Kutaisi

Kutaisi
Name	Kutaisi
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Georgia
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision name1	Imereti
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Ioseb Khakhaleishvili
Area total km2	67.7
Population total	135,201
Population as of	2023
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	Georgia Time
Utc offset	+4
Coordinates	42, 15, 0, N...
Elevation m	80-300
Website	kutaisi.gov.ge

Kutaisi. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a former capital of the ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Iberia. Strategically located on the banks of the Rioni River, it serves as the legislative capital of Georgia and the administrative center of the Imereti region. The city is renowned for its rich historical heritage, including the Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

History

The area's history dates to the Bronze Age, with Greek mythology identifying it as the destination of Jason and the Argonauts in their quest for the Golden Fleece. It served as the capital of the legendary Kingdom of Colchis and later became a major center of the medieval Kingdom of Georgia, particularly under King David IV and Queen Tamar. The city was a focal point during conflicts with the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire, which annexed the region in the early 19th century. In the 20th century, it was an important industrial hub within the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic. Following the Rose Revolution, the Parliament of Georgia relocated its seat here in 2012, reaffirming its national significance.

Geography and climate

Situated in the central-western part of the country within the Imereti lowlands, the city lies along both banks of the Rioni River, approximately 220 kilometers west of Tbilisi. The urban area is nestled between the Caucasus Mountains and the Kolkheti plain. It experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild, wet winters, with significant precipitation influenced by air masses from the Black Sea. The surrounding landscape features numerous caves, including the famous Prometheus Cave.

Demographics

According to the latest data from the National Statistics Office of Georgia, the population is predominantly Georgian Orthodox, with the majority belonging to the Georgian ethnicity. Historically, the city had significant communities of Jews, Armenians, and Greeks, though their numbers have declined. The primary language is Georgian, with the local Imeretian dialect widely spoken. Major educational institutions include Akaki Tsereteli State University and the Kutaisi International University.

Economy

Traditionally an industrial center, its economy was dominated by manufacturing, including the Kutaisi Automobile Plant and various machine-building factories. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, many state-owned enterprises declined. Recent economic development has been driven by the construction of the new Parliament of Georgia building and associated infrastructure. The city is a growing hub for logistics and tourism, bolstered by the presence of Kutaisi International Airport and several international hotel chains. The Free Industrial Zone and investments from companies like JSC Georgian Railway aim to stimulate export-oriented manufacturing.

Culture and landmarks

The city is a major cultural center, home to the Kutaisi State Historical Museum and the Kutaisi Opera and Ballet State Theatre. Its most iconic landmarks are the Bagrati Cathedral, an 11th-century masterpiece, and the nearby Gelati Monastery, a medieval academy founded by King David IV. The historic district features the Colchis Fountain and the ruins of the Ukimerioni Fortress. Annual events include the Kutaisi City Day festival. The city's literary heritage is associated with figures like Galaktion Tabidze and Konstantine Gamsakhurdia.

Transport

The city is a key transport node in western Georgia. Kutaisi International Airport, located 14 kilometers west, is a base for the low-cost carrier Wizz Air and offers flights to numerous European destinations. It is connected to the national road network via the S1 highway and the E60 highway, part of the European route E60. The central railway station provides connections to Tbilisi and the Black Sea port of Poti via the JSC Georgian Railway. Public transport within the city consists primarily of minibuses and municipal buses.

Category:Cities in Georgia (country) Category:Capitals in Asia Category:Populated places in Imereti