Tiflis

Tiflis
Name	Tiflis
Native name	თბილისი
Settlement type	Capital city
Coordinates	41, 43, N, 44...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Georgia
Established title	Founded
Established date	c. 5th century AD
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Kakha Kaladze
Area total km2	504.2
Population total	1,118,035
Population as of	2016
Population density km2	auto

Tiflis. Known historically as Tiflis and now officially as Tbilisi, it is the capital and largest city of the nation of Georgia. Strategically situated along the Kura River at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it has served as a major cultural, political, and economic center for centuries. Its complex history is reflected in a diverse architectural tapestry, blending medieval, Art Nouveau, and Soviet-era structures.

History

The city's foundation in the 5th century AD is traditionally attributed to King Vakhtang I Gorgasali. It became the capital of the Kingdom of Iberia and later the Kingdom of Georgia, flourishing as a key node on the Silk Road. Tiflis faced numerous invasions, falling under the control of the Arabs, the Seljuk Empire, and the Mongol Empire. In 1801, following the Treaty of Georgievsk, it was annexed by the Russian Empire and became the administrative center of the Tiflis Governorate. The city was a focal point during the Russian Revolution and briefly served as the capital of the independent Democratic Republic of Georgia before being incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1921, becoming the capital of the Transcaucasian SFSR and later the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic. It was the site of significant unrest, including the April 9 tragedy in 1989.

Geography

Tiflis is located in eastern Georgia within the South Caucasus region, sprawled across steep hillsides on both banks of the Kura River. The city's topography is defined by the Trialeti Range to the south and the Saguramo Range to the north. Distinct districts include the historic Old Tbilisi with its sulfur bathhouses, the 19th-century Sololaki district, and the modern developments on Rustaveli Avenue. Notable natural features within the city limits include the Turtle Lake and the Botanical Garden of Tbilisi, while the Narikala fortress overlooks the entire area.

Demographics

The population has historically been multi-ethnic and multi-confessional. Major ethnic groups have included Georgians, Armenians, Russians, Azerbaijanis, and Ossetians. This diversity is mirrored in the city's religious landscape, which features the Georgian Orthodox Church, the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Catholic Church, a synagogue, and a mosque. Significant demographic shifts occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries due to imperial policy, Soviet industrialization, and the post-Soviet conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which brought an influx of internally displaced persons.

Culture

Tiflis is the heart of Georgia's cultural life, home to institutions like the Georgian National Museum, the Tbilisi State Conservatoire, and the Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film University. The city hosts renowned performance venues such as the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Rustaveli National Theatre. It is famous for its distinct polyphonic music, vibrant art scene, and annual festivals like Tbilisoba. The literary legacy is profound, associated with figures like Ilia Chavchavadze and Vazha-Pshavela, while its culinary tradition is centered on dishes such as khinkali and khachapuri.

Economy

As Georgia's financial and business hub, Tiflis dominates the national economy. Key sectors include banking, with the headquarters of the National Bank of Georgia, telecommunications, and transportation, centered on the Tbilisi International Airport and the Tbilisi Railway Station. The city is a center for light manufacturing, wine production, and a growing IT sector. Major commercial districts are located along Rustaveli Avenue and in the Vake area, with significant foreign investment from companies like Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank.

Government

The city is governed by the Tbilisi City Assembly (Sakrebulo) and the Mayor, an office held by Kakha Kaladze of the Georgian Dream party. It is subdivided into administrative districts, including Old Tbilisi, Vake-Saburtalo, and Isani-Samgori. Key national institutions located in the city are the Parliament of Georgia, the Administration of the President of Georgia, and the Supreme Court of Georgia. Tiflis also hosts the headquarters of international organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union Monitoring Mission.

Category:Capitals in Asia Category:Populated places established in the 5th century Category:Tbilisi