The capital of the republic of Georgia, Tbilisi has had a long history. The city lies on the Kura River near the eastern edge of the country and is surrounded by nearby hills. Tbilisi has many historic buildings in its Old City.

Places of interest

Tbilisi is a mix of modern and historic places. The Old City includes medieval buildings and courtyards, narrow streets, overhanging balconies, and the city's well-known hot sulfur springs. One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Sioni (Zion) Cathedral, which was founded in the 6th or 7th century. This cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the course of its existence. Another important site is Narikala Fort, which is located on a hill overlooking the river. The original fort was founded in the 4th century, and various rulers added to it in their efforts to protect the city.

As the cultural center of Georgia, Tbilisi contains many of the country's museums and theaters. The Georgian Art Museum, which has displays about art and architecture, is located in the former seminary where the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin studied. The Georgian State Museum has a collection of ancient jewelry and other artifacts that illustrate the history of Georgia. Tbilisi's many theaters and concert halls include the Opera and Ballet Theater, built in 1896.

Economy

Tbilisi is the industrial center of the region. The factories in Tbilisi produce electric locomotives, machine tools, agricultural machinery, electrical equipment, clothing, leather footwear, furniture, and various food and beverage products. In addition, the region's mineral springs, which many people consider beneficial to their health, attract tourists.

History

The settlement that would become Tbilisi was established in about the 5th century AD, though people lived in the area before that time. The city lay along an important trade route between the Caspian and Black seas. As a result, many groups tried to control the town. Over the centuries, Tbilisi was conquered by the Persians, the Byzantines, the Arabs, and the Mongols. In the 14th century a plague devastated the city. The plague and the constant fighting over the city caused Tbilisi to go into decline for a time. However, by the 17th century the city began to revive again.

In 1801 Russia captured the city, and it became the capital of the Russian province of Georgia. During the 19th century, Tbilisi experienced a period of expansion and growth. For a brief time, from 1918 to 1921, Georgia was an independent state with Tbilisi as its capital. However, it quickly fell under the rule of the newly formed empire known as the Soviet Union. It was not until 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed, that Georgia won its independence again. Tbilisi remained the new country's capital. However, just after independence, much of Tbilisi's downtown was destroyed by a violent rebellion that forced the president to resign. Population (1998 estimate), 1,398,968.