Adjara History

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Adjara History

Adjara, like the whole Georgia has had hard and diverse past. It has been known as a historical and geographic entity since ancient times. According of historians the territory used to be inhabited since the Stone Age. The monuments of this age are found in Belula, near the mountainous resort Beshumi. The Chorokhi basin used to be one of the main hearths of bronze metallurgy. Hence, the abundance of monuments belonging to the Bronze and Early Iron Ages there. The ancient world was well-acquainted with Adjara. It used to have active cultural and trade relation with Colchida Kingdom.

Georgian chronicles first mention Adjara in the 3-rd century BC as part of the Kartli Kingdom. It was here that Christianity was cradled in Georgia. This significant historic event is connected with Christ’s Apostle Andrew and First-Called who was the first to enter Adjara and preach Christianity.

Gonio-Apsaros Fortress, located in Gonio near Batumi, is dated back to I century AD. It is called mighty Colchian Citadel representing the most valuable monument of Adjaran history and an important research sphere for archaeology to this day. Besides, it is here that one of the most significant Christian sanctities is expected to be found the grave of Apostle St. Mathias. It is known that he was elected the twelfth Apostle instead of Judas Iscariot. According to the historic sources he spent last years of his life in Adjara and was buried there.

Architecture, writing, copying, wood and leather processing was highly developed in Medieval Adjara.

Adjara was ruled by the Prince Eristavt - Eristavi during 9-13 centuries. In XVII century Adjara was conquered by the Ottomans and moaned under their yoke until 1878. During all that period Adjara never bent under the huge Ottoman Empire. The population used to rebel, followed Christianity, preserved language and passed Georgian and Orthodox customs and traditions from generation to generation. In 1878, as a result of Russian-Turkish war, Adjara was reunited back to mother-Georgia.

XIX century sees the beginning of new stage in the history of Adjara. The region started to follow the path of economic and social reconstruction and development. After becoming Georgia the Soviet State, in 1921, Adjara was announced the Autonomous Republic, It retains the status up to this day.

During the last century under the Soviet leadership, Adjara was developing within the frames of common soviet space.

After the “Rose Revolution” and famous November events in 2003, the Adjaran population made its choice in May 2004 and today it follows the path of revival and reconstruction.

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