Tbilisi history

The history of Tbilisi is a kaleidoscope of legends, strategic decisions, and cultural layers spanning over 1,500 years. Immersing oneself in the past of the Georgian capital reveals fascinating facts about its birth and formation.

Foundation and First Mentions

According to the most famous legend, the city was founded in the 5th century by the King of Iberia, Vakhtang Gorgasali. During a hunt, his falcon chased a pheasant, and both birds fell into a hot sulfur spring. Amazed by the healing properties of the waters and the favourable location of the area, the king ordered a city to be built there. The name "Tbilisi" itself comes from the Georgian word "tbili", which means "warm", and is directly linked to these springs.

However, archaeological data indicates that settlements on this territory existed as early as the 4th millennium BC. The first fortress structures appeared in the 4th century AD. Thus, Vakhtang Gorgasali likely restored and significantly expanded an already existing settlement, while his son Dachi finally moved the capital here from Mtskheta.

Key Factors of Formation

Tbilisi owes its rapid growth and significance to several key factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is located in the valley of the Kura River, in a narrow gorge between the Sololaki Ridge and the Metekhi Cliff. This location provided natural protection and control over a vital passage.
• Trade Routes: Tbilisi was situated at the crossroads of strategic routes connecting Europe and Asia and was an important hub of the Great Silk Road. This contributed to its transformation into a major centre of trade and craftsmanship.
• Political Power: Upon becoming the capital, the city turned into the main political centre of the region. This made it a coveted target for conquerors, including Persians and Arabs, but also a stronghold of Georgian statehood.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Tbilisi was a multinational and multicultural city. Its location at the junction of civilizations fostered a blend of traditions. In different periods, Christian churches, mosques, and Zoroastrian temples peacefully coexisted here. The city's economy flourished thanks to trade — numerous caravanserais, markets, and workshops employing skilled artisans were located here. The city was surrounded by powerful fortress walls, fragments of which have survived to this day, reminding us of its turbulent and rich past.

Chronology of Tbilisi's History

The history of Tbilisi spans more than 1,500 years of turbulent events, conquests, and eras of prosperity. Standing at the crossroads of routes, the city has absorbed a multitude of cultures and preserved a unique appearance that can be traced through the key milestones of its past.

• 5th Century AD — According to legend, King Vakhtang Gorgasali founds the city near warm sulfur springs, from which the name "Tbilisi" ("tbili" — warm) is derived.
• Early 6th Century — Vakhtang's son, Dachi I Ujarmeli, officially moves the capital from ancient Mtskheta to Tbilisi, completing his father's vision.
• 736–1122 — The city becomes the centre of Arab rule in the region — the Emirate of Tbilisi, which left a mark on its culture and architecture.
• 1122 — King David IV the Builder liberates Tbilisi, making it the capital of the united Kingdom of Georgia and initiating the "Golden Age" in the city's history.
• 1226 — The troops of Khwarazmshah Jalal ad-Din capture and brutally ravage the flourishing city.
• 1236 — Tbilisi is conquered by the Mongols, after which the city falls under their influence for a long time, leading to decline.
• 1386 — Another devastating invasion, this time led by Tamerlane (Timur), who captures the city after a long siege.
• 1795 — The city is almost completely destroyed by the Persian army of Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar following the Battle of Krtsanisi.
• 1801 — Georgia becomes part of the Russian Empire, and Tiflis (the city's name at the time) becomes the administrative centre of the entire Caucasus.
• 19th Century — A period of rapid growth and reconstruction; Tiflis transforms into a multinational cultural and economic hub, attracting aristocracy, poets, and artists.
• 1918 — Tbilisi becomes the capital of the first independent Democratic Republic of Georgia.
• 1921 — Red Army units enter the city, Soviet power is established, and Georgia becomes part of the USSR.
• 1936 — The city officially returns to its historical Georgian name — Tbilisi.
• 1991 — Following the dissolution of the USSR, Tbilisi once again becomes the capital of independent Georgia, opening a new chapter in its centuries-old history.

Key Stages of Tbilisi's Development

The history of Tbilisi is a continuous chain of transformations, where each era left its unique mark on the city's architecture, culture, and economy. From a medieval centre on the Silk Road to a modern metropolis, the development of the Georgian capital can be traced through several key milestones.

• Capital of the "Golden Age" (12th-13th Centuries): After being liberated by King David IV the Builder in 1122, Tbilisi became the capital of a united Georgia. This period was marked by an unprecedented cultural and economic rise. The city turned into one of the largest trade and craft centres of the Caucasus, where representatives of different cultures and religions coexisted peacefully.
• "Paris of the Caucasus" (19th Century): With its incorporation into the Russian Empire, the city, then named Tiflis, became the administrative centre of the entire Caucasus. This triggered large-scale urban reconstruction: wide avenues appeared, along with buildings in European styles (Classicism, Baroque), and an opera house was founded. The city became a bohemian centre, attracting writers, artists, and the aristocracy.
• Soviet Industrialisation and Construction (1921-1991): During the Soviet period, Tbilisi underwent significant changes. Large industrial enterprises were built, altering the city's economic profile. Active construction of new residential areas began, often with standardised housing, alongside infrastructure development, including the launch of the metro in 1966. This period left a legacy of many examples of Soviet modernist architecture.
• Period of Independence and Post-Soviet Challenges (1990s): After the collapse of the USSR and Georgia gaining independence, Tbilisi faced economic difficulties and a period of instability. This stage was important for the formation of a new national identity, but urban planning and economic development slowed down.
• Modern Transformation (since the early 2000s): Beginning in the 2000s, a new stage of active development began in the city, particularly after the "Rose Revolution". Ambitious architectural projects were realised, such as the Bridge of Peace, Rike Park, the Public Service Hall, and new business centres. Special attention was paid to the restoration of the historical centre and the development of tourism infrastructure, making tourism one of the key sectors of the economy.

The architectural appearance of Tbilisi is a unique blend of styles reflecting its long and eventful history. In the city's built environment, one can trace the influence of different cultures and eras, from medieval fortresses to ultra-modern structures made of glass and concrete. Each epoch has left its distinct mark, creating a multi-layered and eclectic urban landscape.

Medieval Georgian Architecture (4th–13th Centuries)

The earliest structures of Tbilisi are examples of classical Georgian architecture. This period is characterised by monumental defensive and religious structures.

• Style: Cross-domed churches built of stone and powerful fortress walls. The architecture had a defensive and sacred character.
• Landmarks: The foundation of the Narikala Fortress on the Sololaki Ridge, the Metekhi Church on the rocky bank of the Kura River, and the Anchiskhati Basilica — the oldest surviving church in the city.

Traditional Urban Development (16th–18th Centuries)

During this period, influenced by Persian and Ottoman cultures, the recognisable look of the Old Town was formed. This is the time of caravanserais and the famous sulfur baths.

• Style: Chaotic layout of narrow, winding streets, houses made of brick and wood with overhanging intricate wooden balconies and inner courtyards. This style is the hallmark of the historical centre.
• Landmarks: The Abanotubani district with its famous dome-covered sulfur baths, and residential quarters in the Kala and Sololaki districts.

Russian Empire: Classicism and Art Nouveau (19th – Early 20th Century)

Becoming the administrative centre of the Caucasus, Tiflis began to be actively developed in European styles. Wide avenues and grand buildings appeared.

• Styles: The early period is marked by Classicism, while the late 19th – early 20th century saw the flourishing of Art Nouveau (Modern) and Eclecticism. Tbilisi Art Nouveau absorbed local motifs, creating a unique interpretation of the European style.
• Landmarks: The city's main artery — Rustaveli Avenue (formerly Golovinsky), lined with revenue houses, hotels, and public buildings. Striking examples include the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre in a Pseudo-Moorish style and numerous mansions in the Sololaki district.

Soviet Era: From Stalinist Empire to Brutalism (1921–1991)

The Soviet period brought two contrasting architectural directions to Tbilisi. The city actively industrialised and expanded.

• Styles: The 1930s-1950s saw monumental Stalinist Neoclassicism (Empire style). From the 1960s, it was replaced by Soviet Modernism and Brutalism, characterised by bold forms, the use of reinforced concrete, and non-standard structural solutions.
• Landmarks: The former Institute of Marxism-Leninism building (now part of the Parliament of Georgia complex) on Rustaveli Avenue. An icon of Brutalism is the former Ministry of Highways building (today the headquarters of the Bank of Georgia), resembling a construction set. The Palace of Rituals and residential complexes on the Nutsubidze Plateau also stand out.

Modern Architecture (Since the 2000s)

After the "Rose Revolution", a construction boom began in Tbilisi, during which ambitious projects involving world-renowned architects were realised.

• Styles: High-tech, Deconstructivism, Parametric architecture. Characterised by the use of glass, steel, and complex, dynamic forms.
• Landmarks: The glass Bridge of Peace, designed by Michele De Lucchi, the Public Service Hall with a roof in the form of 11 "petals", and the futuristic Concert Hall in Rike Park by Massimiliano Fuksas. These buildings create a striking contrast with the historical buildings and symbolise a new stage in the city's development.

Tbilisi, with its centuries-old and multifaceted history, has been the birthplace or creative hub for many outstanding individuals. Their legacy has left an indelible mark on the culture not only of Georgia but of the entire world. Here are some of the key figures whose destinies are closely intertwined with this city.

Vakhtang I Gorgasali (c. 440–502)

• Role: King of Iberia, founder of Tbilisi.
• Significance: The legendary ruler with whom the history of the city's founding is linked. According to tradition, during a hunt, he discovered hot sulfur springs and ordered a new capital to be founded on this spot, naming it "Tbilisi" (from Georgian "tbili" — "warm"). His equestrian statue, installed near the Metekhi Church, is one of the main symbols of the city.

Shota Rustaveli (12th Century)

• Role: Poet, statesman.
• Significance: The greatest poet of the Georgian Middle Ages, author of the quintessential epic poem "The Knight in the Panther's Skin". Although the exact details of his biography remain a subject of research, Rustaveli was a significant figure at the court of Queen Tamar during Georgia's "Golden Age", when Tbilisi was a flourishing capital. The city's main avenue is named after him.

Sayat-Nova (1712–1795)

• Role: Poet, Ashugh (folk singer-storyteller).
• Significance: An outstanding poet and musician who created works in Armenian, Georgian, and Azerbaijani. Sayat-Nova is a symbol of the multicultural spirit of old Tiflis. His work celebrated love and life, and his fate ended tragically during the invasion of Agha Mohammad Khan. A monument is dedicated to him in the centre of Tbilisi.

Niko Pirosmani (1862–1918)

• Role: Primitivist painter.
• Significance: One of the most famous Georgian artists, a self-taught painter whose work was fully appreciated only after his death. Pirosmani lived and worked in Tiflis, painting signs for traditional eateries and creating his famous paintings on oilcloth. His works, depicting scenes from city life, celebrations, and portraits, have become an integral part of Tbilisi's cultural code.

Sergei Parajanov (1924–1990)

• Role: Film director, screenwriter, artist.
• Significance: A genius director, born and raised in Tbilisi. His unique cinematic language and films, such as "The Color of Pomegranates" and "The Legend of Suram Fortress", brought him worldwide fame. Parajanov always emphasised his connection with the city that shaped him as an artist. A monument is erected in his honour in Tbilisi.

Georgiy Danelia (1930–2019)

• Role: Film director, screenwriter.
• Significance: An outstanding Soviet and Russian director born in Tbilisi. Although he spent most of his life in Moscow, Georgian motifs and special Tbilisi humour permeate many of his famous films, including "Mimino" and "Don't Grieve!". Danelia spoke with great warmth about the city of his childhood, which was reflected in his work.