Sokhumi history

Ancient History and Foundation

Sokhumi is one of the oldest cities in the world, with an age spanning more than 2,500 years. Its history begins in deep antiquity, when the first major settlements emerged on the Black Sea coast, becoming a bridge between civilizations.

Foundation and First Mentions

• Dioscurias: In the 6th century BC, Greek colonists from Miletus established a trading post here. The city was named Dioscurias in honor of the mythical twin brothers, the Dioscuri, who were considered the patrons of travelers.
• Sebastopolis: At the beginning of the 1st century AD, the region fell under the influence of the Roman Empire. The Romans fortified the settlement and named it Sebastopolis ("The Sacred City"), turning it into an important outpost.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small settlement into a significant antique center was driven by several factors:

• Geography: The city is located in a convenient and deep bay, protected from winds by mountain ranges, creating ideal conditions for navigation and ship anchorage.
• Trade: Its advantageous strategic position made the city a key hub on trade routes connecting the Caucasus with the Mediterranean and Asia Minor.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Even in ancient times, the city was distinguished by incredible ethnic diversity. The ancient Greek geographer Strabo wrote that representatives of dozens of nationalities gathered in Dioscurias to conduct trade. Salt, timber, linen, honey, and artisanal crafts were actively exchanged here, contributing to the cultural exchange and economic prosperity of the region.

Major Historical Milestones

The history of the city is rich with events reflecting the changing of eras and cultures, which have left their mark on the architecture and traditions of the region.

• 6th Century BC — Greek colonists from Miletus found the trading city of Dioscurias, which becomes an important port of the ancient world.
• 1st Century AD — The Roman Empire establishes control over the coast and erects the fortified fort of Sebastopolis.
• 542 — Byzantine troops restore and strengthen the city walls for protection against conquerors.
• 736 — The city, then known as Tskhum, undergoes a devastating invasion by the Arab commander Marwan ibn Muhammad.
• 14th Century — Genoese merchants create a trading post here, marked on medieval nautical charts as Sebastopolis.
• 1578 — The Ottoman Empire occupies the city, rebuilds the fortress, and names it Sukhum-Kale.
• 1810 — The fortress comes under the administration of the Russian Empire, beginning a new stage of its development.
• 1840 — The Sokhumi Botanical Garden is founded, becoming one of the main natural attractions.
• 1846 — The settlement receives official city status and begins to develop as a trading port.
• 1898 — The All-Russian Congress of Doctors recognizes the local climate as one of the best for treating respiratory conditions.
• 1927 — The famous Research Institute of Experimental Pathology and Therapy (Monkey Nursery) is founded.
• 1950s — A large-scale reconstruction of the embankment is carried out, and the city is definitively established as a popular resort.

Stages of Urban and Cultural Development

The formation of Sokhumi's modern appearance is the result of a fusion of trading traditions, resort architecture, and scientific potential. Several key milestones that defined the city's destiny can be highlighted:

• Obtaining City Status and Port Development (1846). The official granting of port city status became the starting point for civil urban planning. From a military fortification, Sokhumi began to transform into a major economic center, where the construction of the sea port revitalized trade and attracted merchant capital for the development of residential quarters.
• Creation of a Unique Ecosystem (Mid-19th Century). The establishment of the Botanical Garden and the subsequent greening policy played a decisive role in the visual perception of the city. The introduction of exotic plants, palms, and eucalyptus trees not only beautified the streets but also helped drain swampy areas, significantly improving sanitary conditions for living.
• Establishment as a Climatic Resort (1898). After the congress of doctors recognized the local climate as ideal for treating respiratory diseases, the city experienced a real construction boom. The active construction of sanatoriums, hotels, and private villas in the Art Nouveau style began, reorienting the region's economy towards the hospitality and wellness sector.
• Foundation of the Scientific Cluster (1927). The opening of the Institute of Experimental Pathology and Therapy (known as the Monkey Nursery) brought the city to the international scientific arena. The institution became a city-forming object in the field of science, attracting researchers and becoming an important part of the cultural and educational landscape.
• Formation of the Embankment Architectural Ensemble (Mid-20th Century). During this period, the city's famous "grand facade" was created. The construction of the snow-white Colonnade, drama theatre buildings, and the improvement of the Dioscuri and Mahajirs embankments in the Stalinist Empire style gave Sokhumi its most recognizable postcard view and main promenade area.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Sokhumi represents a picturesque mosaic, where the heritage of antiquity is hidden beneath layers of late 19th-century buildings and monumental structures of the Soviet era. The city has an amphitheater layout: streets descend from the hills to the sea, opening panoramic views of the bay. The main architectural ensemble was formed during the period of the city's transformation into a climatic resort.

Eras and Styles

Several key periods can be distinguished in the city's appearance, each leaving its unique mark on the urban environment:

• Eclecticism and Art Nouveau (Late 19th — Early 20th Century). The heyday of private construction. Wealthy industrialists and merchants built villas and mansions, mixing elements of Neo-Gothic, Moorish style, and Art Nouveau. Buildings of this period are characterized by elegant decor, turrets, wrought-iron balconies, and intricate molding.
• Constructivism (1920s–1930s). With the arrival of the Soviet era, buildings with concise geometric forms, flat roofs, and ribbon glazing appeared in the city. This style symbolized a new era of functionality and the rejection of excess.
• Stalinist Empire (1940s–1950s). The era of creating the city's "grand facade." This style is characterized by pomp, the use of colonnades, arches, porticos, and abundant decor with national and Soviet symbols. It is these buildings that form the recognizable silhouette of the embankment.
• Soviet Modernism (1960s–1980s). A period of mass development and the construction of large sanatorium-resort complexes. Architecture became more large-scale, using concrete and glass, striving for simplicity and interaction with the natural landscape.

Iconic Buildings and Architectural Dominants

The city's appearance is formed by several key objects that have become its hallmarks:

• Villa Aloisi. A brilliant example of eclecticism and romanticism. The mansion, built in the early 20th century, combines elements of Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Moorish styles, resembling a fairytale palace with domes and lancet windows.
• Sokhumi Colonnade. The main symbol of the city in the Stalinist Empire (Neoclassical) style. The snow-white arcade, opening the entrance to the embankment, has become the most recognizable image of the resort.
• The S. Chanba Abkhazian State Drama Theatre. A magnificent building rebuilt in the mid-20th century. The facade is decorated with arches and a famous fountain with griffins, referring to the region's antique past.
• City Administration Building (Former City Hall). Built in 1914, it combines strict classical forms with elements of Art Nouveau. The clock on the building's tower, gifted to the city by the Moscow City Council in 1950, is an important urban landmark.
• Annunciation Cathedral. An example of temple architecture from the early 20th century (1909–1915) in the Neo-Byzantine style. The building stands out with its cross-domed composition and restrained yet majestic decor.

Distinguished Personalities

Sokhumi has become the birthplace and home for many talented people whose names are known far beyond the region. Writers, athletes, and artists lived and created here, leaving a bright mark on world culture and sports history.

• Dmitry Gulia (1874–1960). The patriarch of Abkhazian literature, a national poet, linguist, and historian. He was the creator of the national alphabet and the founder of the first newspaper in his native language. A monument to this educator is installed in the city center, and a museum is open in the house where he lived.
• Fazil Iskander (1929–2016). A world-renowned writer and poet, a classic of 20th-century literature. A native of Sokhumi, he immortalized his hometown in his works (often calling it Mukhus), especially in the famous cycle "Sandro of Chegem," masterfully conveying the unique flavor of local life.
• Samson Chanba (1886–1937). A writer, novelist, and playwright, considered the founder of national drama. The Abkhazian State Drama Theatre—one of the main architectural attractions of the embankment—bears his name.
• Viktor Saneyev (1945–2022). A legendary track and field athlete who was born and started his career in Sokhumi. A unique athlete who became a three-time Olympic champion in the triple jump. His successes brought fame to the local athletics school throughout the world.
• Zurab Sotkilava (1937–2017). An outstanding opera singer, lyric-dramatic tenor, and soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre. He was born in Sokhumi and in his youth was the captain of the local football club before making a brilliant musical career.