Kutaisi history

Kutaisi is rightfully considered one of the most ancient cities in the world. Archaeological data indicates that a settlement existed here as early as the 6th–5th centuries BC. In ancient sources, the city is often identified with Aia — the capital of the legendary Kingdom of Colchis. According to ancient Greek myths, it was here that the Argonauts led by Jason headed to obtain the Golden Fleece from King Aeetes; thus, the history of the city's foundation is closely interwoven with mythology and the era of early antiquity.

Several important circumstances contributed to the transformation of Kutaisi into a powerful political and economic centre, primarily its geographical location. The city is situated on the banks of the Rioni River (known in antiquity as Phasis), making it a strategically vital point controlling crossings between Western and Eastern Georgia. Bustling caravan routes connecting Europe and Asia passed through Kutaisi, ensuring a constant flow of goods and cultural exchange. Over the centuries, the city has repeatedly served as the capital of various state entities: from ancient Colchis to the united Kingdom of Georgia.

Even in the early stages of its development, Kutaisi stood out for its high level of culture and craftsmanship. Local masters were renowned for the art of processing gold and bronze, which indirectly confirms the myth of the Golden Fleece, a legend many historians link to the real ancient technology of extracting gold from rivers using sheepskins. During its golden age, especially under the rule of King David IV the Builder (11th–12th centuries), the city became a true centre of enlightenment. The famous Gelati Academy was founded here, becoming one of the most important educational and spiritual centres of the medieval East.

Major Milestones in the History of Kutaisi

• 6th–3rd centuries BC — Kutaisi (under the name Aia or Kutaia) flourishes as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis.
• 806 — The city becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Abkhazia (Egrisi-Abkhazia), strengthening its political position.
• 1003 — Construction and consecration of the Bagrati Cathedral is completed, becoming a symbol of the unification of Georgian lands.
• 1008 — Kutaisi is proclaimed the first capital of the united Kingdom of Georgia under King Bagrat III.
• 1089 — David IV the Builder is crowned in the city; his reign is associated with the "Golden Age" of Georgia.
• 1106 — Gelati Monastery and Academy are founded, transforming the region into a vital educational centre of the East.
• 1122 — The royal residence is moved to the liberated Tbilisi, but Kutaisi retains the status of the second capital.
• 15th century — After the disintegration of the united state, the city becomes the capital of the independent Kingdom of Imereti.
• 1691 — During an invasion by Ottoman troops, the majestic Bagrati Cathedral is blown up and significantly damaged.
• 1810 — The Kingdom of Imereti is abolished, and the city officially becomes part of the Russian Empire as a regional centre.
• 1883 — Opening of the railway line connecting the city with the Tbilisi–Poti main line, which gave impetus to economic development.
• 1921 — Establishment of Soviet power, after which large-scale industrialisation of the region began.
• 2012 — Kutaisi temporarily receives the status of the parliamentary capital of Georgia, and a new Parliament building opens here.

Key Stages of Urban Development

The history of Kutaisi is a journey from an ancient trade hub to a modern tourist centre. Each era has left its mark on the city's architecture, economy, and cultural code. Here are the main phases of transformation that defined the modern look of Kutaisi:

• Ancient Trade Hub (Colchis).
  In the era of antiquity, the city was formed as a crucial economic centre at the crossroads of trade routes. Its location on the Rioni River allowed for the control of goods transit between East and West, laying the foundation for the wealth and political influence of the ancient capital.
• Medieval Spiritual Centre.
  In the 11th–12th centuries, during the "Golden Age", Kutaisi became not only a political capital but also a centre of enlightenment. The construction of the Gelati Monastery and Academy turned the city into an intellectual hub of the region, where philosophy, theology, and sciences developed, while the architecture of the Bagrati Cathedral set a new standard for stone masonry.
• European Urbanisation of the 19th Century.
  After joining the Russian Empire, Kutaisi began to change its appearance from Eastern-medieval to European. A classical gymnasium, boulevards, and stone bridges (including the famous White Bridge) appeared in the city. A regular layout of central streets was formed, which remains to this day and gives the city a special charm.
• Soviet Industrialisation.
  In the 20th century, Kutaisi transformed into a major industrial centre. The opening of the Kutaisi Automobile Plant (KAZ), which produced the famous "Colchis" trucks, and other heavy industry enterprises led to a sharp increase in population and the construction of new residential districts around the historic centre.
• Parliamentary Status (2012–2019).
  The decision to temporarily move the Parliament of Georgia to Kutaisi gave a powerful impulse to infrastructure renewal. A futuristic Parliament building was constructed, and roads and utilities were repaired, which stimulated business activity and attracted investment in the service sector.
• Modern Tourism Hub.
  The development of the Kopitnari International Airport made Kutaisi the main budget gateway to Georgia for European tourists. This reoriented the city's economy towards tourism: large-scale restoration of the historic centre began, along with the opening of hotels and gastronomic venues.

Architectural Eras and Urban Landscape

The appearance of Kutaisi is a layered tapestry of eras, where ancient temples on hills resonate with cosy 19th-century quarters and bold modern constructions. The urban fabric clearly demonstrates the history of development from a medieval capital to an industrial centre and a modern tourism hub.

The Middle Ages: The Golden Age of Architecture

The architecture of the 10th–12th centuries defines the city's historical panorama. This was the heyday of Georgian monumental art, characterised by strict proportions, the use of hewn stone, and exquisite carving.

• Style: Georgian cross-dome architecture.
• Landmark Objects: Bagrati Cathedral (11th century) — the dominant feature of the city, visible from almost any point. Its massive volumes and decorative arcades symbolised the power of the united kingdom. In the vicinity, the ensemble is complemented by the Gelati Monastery, combining architectural grandeur with unique mosaic painting.

19th – Early 20th Century: European Classicism and Eclecticism

During this period, Kutaisi experienced rapid urbanisation following the European model. A regular grid of streets was formed in the centre, and boulevards and stone bridges appeared. The urban environment of this time is distinguished by a special cosiness and intimacy.

• Style: Classicism, Art Nouveau, "Brick Style".
• Features: A unique Kutaisi phenomenon — a synthesis of European facades with traditional Georgian wooden carved balconies ("shushabandi"), which can be found in the residential buildings of the old city.
• Landmark Objects: The Opera Theatre building, the White Bridge, the Real School (now the University), and the historic buildings of the "Royal District".

Soviet Period: Neoclassicism and Modernism

The industrialisation of the 20th century brought large-scale construction to the city. The city centre was adorned with monumental public buildings emphasising its status as an industrial hub, while the periphery was built up with standard residential estates.

• Style: Stalinist Empire style, Soviet Modernism.
• Landmark Objects: The Lado Meskhishvili Drama Theatre with its grandiose portico and sculptures is a brilliant example of Stalinist Neoclassicism. The Kutaisi-1 Railway Station building also belongs to this period, distinguished by the solemnity of its forms.

Modernity: Futurism and High-Tech

In the 21st century, Kutaisi's architectural landscape was enriched with objects symbolising renewal and aspiration for the future. These buildings create a sharp but interesting contrast with the historical background.

• Style: High-tech, Deconstructivism, Bio-tech.
• Landmark Objects: The former Parliament of Georgia building — a huge glass sphere resembling an eye — became a symbol of transparency and a new era in the city's development. The renovated Kopitnari Airport building with its dynamic lines also stands out.

Distinguished Figures of Kutaisi

For centuries, Kutaisi has served as a centre of attraction for the intellectual and creative elite of Georgia. The fates of great rulers, reformers, and artists, whose influence went far beyond the region, are connected with this city.

Rulers and Statesmen

• David IV the Builder (1073–1125) — King of Georgia.
  One of the most revered rulers in the country's history. He was crowned in Kutaisi and made the city the centre of his kingdom at the beginning of his reign. He founded the Gelati Monastery and Academy near the city, where he was buried according to his will.
• Bagrat III (960–1014) — First King of united Georgia.
  It was he who proclaimed Kutaisi the capital of the united Kingdom of Georgia. He initiated the construction of the majestic cathedral named in his honour (Bagrati Cathedral), which became a symbol of the state's power.
• Niko Nikoladze (1843–1928) — Publicist, educator, and public figure.
  Although known as the reformer of Poti, his activities are closely linked to Kutaisi, where he studied at the classical gymnasium. Nikoladze played a key role in the modernisation of Georgian public thought in the second half of the 19th century.

Figures of Culture and Art

• Zakaria Paliashvili (1871–1933) — Composer, educator.
  Born in Kutaisi into a chorister's family. Considered the founder of Georgian classical music and the author of the national anthem. The Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre bears his name, and a house-museum of the composer is open in Kutaisi.
• Akaki Tsereteli (1840–1915) — Poet and writer.
  An outstanding thinker whose life was inextricably linked with Imereti and Kutaisi. He studied at the Kutaisi Gymnasium. His work had a huge impact on the formation of the national self-consciousness of Georgians.
• Galaktion Tabidze (1891–1959) — Poet.
  Recognised as the "King of Poets" of Georgia. He received his education at the Kutaisi Theological Seminary and Gymnasium. The urban environment of Kutaisi in the early 20th century had a significant influence on the formation of his poetic style.
• Lado Meskhishvili (1857–1920) — Actor and director.
  A legend of the Georgian stage. He led the Kutaisi Theatre, raising it to a high professional level. Today, the Kutaisi State Drama Theatre proudly bears his name.

Famous Contemporaries

• Maia Chiburdanidze (born 1961) — Chess player.
  Born in Kutaisi. She became the seventh women's world chess champion and held this title for 13 years (from 1978 to 1991), bringing fame to her hometown in the international sports arena.
• Katie Melua (born 1984) — Singer and songwriter.
  Born and spent her early childhood in Kutaisi before her family moved to Belfast, and then to London. She is one of the most popular British singers of Georgian origin, maintaining a connection with her historical homeland.