Semyonovich Vorontsov Was a Russian prince and field-marshal, renowned for his success in the Napoleonic wars, and most famous for his participation in the Caucasian War from 1844 to 1853. He commanded the composite grenadiers division in Prince Petr Bagrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Second Western Army, during Napoleonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s invasion of Russia in 1812. At the battle of Borodino his division was in the front line and was attacked by three French divisions under Marshal Davout. Vorontsov led several counter-attacks, sword in hand. Of the 4,000 men in his division only 300 survived the battle. Vorontsov was wounded, but recovered to rejoin the army in 1813. October

National Botanical Garden of Georgia

NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEO Statue

Tunnel

Spring

HIS G

Waterfall Gazebo

MEDITERRANEAN PLANT COLLECTION

Waterfall

W.C.

WOODLAND

Waterfall

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Dressing Room Spring EAST TRANSCAUCASIAN TREE & SHRUB COLLECTION

Spring Waterfall

WOODLAND

CONIFER COLLECTION

Waterfall

Gazebo

W.C.

NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS

PINE COLLECTION

N.AMERICAN PLANT COLLECTION

Dressing Room HIMALAYAN PLANT COLLECTION

ORNAMENTAL PLANT COLLECTION

Dressing Room

Gazebo

TROPICAL PLANT COLLECTION

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT CONSERVATION

WOODLAND

WEST GEORGIAN PLANT COLLECTION

EAST ASIAN PLANT COLLECTION

ARID OPEN WOODLAND

LILAC COLLECTION

ROSE COLLECTION EAST ASIAN PLANT COLLECTION

Dressing Room

Dressing Room CEDAR COLLECTION

NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS

MEDICINAL PLANT COLLECTION

Azerbajanian Memorial Cemetery

Spring Dressing Room PARTERRE DISPLAY GARDEN

WOODY PLANT PROPAGATION CENTER

RARE & ENDANGERED PLANT COLLECTION NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS

NORTH

ROADS Staff road

Service Road

Combined Staff & Service Road

Visitors’ Road

SCALE: 1:1500 when printed at 91x61 centimeters

Queen Tamaraʼs Bridge

Parterre

Georgian Statue

Dress

Adolf Christian Roloff (Director of Tbilisi Botanical Garden in 1902-1918)

ORGIA (Tbilisi) Church

STORICAL GARDEN

Tower

Mosque

Spring

Childrensʼ Garden

9 Waterfall

sing Room

Security Point Visitor Entrance Waterfall

Tickets W.C.

Parking

Security Point Wedding Garden

Security Point

Visitor Entrance Staff Vehicle Entrance

Wedding Parking

Visitor Vehicle Entrance

NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS

BUILDINGS

CONCEPTUAL USAGE PLAN

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Public Non-Public Administration, Tech, Research

Combination

Service and Maintenance

Crossing

Visitor Center Guest House Museum/Education Area Plant Conservation/Seed Bank Horticulture, Science, and Tech. Tropical Plant Conservatory Tropical Plant Conservancy OfÞce Administration, Conference Hall Herbarium and Library 9. Science Laboratories/Research 10. Display Greenhouse 11. Auxiliary Building 12. Orangery

Tbilisi Botanical Garden - now National Botanical Garden of Georgia (NBGG) has a long and exciting history; its predecessor was a royal garden of ornamental and medicinal plants established in the lower reaches of r. Tsavkisistskali (also referred to as r. Leghvtakhevi - gorge with fig trees) in the Middle Ages. It was assigned a formal status of a botanical garden in 1845. Many acknowledged researchers of the Caucasian flora and vegetation worked at the NBGG; it was also a centre where the first Georgian botanists started their research and scientific careers… Since establishment through the early XXc Tbilisi Botanical Garden was managed by “learned gardeners” (horticulturists) invited from Germany: Shemiot, Demonval, Deutchman, Sharer and Gintzenberg. They all contributed to the garden development - living plant collections were set up on scientific basis, Herbarium of the Caucasian plants was established, three volumes of “Transactions of Tbilisi Botanical Garden” had been published by 1895-1898, etc. However, it is Adolf Christian Roloff who played a major role in the development of this garden as a botanical institution of European scale – scientific centre of botanical research in the Caucasus. A. C. Roloff was born on 25th June, 1870 to a German family living in Tbilisi. He graduated from Moscow Agricultural Academy in 1891. A year later he returned to Georgia working first as a teacher at Kutaisi Agricultural School, then as an expert at the Phylloxera Committee of the Caucasus and senior specialist at the Agricultural Department of Transcaucasus. Since 1899 he was also managing Tbilisi Botanical Garden. Finally, he was appointed as the first director of the botanical garden in 1902. At that time living plant collections occupied only 2-2.5 hectares. Due to his efforts, total area of the garden collections was expanded to 60 ha in less than 20 years. Collections of Caucasian plants, conifers, evergreen Mediterranean trees and shrubs, trees and shrubs of broadleaved forests of East Transcaucasus, etc were established in this period. At the same time, new volumes of “Proceedings of Tbilisi Botanical Garden” were published and regular scientific contacts were established with the leading botanical institutions of the world. In 1919 A. C. Roloff was transferred to the ministry of agriculture of the first Georgian republic. After Georgia was occupied by the Soviet Russia, he continued teaching at the School for Gardeners established by himself at Tbilisi Botanical Garden, Georgian Polytechnical University and Tbilisi State University. Gifted teacher, professor and manager, Roloff is also the author of more than fifty scientific articles, books and manuals on plant introduction, horticulture, plant selection, etc which still have scientific and practical value. A. C. Roloff died in 1952. He is buried at Kukia cemetery in Tbilisi.

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Gazabo

Towers & Church

MODI GEO

Amazing world of woody plants of the botanical garden includes such unique trees as Persian ironwood tree with its eye-catching shapes of stems, giant sequoia with straight trunks and beautiful crownshape, etc. A botanical curiosity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; waterelm grafted on the field elm stands proudly among conifer neighbours. The field elm basement provides strong support for a large body of a water-elm for the last 115 years

Spanish fir (Abies pinsapo Boiss.) Spanish fir occurs in Spanish mountains up to the altitude of 1,150 m above sea level. This hardy conifer specimen is 105 years old; its height reaches 21m. It enjoys reputation of a highly ornamental plant and is a very desirable tree to grow in parks and amenity sites, mostly in Europe.

Maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba L.) This is an ancient relic species of South-East Asia. For centuries it was thought to be extinct in the wild; however, it is now known to grow in at least two small areas in the eastern China. It is a fast-growing tree. Maidenhair tree has been introduced to Georgia since the second half of XIX c. Unique maidenhair tree specimen grows at the botanical garden; it is 105 years old. Its height reaches 21 m with a diameter of almost 1 m.

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MODI GEO

In the Middle Ages the area currently occupied by the botanical garden was owned by the Georgian royal family. The so called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tsikhis Baghiâ&#x20AC;? (Castle Garden) was established on the southern slope of Sololaki ridge

Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara Loud.) This tree originates from western Himalaya and Afghanistan. It is a fast-growing light-demanding conifer resistant to frosts. It grows well in Georgia and is widely used in parks and recreational areas almost throughout the country. The specimen from the garden is 125 years old and reaches 25 m in height, its diameter at breast height (DBH) is 120 cm.

Caucasian Hackberry (Celtis caucasica Willd.)

Caucasian hackberry occurs naturally in Caucasus, Middle Asia, Afghanistan and Iran. It is confined to the southern slopes and grows up to the altitude of 600m above sea level. This deciduous tree is a drought-resistant species and, therefore, is widely used in greening of dry sites. One of the oldest specimens of the Caucasian hackberry occurs in the botanical garden. It s age is 210 years, height reaches 24 m and diameter at breast height is 88 cm.

October

MODI GEO

The garden had barely survived a challenging period until 1943 when it was finally transferred to the system of the Academy of Sciences of the then Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic. Since then the garden gradually assumed a character which a visitor can enjoy at present. At the same time scientific research focused on adaptation characteristics of different plants to climatic conditions of Tbilisi / East Georgia had significantly intensified. The National Botanical Garden of Georgia (NBGG) is a picturesque monument of nature with narrow river gorge, gorgeous waterfalls and monumental cliffs towering over the display gardens. Being located in the historical city centre, it supports a number of cultural heritage features such as part of Narikhala fortification, towers, an arch bridge (so called Queen Tamarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bridge dating from early XVIII c), waterfall bridge (one of the first reinforced concrete bridges built in the Russian empire, which was constructed in 1914), cemetery of Azerbaijanian writers and public figures, old French conservatory (built in 1872 with the carcass being imported from France), etc. Rich plant collections and fragments of natural vegetation located in the middle of a dynamic contemporary capital provide refuge to the wildlife typical for riparian habitats, semi-deserts and steppes. The unique biological environment blends naturally with numerous historical features rendering irresistible attraction to this garden. Healthy microclimate, magnificent landscapes and calm, cozy environment provide a rare shelter for residents and visitors of contemporary megapolis with its ever quickening rhythm of life.

Bichvinta pine (Pinus pityusa Stev.) Bichvinta pine grows on the Georgian Black Sea coast and is a relic endemic species. This conifer grows well on the southern slopes in Tbilisi and Rustavi areas. This highly ornamental plant is 117 years old and reaches the height of 27 m.

Persian ironwood tree (Parrotia persica) Amazing world of woody plants of the botanical garden includes such unique trees as Persian ironwood tree (Parrotia persica) with its eye-catching shapes of stems.

October

Tamara McGregor PORTFOLIO

A conscious aim to devote my life to art has been with me since my childhood. An aim not as a fixed point but in my creative work as a space within which I have to be constantly on the move. My desire to create was born with me. From my first breath and probably until my last one.

I am a very graphic person starting from painting trough mosaics and now dwelling in digital compositions. The walls of my bedroom have seen my first artistic debut and soon, in my teenage years, I started out with many art forms in which I could find myself. Paintings on canvas, wood icons, sculptures, stained glass and mosaics were my first steps into the art world. I work with photographers, and models that inspire me. Inspiration? - It can be anything, a poem of Baudelaire, a movie by Bergman, Tsigan’s song, a tree in autumn, a crane on an ancient kimono, a story told by my father, the blue eyes of my son in a morning, the sweat on the flank of a chestnut horse, a clarinet concerto by Mozart, the reflection of the sun on a dragonflies wing. I love my secretary desk. I open and close it like a treasure chest depending on the subject I am working on, it can be early in the morning or very late at night, some in moments of sadness some in moment of true joy... 100

To Georgia

L’Oeil d’Eros Photo by Guillaume Luisetti Serie “Flowers of Eros” Year 2008

PORTFOLIO

What about?

The art of preserving beauty...

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PORTFOLIO

Bedouin Horizon Photo by Max Margheri Serie â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mes Reines de Papillonâ&#x20AC;? Year 2011

October

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PORTFOLIO

Zuleika Photo of Zuleika Ponsen by Guillaume Luisetti Serie McGregor&Luisetti Year 2008

October

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Madge Evans Serie “Silent Pearls” Year 2009

October

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PORTFOLIO

Warrior No.”Good” Photo of Vladimir Mccrary by Fred Goudon Serie “Soft Hearts” Year 2011

October

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PORTFOLIO

Alice White Serie â&#x20AC;&#x153;Silent Pearlsâ&#x20AC;? Year 2010

Tamara McGregor The theatrical performances: The Master and Margarita (Bulgacov) Bloodshed at a wedding (F.G.Lorca) The Tower of Black Wood (Fowels) The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare) King Lear (Shakespeare) Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare) The wedding of Figaro (Bomarshe) Akutagawa (Ryunosuke Akutagawa) Little Zaches (Hoffmann) Faustus (selected) The Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Yukio Mishima) Exhibitions of Tamara McGregor , ceramics and other art took place in: Spain, Holland, Russia, Georgia, Germany, France Tamara McGregor art can be found in private collections in: USA, England, Scotland, Spain, Georgia, Russia, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Holland, Brazil, Germany, Australia, Portugal, France www.tamaramcgregorart.com

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GALLERY

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GALLERY

Mamuka Kakhniashvili My first application was joint traveling of Charlie Chaplin and Marylyn Monroe – on large paper format, between pure American slogans and Martini glasses. Next temptation was matching of various animated themes together. Thus was rejoined graphic particles and painting. Impressionists were waving to Dadaists, the later to Cubists. Next to this there are sketches from brochure “Bilder zur Literatur”. From then on, I keep working, using materials, oil paints, ink and coal in my works.

October

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GALLERY

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GALLERY

October

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GALLERY

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Gourme Gourmeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

Sport Cafe

Present: Georgian Style Burger Burger bun Suluguni (Georgian Cheese) Wild plum sauce Basilic Garlic Dried coriander Fenugreek Saffron Onion Sirloin Pork Beckon Half egg Pickled cucumbers Tomatoes Lettuce 118

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Special Project

NEW LIFE OF THE

MUSEUM The Georgian National Museum (GNM) was established in December 2004 through a presidential decree. Its origins, however, date back to the founding of the Museum of the Caucasian Department of the Russian Royal Geographic Society in 1852. GNM is the administrative umbrella organization overseeing the two research institutions, and the major museums of Georgia, National Gallery, HouseMuseums. The establishment of the Georgian National Museum is considered to be the beginning of structural, institutional, and legal reforms in the field of cultural heritage. The reform envisages introducing modern management schemes and establishing a homogeneous administrative syste. This initiative aims at elaborating a coherent museum policy, improving the safety conditions for preserved collections, strengthening the education policy in the museum field, and coordinating academic and museum activities.

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Special Project

Georgian National Museum info@museum.ge www.museum.ge Facebook/Georgian National Museum

October

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Special Project

The Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia was founded as the Museum of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Caucasian Department of the Russian Royal Geographic Societyâ&#x20AC;? in 1852. Today, the Museum operates as a scientific and educational institution that preserves and exhibits a unique collection of natural and human history. The Museum houses a wide range of collections, covering the history of the country, showcasing animal remains dated back to 40 million years ago. The Janashia Museum is housing the Soviet Occupation Museum-showcasing the Soviet period terror against Georgians in the 20th century. 122

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Special Project

October

123

Special Project

The National Gallery is located on the nation’s most culturally vibrant Street, Rustaveli. The National Gallery for decades has hosted most culturally entertaining programs. It has been under major renovation in the past couple of years. It is the most prominent, lively and dynamic art exhibitions spaces in the regional art scene under the auspices of the Georgian. Currently, visitors can enjoy the first exhibition “The Masterpieces of Georgian Fine Arts: First Half of 20th century”.v 124

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Special Project

October

125

Special Project

The Open Air Museum was founded in 1966 by George Chitaia, a famous Georgian ethnographer and academician. Over a ten-year period, a team of ethnographers worked under his supervision to research, identify and document examples of vernacular regional Georgian architecture, in preparation for their transport to the museum site in Tbilisi. The Tbilisi Open Air Museum is the regional center for all other Georgian Open Air museums. This includes the other three branches in mountainous areas of Georgia. These are Chazhashi complex â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in Svaneti, Shatili complex- in Khevsureti, and Dartlo complex â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in Tusheti. The Open Air Museum often hosts various seasonal folk exhibitions and festivals throughout the year.

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Special Project

October

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Special Project

The Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts

was established by the beloved Georgian artist Dimitri Shevardnadze in 1920. The Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection accounts for nearly 900,000 pieces. It includes Georgian goldsmith pieces dated back to the 8th -19th centuries, works of Niko Pirosmanashvili, Lado Gudiashvili, Elene Akhvlediani, David Kakabadze and other well known and adored Georgian artists. The Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection is complemented by some Russian, European and Oriental (mainly Persian) works of art.

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Special Project

GUIDE

EMBASSY

Fax: (+995 32) 244 73 64

CHINESE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC EMBASSY,

Tbilisi, 37d T. Tabidze St. Tel: (+995 32) 291 49 70, 291 49 71, 291 49 72 Fax: (+995 32) 295 49 78, 291 49 80

Tbilisi, 12a Kipshidze St. Tel: (+995 32) 225 39 61 Fax: (+995 32) 225 11 86

CZECH REPUBLIC - EMBASSY

Tbilisi, 37 Chavchavadze Ave., b. 6 , Tel: (+995 32) 291 67 40, 291 67 41, 291 67 42 Fax: (+995 32) 291 67 44

Estonia - embassy

Tbilisi, 4 Likhauri lane Tel: (+995 32) 236 51 22, Fax: (+995 32) 236 51 38

GREECE REPUBLIC - EMBASSY

IRAN ISLAMIC REPUBLIC EMBASSY

Tbilisi, 80 Chavchavadze Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 291 36 56, 291 36 57, 291 36 58 Fax: (+995 32) 291 36 28

Italian Republic EMBASSY

EU MONITORING MISSION

Tbilisi, 3a Chitadze St. Tel: (+995 32) 299 64 18 Fax: (+995 32) 299 64 15

Federal Republic of Germany - EMBASSY

Tbilisi, 7d Krtsanisi St. Tel: (+995 32) 275 21 11 Fax: (+995 32) 275 21 12

Tbilisi, 49 Krtsanisi Tel: (+995 32) 224 37 18, 224 37 10

Tbilisi, 20 Telavi St. Tel: (+995 32) 244 73 00, Fax: (+995 32) 244 73 64

GREECE REPUBLIC - EMBASSY

Tbilisi, 37d T. Tabidze St. Tel: (+995 32) 291 49 70, 291 49 71, 291 49 72, Fax: (+995 32) 295 49 78, 291 49 80 www.greekembassy.ge

Estonia - embassy

Tbilisi, 4 Likhauri lane Tel: (+995 32) 236 51 22, Fax: (+995 32) 236 51 38

Federal Republic of Germany - EMBASSY

Tbilisi, 20 Telavi St. Tel: (+995 32) 244 73 00,

Japan - embassy

kingdom of the Netherlands - embassy

Tbilisi, 20 Telavi St. Tel: (+995 32) 227 62 00 Fax: (+995 32) 227 62 32

Kingdom of Sweden EMBassy

Tbilisi, 12 T. Tabidze St Tel: (+995 32) 255 03 20 Fax: (+995 32) 225 12 26

Kingdom of Denmark honorary consulate

Tbilisi,7 N.Nikoladze St. Tel: (+995 32) 299 81 15, (+995 77) 574 40 01 Fax: (+995 32) 292 35 33

Kingdom of Belgium honorary consulate

Tbilisi, 24 Kazbegi Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 246 52 00 Fax: (+995 32) 246 52 00

To Georgia

REPUBLIC OF FRANCE EMBASSY

Tbilisi, 4 Odessa St. Tel: (+995 32) 224 48 58 Fax: (+995 32) 238 14 06

latvia republic - mbassy

Tbilisi, 15 Gogebashvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 299 99 76, 293 42 10 Fax: (+995 32) 295 33 75

lithuania republic embassy

REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY EMBASSY

Tbilisi, 25 Abuladze St. Tel: (+995 32) 291 29 33, 25 81 00 Fax: (+995 32) 222 17 93

norway honorary consulate

Tbilisi, 20 Abasheli St. Tel: (+995 32) 229 09 79 Fax: (+995 32) 229 35 53

People’s Republic of China - EMBASSY

Tbilisi, 52 Barnov St. Tel: (+995 32) 225 26 70

Republic of Armenia EMBASSY

Tbilisi, 4 Tetelashvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 295 17 23, 295 94 43 Fax: (+995 32) 96 42 87

Republic of Azerbaijan EMBASSY

Tbilisi, Kipshidze St., q. 2, b. q Tel: (+995 32) 225 35 26, 225 35 27, 225 26 39 Fax: (+995 32) 225 00 13

Republic of Bulgaria embassy

Tbilisi, 61 Agmashenebeli Ave.

Georgian - American restaurant “Vera Steakhouse. 37a Kostava St. Tbilis. www.verasteakhouse.ge

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Tel: (+995 32) 291 01 94, 91 01 95 Fax: (+995 32) 291 02 70

Tbilisi, 83 Lvovi St. Tel: (+995 32) 239 90 08 Fax: (+995 32) 239 90 04

Republic of Kazakhstan embassy

Tbilisi,23 Shatberashvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 299 76 84 Fax: (+995 32) 229 24 24

Republic of Poland EMBASSY

Tbilisi, 19 Zubalashvili Brothers St. Tel: (+995 32)292 03 98 Fax: (+995 32) 292 03 97

Republic of Turkey EMBASSY

Tbilisi, 35 Chavchavadze Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 225 20 72 Fax: (+995 32) 222 06 66

ROMANIA - EMBASSY

Tbilisi, 7 Lvov St. Tel: (+995 32) 238 53 10 Fax: (+995 32) 238 52 10

RUSSIAN FEDERATION (Russian federation interests section at the Embassy of Switzerland)

Tbilisi, 51 Chavchavadze Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 291 26 45 Fax: (+995 32) 291 27 38

SPAIN honorary CONSULATE

Tbilisi, 29 I. Abashidze St. Tel: (+995 32) 235 58 35

Embassy of Israel to Georgia

154 Agmashenebeli ave. Tbilisi 0112 Tel: (+995 32) 255 65 00

Swiss Confederation embassy

Tbilisi, 11 Krtsanisi St. Tel: (+995 32) 275 30 01, 75 30 02 Fax: (+995 32) 275 30 06

UKRAINE - EMBASSY

Tbilisi, 75 Oniashvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 231 11 61 Fax: (+995 32) 231 11 81

united kingdom of GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHern IRELAND - EMBASSY

Tbilisi, 4 Freedom Sq. Tel: (+995 32) 227 47 47 Fax: (+995 32)227 47 92

USA - EMBASSY

Tbilisi, 11 Balanchini St. Tel: (+995 32) 227 70 00 Fax: (+995 32) 227 77 01

VATICAN (the holy see)

Tbilisi, Nutsubidze plateau 2m/d,40 Zhgenti St. Tel: (+995 32) 253 76 01, 253 76 04 Fax: (+995 32) 253 67 04

Entering Dzveli Sakhli, you seem to travel in the Old Tbilisi of XIXceturies

GUIDE

Hotels

Sheraton Batumi

(+995 250) 27 30 30

Tetnuldi

Restaurant- 29 I. Abashidze St. Tbilisi

tel: (+995 90) 512 33 44

restaurant-7 Gorgasali St. Tbilisi

3 Metekhi slope, Tbilisi

Buffet - Italian Cuisine

Georgian Restaurant Beliashvili St. Tbilisi tel: (+995 95) 243 10 20

Svaneti-Mestia, Margiani str.9 Batumi, Vazha-Pshavela str.2 Tbilsi, Rousen square Tel: (+995 32) 240 22 00

Radisson Blu Hotel, Batumi

Intourist Batumi Palace

Batumi, E.Ninoshvilis str. 11 tel: (+995 222) 7 55 25

Citadines

Tbilisi, Freedom square 4 Tel: (+995 32) 254 70 30

Holidey Inn

Bagrati

Kutaisi, A.Cereteli 2a tel: (+995 331) 4 75 76

Sport Hotel Gudauri

Gudauri

Sheraton Metechi Palase

Gudauri

PolSport

Bakuriani, Didveli (Close to Tatra-puma lift)

Marriott Tbilisi

26 May square1Tbilisi, (+99532) 293 14 04

Tbilisi, Telavi str. 20 tel: (+995 32) 277 20 20

Telavi, I. Chavchavadze str.154 tel: (+995 32) 272 90 09, (+995 99) 531 69 28,

31 I. Abashidze St. Tbilisi

Caravan - Literary ArtCafé

10 Purtseladze St. Tbilisi

China Town - Chinese Restaurant

Dzveli Sakhli –Georgian Restaurant - 3 Sanapiro St. Tbilisi

Tbilisi, Rustaveli ave 13 tel: (+995 32) 277 92 00

RESTAURANTS, BARS,CAFES

Betsy’s hotel is an exquisitely decorated boutique hotel overlooking the center of Tbilisi.Tbilisi Makashvili str.32/34 www.betsyshotel.com

Missoni – Lounge,

Cocktail Bar - 11 Erekle II St. Tbilisi

Old Metekhi Phaeton –

Pur Pur

1 A. Tbileli st. Tbilisi

10’ A

Salve – French cuisine

Sakura

Japanese Restaurant - 29 I. Abashidze St. Tbilisi

Tsiskvili

In the shadow of Metekhi

Georgian Restaurant The Right Bank of the R. Mtkvari. Tbilisi tel: (+995 32) 253 07 97

Kala – Café

Club-Restaurant - 7 Bambis Rigi St. Tbilisi

KGB - Cafe with Soviet Interior

American/Georgian Restaurant -37a Kostava St. Tbilisi

L’express - French Cafe

Asian Restaurant - 29 I. Abashidze St. Tbilisi

Georgian Restaurant-29 K. Tsamebuli Ave. Tbilisi tel: (+995 32) 277 93 83 8/10 Erekle II St. Tbilisi tel: (+995 99) 279 97 37

Rcheuli Villa

Rcheuli Marani

Bread House- Georgian

on Chardin Street- 12 Chardin St. Tbilisi

Tbilsi, Freedom square 4 Tel: (+995 32) 277 91 00 Fax: (+995 32) 277 91 10

Batumi, N. Zhordania str. 31 tel: (+995 32) 272 90 09, (+995 99) 31 69 28, (+995 222) 7 07 07

Belle De Jour - French

Chardin 12 Restaurant

Carpe Diem

Courtyard Marriott –

Batumi .1 Ninoshvili Street 6000 Batumi Tel: +995 422 255 555 Fax: +995 422 228 888

Matryoshka – Slavic

cuisine- Hero’s Square, Tbilisi

PIROSMANI

Signagi, Central square tel: (+995 255) 4 30 30

Radisson blu IVERIA

Antre

Batonebi - American café 64 Paliashvili st. Tbilisi

8/10 King Erekle St. Tbilisi

14 Chardin St. Tbilisi

Maspindzelo - Sakhinkle

Restaurants Network - 7 Bambis Rigi St. Tbilisi tel: (+995 32) 230 30 30

Two Side

Vera Steak House

Vong

Dinning Room

38, Paliashvili Street Tbilisi, Georgia tel: (+995 32) 225 09 00

Citadines Freedom Square Tbilisi is the first Apartment Hotel in Georgia. http://www.citadines.com/georgia/tbilisi/freedom_square.html

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GUIDE 10 A

Abanotubani, Tbilisi, Georgia tel: (+995 32) 272 00 21

Clubs two Side Party-Club

Tbilisi, 7 Bambis rigi St., reservation: Tel: (+995 32) 230 30 30

Bamba rooms

Tbilisi, 12 Bambis rigi Tel: (+995 32) 243 99 77

Beatles CLUB

Tbilisi, 25 Kostava St. Tel: (+995 32) 292 09 50

CITY CLUB

Tbilisi, 22 Metechi St., I fl. Tel: (+995 92) 532 32 32

NIGHT CLUBS CLUB 33A

Tbilisi, 76 Chavchavadze Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 222 51 33

Tel: (+995 90) 521 21 21, (+995 95) 221 21 21

Tel: (+995 32) 269 66 47, 269 66 51

night flight

THEATERS

Tbilisi, Baratashvili bridge, Mtkvari Right embankment Tel: (+995 32) 292 30 17 Fax: (+995 32) 292 30 16

SAFE

Tbilisi, 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 293 58 11, 93 18 40 Fax: (+995 32) 293 31 15

CINEMA

Tbilisi, 8 Merjanishvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 295 35 82

AMIRANI

G. MICKELADZE STATE TOY THEATRE

Tbilisi, 11 Rkinis rigi Tel: (77) 522 02 82

fingers theatre

Tbilisi, 36 Kostava St. Tel: (+995 32) 299 99 55, Fax: (+995 32) 293 38 71

CACHE - CINEMA CLUB

Tbilisi, 18 Nikoladze St. Tel: (+995 32) 225 05 80

CACHE - CINEMA CLUB

Tbilisi, 9 Kiacheli St. Tel: (+995 32) 299 05 51, (+995 99) 544 08 18

CINEMA HOUSE

Guru

Tbilisi, 44 Chavchavadze Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 229 25 34, (+995 97) 290 14 94

kalakuri

Tbilisi, 13 Shavteli St. Tel: (+995 32) 299 66 83 Fax: (+995 32) 292 24 96

MOVIE TIME

RUSTAVELI

Tbilisi, 5 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 292 03 57, 292 02 85, Fax: (+995 32) 255 50 00

SAKARTVELO

magti club

Tbilisi, 22 Rustaveli Ave.

Tbilisi, 2/9 Guramishvili Ave.

Tbilisi, 64 Guramishvili Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 261 84 26, 261 84 13

INDEPENDENT THEATRE

Tbilisi, 64 Paliashvili St. Tel: (+995 90) 222 64 64

Tbilisi, 12 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 298 38 03, (+995 93) 522 20 60

Tbilisi,103Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 295 69 03 Fax: (+995 32) 295 17 13

G. SHAVGULIDZE THEATRE SAKHIOBA

why not

Tbilisi, 45 Kostava St. Tel: (+995 91) 568 88 00

A. GRIBOEDOV RUSSIAN STATE DRAMA THEATRE

Tbilisi, 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 298 58 21 Fax: (+995 32) 293 31 15

K. MARJANISHVILI STATE ACADEMIC THEATRE

Tbilisi, 8 Marjanishvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 295 35 82 Fax: (+995 32) 295 40 01

kakha bakuradze movement theatre

KONSTANTINE GAMSAKHURDIA SOKHUMI STATE DRAMA THEATRE

Tbilisi, 11a Leonidze St. Tel: (+995 32) 299 74 27, (+995 99) 257 95 92

M. TUMANISHVILI CINEMA ACTORS THEATRE

Tbilisi,164 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 235 31 52, 234 28 99, 235 70 13 Fax: (+995 32) 235 01 94

meore sakhli (the second home)

Tbilisi, 60 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 295 78 22

music and dramatic state theatre

Tbilisi,182 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 234 80 90, 234 79 59 Fax: (+995 32) 234 80 90

nabadi - georgian folklore theatre

Tbilisi, 19 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 298 99 91

nodar dumbadze state children`s theatre

Tbilisi, 99/1Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 295 50 67, 95 78 74 Fax: (+995 32) 296 32 89

Royal quarter theatre

Tbilisi,182 Agmashenebeli Ave. (Mushtaidi) Tel: (+995 99) 556 87 57

Tbilisi, 10 Abesadze St. Tel: (+995 32) 292 38 70 Fax: (+995 32) 299 61 71

abaSiZis 10/ 995 32 222222

Bar F1 - 10 Abashidze str. Tbilisi. Booking: (99532) 2252257

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Cocktail Bar - 11 Erekle II St. Tbilisi

S. AKHMETELI STATE DRAMATIC THEATRE

Tbilisi, 8 I. Vekua St. Tel: (+995 32) 262 61 97, 262 59 73

SH. RUSTAVELI state THEATRE

Tbilisi, 17 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 293 65 83, 293 18 94 Fax: (+995 32) 299 63 73

SOKHUMI CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Tbilisi, 8 Tetelashvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 296 17 40

TBILISI STATE MARIONETTE THEATRE

Tbilisi, 26 Shavteli St. Tel: (+995 32) 298 65 89, 298 65 93 Fax: (+995 32) 298 65 89

TEATRALURI SARDAPI – RUSTAVELI

Tbilisi, 42 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 299 95 00

Theatre – veriko

Tbilisi, 16 Anjaparidze St. Tel: (+995 32) 222 13 38, 299 98 96 Fax: (+995 32) 222 13 38

THEATRE OF PANTOMIME

Tbilisi, 37 Rustaveli Av. Tel: (+995 32) 299 63 14, (+995 77) 541 41 50

theatre on atoneli

Tbilisi, 31 Atoneli St. Tel: (+995 32) 293 32 38

GUIDE Z. PALIASHVILI TBILISI STATE THEATRE OF OPERA AND BALLET

Tbilisi, 25 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 298 32 48, 298 32 49 Fax: (+995 32) 298 32 48

Batumi Theatre

Batumi, Rustaveli str. 1

Kutaisi Thetre

Kutaisi, Agmashenebeli square 1

GALLERY ART AND ANTIQUE SALON

Tbilisi, 30 Leselidze St. Tel: (+995 32) 292 05 76

ART GALLERY LINE

Tbilisi, 7 Bambis Rigi; 44 Leselidze St.; Airport,

“primeclass” CIP lounges

Tel: (+995 32) 250 85 80 Fax: (+995 32) 250 85 80

BAIA GALLERY

Tbilisi, 10 Chardin St. Tel: (+995 32) 275 45 10, (+995 99) 550 53 02

CAMEO

Tbilisi, 11 Rkinis Rigi Tel: (+995 32) 272 48 72, (+995 93) 531 92 66

CHARDIN

Tbilisi, 13 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 299 09 25

EVENT GALLERY

Tbilisi, 8/10 Erekle II St. Tel: (+995 32) 293 89 14

GALA

Tbilisi, 27 Atoneli St. Tel: (+995 32) 293 14 18

GEORGIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM - PICTURE GALLERY

Tbilisi, 11 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 298 48 14

GIA GALLERY

Tbilisi, 9 Griboedov St. Tel: (+995 32) 251 43 87, (+995 99) 546 32 72

GTM Frame

Tbilisi, 10 Abashidze St. Tel: (+995 32) 223 21 07

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HOBBY

Tbilisi, 8 Chanturia St. Tel: (+995 32) 298 98 89, (+995 99) 556 99 71

KARVASLA’S EXHIBITION HALL

Tbilisi, 8 Sioni St. Tel: (+995 32) 292 32 27

KOPALA

Tbilisi, 7 Zubalashvilebi St. Tel: (+995 32) 299 99 02 Fax: (+995 32) 299 99 02

LA MAISON BLEUE - TEXTILE ART STUDIO

Tbilisi, 94 Barnov St. Tel: (+995 32) 223 21 16, (+995 93) 530 70 29

M GALLERY

Tbilisi, 11 Taktakishvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 225 23 34

MARCO

RUSUDAN PETVIASHVILI`S GALLERY

Tbilisi, 103 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 295 28 20, (+995 99) 550 20 80 Fax: (+995 32) 295 17 13

TEVDORE

Tbilisi, 6 Erekle II St. Tel: (+995 32) 298 98 56

museums Animation Toy`s Museum

Tbilisi, 23 Amagleba St. Tel: (+995 32) 299 57 88

Archaeological Museum

Cinema Historical Museum

NEWKAZ - TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

Tbilisi, 5 Janashia St. Tel: (+995 32) 223 37 56, (+995 99) 551 68 42 Fax: (+995 32) 223 37 56

ORNAMENT - ENAMEL GALLERY

Tbilisi, 7 Erekle II St. Tel: (+995 32) 293 64 12 Fax: (+995 32) 298 90 13

PHOKANI - GALLERY OF PHOKA ST. NINO NUNNERY

Tbilisi, 7 Bambis rigi Tel: (+995 32) 243 90 47, (+995 99) 597 60 51

RUSTAVELI 34

Tbilisi, 34 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 99) 573 17 30

Georgian National Museum

Georgian National Museum-Picture Gallery

MODERN ART GALLERY

Tbilisi, 15 G. Akhvlediani St. Tel: (+995 32) 292 00 53, (+995 99) 590 33 09

Tbilisi, 6 Samgebro St. Tel: (+995 32) 245 77 20, (+995 32) 245 77 21

Tbilisi, 3 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 299 71 76, 298 48 11 Fax: (+995 32) 298 21 33

VERNISAGE

Tbilisi, Agmashenebeli Alley Tel: (+995 32) 252 13 05

N GALLERY AND SANDRO ANTADZE

Georgian Folk Songs and Instruments’ Museu

Tbilisi, 17/6 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 291 00 24

Tbilisi, 30/2 Leselidze St. Tel: (+995 32) 299 88 72, (+995 97) 574 33 00 Tbilisi, 3 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 298 21 33 Fax: (+995 32) 298 21 33

Tbilisi, Kus tba highway 1 Tel: (+995 32) 272 90 46

Tbilisi, 88 I. Javakhishvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 34 74 79, 91 01 92

D. Baazov Georgian Jewish Historical Ethnographical Museum

Tbilisi,3Anton Catholicos St. Tel: (+995 32) 298 59 92, (+995 32) 298 90 62

Dendrologic Museum (BOTANIC GARDEN

Tbilisi, 1 Botanikuri St. Tel: (+995 32) 272 11 85 Fax: (+995 32) 272 34 09

E. Akhvlediani HouseMuseum

Tbilisi, 12 Kiacheli St. Tel: (+995 32) 299 74 12

Folk and Applied Arts Museum

Tbilisi, 28 Sh. Dadiani St. Tel: (+995 32) 299 97 22, (+995 32) 299 61 52

George Chitaia The Open Air Ethnographical Museum

Tbilisi, 11 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 298 48 14

Georgian Olympic Museum

Tbilisi, 2 Dolidze St. Tel: (+995 32) 236 57 23, 236 57 20

I.Chavchavadze HouseMuseum

Tbilisi, 22 Chubinashvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 295 02 60

K.Marjanishvili State Academic Theatre’s Museum

Tbilisi, 8 Marjanishvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 294 00 76

Fax: (+995 32) 298 21 33

Sh.Rustaveli Academic Theatre’s Museum

Tbilisi, 17 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 298 40 51

Simon Janashia Georgian Museum

Tbilisi, 3 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 299 80 22 Fax: (+995 32) 298 21 33

Soviet Occupation Museum

Tbilisi, 3 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 299 80 22 Fax: (+995 32) 234 86 51

State Museum of Theatre, Museum and Cinema

Tbilisi, 6 Kargareteli St. Tel: (+995 32) 295 19 00, 295 86 98

State Silk Museum Tbilisi

6 Tsabadze St. Tel: (+995 32) 234 09 67, 234 09 63 Fax: (+995 32) 234 09 67

Tbilisi Z.Paliashvili Opera and Ballet State Theatre’s

Museum Tbilisi, 25 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 293 37 43

Toy’s Museum

Minerals Museum

Tbilisi, 17 Shavteli St. Tel: (+995 32)2 99 53 37, 299 65 11

Mirza Fatali Akhundov Azerbaijanian Culture Museum

Vakhtang Chabukiani Museum

Tbilisi, 27/1 Leselidze St. Tel: (+995 32) 298 92 89

Tbilisi, 17 Gorgasali St. Tel: (+995 32) 272 15 71, 275 35 30

Money Museum

Tbilisi, 83/23 Agmashenebeli St. Tel: (+995 32) 295 19 63 Fax: (+995 32) 223 70 25

Z.Paliashvili HouseMuseum

Tbilisi, 3/5 Leonidze St. Tel: (+995 32) 244 24 05, 244 24 06

Tbilisi, 10 Bakradze St. Tel: (+995 32) 299 81 16

Niko Pirosmanashvili State Museum

The National Center of Manuscripts,

Tbilisi, 29 Pirosmani St. Tel: (+995 32) 295 86 73

Sh.Amiranashvili State Museum of Arts

Tbilisi, 1 Gudiashvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 299 99 09

1/3, M. Alexidze. Georgia,Tbilisi Tel.(+995 32) 236 41 85 Fax:(+995 32) 236 32 41 www. manuscript.ge

12 Chanturia str., 0108 Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: +995 32 433 433 +995 32 106 392 info@investingeorgia.org www.investingeorgia.org

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Anaklia- new Jewel on the coast of Black Sea Parliament building. Visitors will enjoy the new infrastructure in Anaklia, as well as a kilometer- and- a half long boulevard that is ornamented with bronze sculptures, palms, modern lights, open-air and indoor cafes. Bicycle paths are also ready for use. The longest in Europe - 540m long pedestrian bridge, connects Anaklia with another seaside settlement –Ganmukhuri. Moreover,vacationers who come to Anaklia will have access to one of the first and most outstanding yacht-clubs in Georgia.

On August 22, President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili officially opened the new resort on the coast of the Black Sea in a festive atmosphere. Located in the Samegrelo-ZemoSvaneti region, where the Enguri River runs into the Black Sea near the administrative border of Abkhazia, Anaklia promises to set a new standard for holiday vacations. Its favorable location allows visitors to enjoy perfect beaches, clean water, sunny weather and unique hospitality of local population. While being in Anaklia one can taste best of Georgian cuisine, culture and feel a real beauty of its nature. “It is impossible not to fall in love with Anaklia. It has the best climate on the Black Sea coast. We have an exceptional country that all of us adore, but in terms of climate, Anaklia is on the top of our list. Here you feel lightness and comfort,” Saakashvili said in his speech at an opening ceremony of the resort. “A beautiful river flowing into the sea, islands covered with green tropical foliage, lakes and the most beautiful lush gardens, reminds one of a paradise” president added. President Saakashvili was also the brainchild behind the building of the resort. Anaklia, formally designated as a village within the Zugdidi municipality, was given the status of a city by the decision of Mikheil Saakashvili. Alberto Domingo Cabo, a Spanish Architect at the Valencia-based CMD Ingenieros, an engineering and architecture firm, was contracted by Georgian authorities to design Anaklia’s landscape, as well as a project that envisages a coastal park and promenade with an estimated worth of EUR 16.5 million. CMD Ingenieros has previously designed up to 20 governmentcommissioned projects in Georgia, including the new

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At the opening of the resort Saakashvili also laid the foundation of a new luxury hotel called “Guesthouse”, the world class Aqua Park and a new stadium. According to Vera Kobalia, Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, a new aqua park developed by the Canadian company White Water West a worldwide manufacturer and designer of water parks, will add value to the new luxury resort making it a desirable tourist destination in the region. “It is important that the aqua park developer is rather successful; twenty of its Aqua parks are already regarded to be best in the world” added the Minister. White Water West is specializing in water slides, AquaPlay™ interactive water play structures, wave pools and other equipment. The company has won numerous awards in the past for its work. With a diverse selection of water slides, the new aqua park will create enough space for family leisure and offers the holiday-maker and lovers of extreme water activities a chance to enjoy an unforgettable vacation. The construction and groundwork of hotels, football fields, basketball courts and other projects for relaxing have already begun. It is anticipated that the pleasant climate in Anaklia will encourage the development of maritime sports at the resort. Opening ceremony attracted thousands of people, and the hotel occupancy rate has reached 100%. Among guests was Leila Meskhi, the President of Georgian Tennis Federation who expressed her appreciation towards the resort. “Anaklia has become an impressive city. I have visited some sport facilities that have prospect of hosting several professional sporting tournaments,” she noted. Prior to the opening of the resort, a newly-built five star-hotel, the “Golden Fleece”, with 105 ultramodern rooms had already been completed and had welcomed its first visitors. The hotel entrance has an 8-meter long luster created with Swarovs-

12 Chanturia str., 0108 Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: +995 32 433 433 +995 32 106 392 info@investingeorgia.org www.investingeorgia.org

ki crystals and there are four swimming pools for the guest’s enjoyment. The visitors have a choice between standard, VIP and presidential apartments all with a sea view. “The Golden Fleece’s staff is ready to welcome the guests and to offer them plenty of services. These include a restaurant, yacht-club, conference hall and an entertainment center for children,” said Nato Gerzmava, the Manager of Golden Fleece. According to Saakashvili Anaklia resort will attract around 200,000 tourists during the next few years. Last year Georgia was visited by 2 million people and it is anticipated that in overall Georgia will host 5 million tourists by 2015”. Keti Bochorishvili, Director of Georgian National Investment Agency: There are three hotels already functioning in Anaklia. Projects for two more hotels are confirmed and the hotels will open in two years time. The Free Tourism Zone development envisages providing additionally five hotels with 440 rooms. Currently GNIA is negotiating with three hotel developers from China, Turkey and Russia. The total investment volume is expected to reach 20 million USD. Our agency is actively involved in negotiations process with numerous companies operating in the field of hospitality. We plan to participate in several international real estate exhibitions presenting the sector potential in Georgia and among them promoting new Anaklia resort.

“Anaklia will become a unique place in terms of gaming as well” adds Keti Bochorishvili. According to GNIA director laws in surrounding countries prevent people

from enjoying gaming facilities, but Anaklia will provide them with World Class Gaming experience similar to Las Vegas and Monte Carlo. Georgia is surrounded by the countries where gambling activities are completely or partially forbidden and the population of those counties exceeds 450,000 million. This presents a unique opportunity for investors who are willing to come and start doing business in Anaklia. Looking at the master plan of Anaklia, it is obvious that the resort is in a privileged position thanks to excellent access conditions. Construction of new AnakliaPotihighway was started this year. This new road will make it possible to cover the distance between two cities in 20 minutes by car, connecting Anaklia with other coastal cities of Georgia like Kobuleti. The impressive opening of the new resort city was topped-off with a grand concert. Those performing included several Georgian singers such as Vazha Mania, Sopho Khalvashi, Nino Surguladze, and Giorgi Ushikishvili. The performances took place at the newly built amphitheatre which also has a disco which is able to hold 1,500 people. The Tbilisi Symphonic Orchestra, directed by Vakhtang Kakhidze enchanted the audience by performing masterpieces of classical music. According to Alberto Domingo Cabo, the amphitheater is conceived as an eye that looks out at the sea. Big applause broke out in the crowd during the finale of the celebration, when Khatia Buniatishvili, a famous Georgian pianist first crossed the new walking path and played for the audience. Then bursts of golden fireworks lit up the sky after the pianist’s performance.

12 Chanturia str., 0108 Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: +995 322 433 433/ +995 322 106 392 enquiry@investingeorgia.org www.investingeorgia.org

INSIDER

Back to the Future MODI Magazine had meet with PR Manager Bank of Georgia Sophie Balavadze and revealed some interesting aspects about Moving to the new headquarters in the unique building that formerly housed the Soviet Ministry of the Roads. What is so exceptional about this building?

Why choose the bank of Georgia?

The unique building that formerly housed the Soviet Ministry of the Roads was erected in 1975 by two Georgian architects, Giorgi Chakhava and Zurab Jalaghania. The architectural concept of the building was a bold decision and break-through thinking at the time. The edifice was naturally integrated into the surrounding landscape and despite of the immensity of the building it occupies far less space on the ground compared to its size. The construction connected two architectural styles – Soviet Constructivism and Japanese Metabolism. The building became a famous case abroad, far sooner than it did so in the Soviet Union. The Ministry of the Roads made the cover of the renown American Time magazine. A well known magazine Domus mentioned the building, as well as other wide spread European magazines. An article appeared in the New York Times. Since 1986 the building bears the status of an architectural monument.

We, at Bank of Georgia are very proud to be housed in this outstanding building that has well deserved its title of an architectural masterpiece. All the elements of the architectural monument have been preserved – the composition, color, the feel. The fact that the building will house the largest financial institution in the country will allow a lot of visitors to the edifice which previously had not been the case. There are two features that have been added to the surrounding territory, taking into consideration the landscape and the metabolism style. The two features are a glass cube and parking space. The cube is that analogous to the one of the Musee du Louvre – in order to handle the large number of people entering the building, a group of young architects has conceived a glass cube outside the building through which one will enter the first level, through an escalator. Also, because there was no possibility to park a car anywhere nearby, a modern parking lot is being constructed.

What about the renovation process? Bank of Georgia bought the building as a result of a tender, in 2007. In summer 2010 the renovation began and after a year’s time the Bank will be moving to its new headquarters. The famous monument remained untouched from the outside. The interior has been renovated to meet the needs of a modern office building. The employees are being thought of the most – apart from a comfortable working space, they will enjoy a modern parking space, gym and cafeteria. What do you expect from moving to the new headquarters? Moving to the new headquarters will allow Bank of Georgia to house all of its departments under one roof. This is a strategic decision that will enable the Bank to become more efficient and fast. The end result will be swifter operations and more client satisfaction.

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October

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World Standard Clinic in Georgia

Interview with Gocha Ingorokva, a High-Tech Medical Centre and University Clinic Executive Director A new university clinic is opened within the First Clinic, the so called “the Aramyansky Hospital”. As the specialists assure, nowadays it is one of the most wide scale project being implemented in healthcare. The clinic is executed by a well-known neurosurgeon Gocha Ingorokva, who has managed to attract high professional and skillful staff all over Georgia. The clinic is equipped with top-notch medical facilities. It is multi profile and includes cancer diagnostic ward being unique throughout Caucasus region, south Russia, and northern Turkey. You can see experts of leading hospitals from different countries permanently working together with their Georgian colleagues here. 140

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Is there any standard you have used while projecting this clinic? Our clinic is projected and built according to standards provided by International Atom Energy Agency (IAEA). It is equipped with “ECLIPSE” 3D projecting system, two top-notch accelerators by “VARIANI”, and 16-slised CAT by “TOSHIBA”. All that together with our highly qualified professional staff makes it available to offer complete and total treatment to our patients suffering from cancer.

How difficult was the way from idea to result? Establishment of such clinic required great efforts and hard work. We managed to attract professionals from different branches including medical physicists, radiotherapy technicians, and team of high

qualified doctors. All of them have had trainings at leading European and American radiotherapy clinics, and still keep on developing their knowledge permanently. Besides, we had intensive consultations with foreign constructing and management companies. The Bank of Georgia provided finance.

How would you assess your cooperation with Bank of Georgia? Bank of Georgia has provided financing for this project. The Bank approached the project with great enthusiasm. We have addressed almost every bank in Georgia, and Bank of Georgia came out to be the one that showed commitment. Without Bank of Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support, the project could not have gained success in such a short period of time. This bank is very comfortable to work with, the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experienced staff helped us in every way, and we could regularly consult them on financial issues. For this project Bank of Georgia has assumed 80% of the risk. Validity of the loan issued to our company is long-term, including the preferential first year. The rest 20% counts on the clinic.

How many wards are there? And, do you intend to widen the project? We have already opened seven wards covering all aspects of cancer treatment. It is intended to open Atom Medicine Department offering diagnostic and atom medicine treatment here. Is your service affordable for patients having average or medium income? The clinic offers world standard high tech treatment at three times lower price than in other countries. We cooperate with insurance companies, and serve the patients benefiting from different national programs including teachers, also those being in extreme poverty, etc. Are there any programs on cancer prevention implemented in Georgia? The First Lady of Georgia has been actively conducting such programs in our country. The program participation is the most effective way to prevent cancer since it reveals disease at early stages and gives chance for total recovery.

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“Horeca Georgia” for good service in hospitality business

General manager of the company “Horeca Georgia” Nata Meburishvili , Presents how important is to have good service in hospitality business. Horeca Georgia’s (hotel and restaurant) consulting staff has years of experience in hotel and restaurant development and operations management. Consulting services we provide are unique for each project we undertake, and are therefore tailored to meet each client’s individual needs. Our experience makes us ideally suited to assist you with your hotel and restaurant development project, from pre-opening to opening. Success in the hospitality industry is defined in many different ways. For Horeca Georgia, that definition lies in providing return on investment and increasing asset value for its clients. Achieving this level of success involves many factors. HG provides proactive management of those factors implemented through the following programs that are consistently applied at each managed property: Do I Need a Hotel & Restaurant Management Company? It is one of the most important decisions that any hotel owner has to make. Should they run their hotel themselves or through their own organization, or should they employ the services of a professional hotel management company? The answer to the question lies in the experience level and amount of time that can be allotted to the management of the property. Horeca Georgia offers you organizing of all kind of events, celebrations, presentations, corporate parties, conferences, coffee breaks and gala dinners, wedding planner services. Our professional staff will provide excellent quality celebrity services Time is money. As a full-service Hotel & Restaurant Management Company, HG leverages time for hotel and restaurant owners by taking care of the day-to-day details of management at their hotels. This allows them to concentrate on the things that are more important in their lives. 142

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Finde us on Facebook, horecageorgia@yahoo.com tel: +995 595 155 994

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