#mtkvari

[iakhsar]

Narik'ala, Tbilisi, Sakartvelo.

cloudy weather

[uniqueperson8]

[apricusapollo]

my friends haven't seen teen wolf and I was telling them theo's backstory and I was about to tell them that tara fell in the river but almost said mtkvari instead of just a river 😞😞

[suetravelblog]

Mtskheta, Jvari Monastery, Svetistkhoveli Church Georgia

Mtskheta Orthodox Church The daytrip to Mtskheta, Jvari Monastery, and Svetistkhoveli Cathedral was very educational. The historical area in central-eastern Georgia is wrapped in a peaceful environment of lush greenery and expansive mountain vistas. The stunning area is located about 12 miles north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi Rivers. Mtskheta is home to UNESCO World…

[religious-extremist]

The Hundred Thousand Martyrs of Tbilisi

In 1227 Sultan Jalal al-Din of Khwarazm and his army of Turkmen attacked Georgia. On the first day of the battle the Georgian army valorously warded off the invaders as they were approaching Tbilisi. That night, however, a group of Persians who were living in Tbilisi secretly opened the gates and summoned the enemy army into the city.

According to one manuscript in which this most terrible day in Georgian history was described: “Words are powerless to convey the destruction that the enemy wrought: tearing infants from their mothers’ breasts, they beat their heads against the bridge, watching as their eyes dropped from their skulls.…”

A river of blood flowed through the city. The Turkmen castrated young children, raped women, and stabbed mothers to death over their children’s lifeless bodies. The whole city shuddered at the sound of wailing and lamentation. The river and streets of the city were filled with death.

The sultan ordered that the cupola of Sioni Cathedral be taken down and replaced by his vile throne. And at his command the icons of the Theotokos and our Savior were carried out of Sioni Cathedral and placed at the center of the bridge across the Mtkvari River. The invaders goaded the people to the bridge, ordering them to cross it and spit on the holy icons. Those who betrayed the Christian Faith and mocked the icons were spared their lives, while the Orthodox confessors were beheaded.

One hundred thousand Georgians sacrificed their lives to venerate the holy icons. One hundred thousand severed heads and headless bodies were carried by the bloody current down the Mtkvari River.

O ye thousands of stars, the chosen people guarding the Georgian Church with your golden wings, intercede for us always before the face of God!

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

Vardzia, a Medieval Cave City in Georgia (South Caucasus), c.1150-1200 CE: Vardzia was built as a fortress/monastery, and it was accessible only through hidden passageways; it contained more than 6,000 caves, 15 chapels, 25 wine cellars, an apothecary, a forge, a bakery, farming terraces, and an irrigation system

The monastic caves at Vardzia cover an area of about 500 meters. They are carved into the cliffs along the Erusheti mountains, which are located in Javakheti (a southern province near the borders between Georgia, Turkey, and Armenia).

Vardzia was originally meant to serve as a fortress, particularly in the event of a Mongol Invasion. It was protected by defensive walls, and the cave system itself was largely concealed within the mountain (though much of it is now exposed); it also contained a secret escape tunnel and several dead-end tunnels that were designed to delay/confuse enemy forces. The cave city could only be accessed through a series of hidden passageways that began near the banks of the Mtkvari River (which runs through the valley below the cave complex). Water was supplied through an irrigation system that was connected to the river, providing the inhabitants with both drinking water and agricultural irrigation, as the site contained its own terraced farmland.

The cave complex also functioned as a monastery, with a large collection of manuscripts and relics ultimately being housed at the site.

In its prime, the complex at Vardzia was inhabited by tens of thousands of residents.

Unfortunately, most of the original structures at Vardzia were destroyed by an earthquake that struck the region in 1283 CE, just a century after its construction; the earthquake sheared away the outer layer of the cliffside, exposed many of the caves, and demolished almost two-thirds of the site. The surviving structures represent only a fraction of the cave complex that once existed at Vardzia, with only about 500 caves still intact.

When the earthquake tore through the site in 1283, much of the fortress and many of its defenses were also destroyed, and Vardzia lost most of its military/defensive purposes. Still, it continued to operate as a Georgian Orthodox monastery for several hundred years after that. It narrowly escaped the Mongol Invasions of the 1290s, but it was raided by the Persians during the 16th century; the invading forces burned many of the manuscripts, relics, and other items that were stored within the cave system, leaving permanent scorch marks along the walls of the inner chambers. The site was abandoned shortly thereafter.

Medieval portrait of Queen/King Tamar: this portrait is one of the Medieval frescoes that still decorate the inner chambers of Vardzia; Tamar was the first queen regnant to rule over Georgia, meaning that she possessed the same power/authority as a king and, as a result, some Medieval sources even refer to her as "King Tamar"

Vardzia is often associated with the reign of Queen Tamar the Great, who ruled over the Kingdom of Georgia from 1184 to 1213 CE, during a particularly successful period that is often known as the "Golden Age" of Georgian history. Queen Tamar was also recognized as the Georgian King, with Medieval sources often referring to her as King Tamar. She possessed the powers of a sovereign leader/queen regnant, and was the first female monarch to be given that title in Georgia.

The initial phases of construction at Vardzia began under the command of King George III, but most of the complex was later built at the behest of his daughter, Queen Tamar, who owned several dedicated rooms at Vardzia and frequently visited the cave city. Due to her relationship with the cave complex at Vardzia, Queen Tamar is sometimes also referred to as the "Mountain Queen."

Despite the damage that the site has sustained throughout its history, many of the caves, tunnels, frescoes, and other structures have survived. The site currently functions as a monastery once more, with Georgian monks living in various chambers throughout the cave system.

I visited Vardzia back in 2011, during my first trip to Georgia. It's an incredible site, though some of the tunnels are very narrow, very dark, and very steep, which can get a bit claustrophobic.

Sources & More Info:

Atlas Obscura: Vardzia Cave Monastery

CNN: Exploring Vardzia, Georgia's Mysterious Rock-Hewed Cave City

Lonely Planet: Vardzia

Globonaut: 5 Facts about Vardzia, Georgia's Hidden Cave City

Wander Lush: Vardzia Cave Monastery (complete visitor's guide)

[batri-jopa]

Greetings from Georgia once again!😘

My second day in Georgia is over and I'm already worried about coming back home...

I can't imagine how I will ever survive without accidentally hearing Ratchuli at least twice a day?🥺

(I remember how hard I was trying to translate Ratchuli to get its meaning in the movie And The We Danced / და ჩვენ ვიცეკვეთ (2019) - and right now it appeared to me that words are not as important as the fact that this music simply makes you want to spontanically dance on the street!😂 and it really does🥰)

Okey, have some landscapes from Georgian Military Road now:

Most worth mentioning:

Jvari Monastery with a view at river Mtkvari joining with Aragvi

Rivers White Aragvi and Black Aragvi - joining but not mixing their waters (and my finger)

Zhinvali Reservoir and Ananuri Castle:

Mount Kazbek / ყაზბეგი (dormant stratovolcano, 5054 metres), near Gergeti Trinity Church / გერგეტის სამების ეკლესია (you know the one from all these cult classic photos?)

Russia–Georgia "Friendship" Monument (yes, it feels improper nowadays, but still it's interesting as a piece of art with a lot of georgian cultural symbols. Not to mention that the view around it is breathtaking❤️).

And mountains all around, majestic and Autumn colored!😍

[elliepassmore]

The Living Medicine review

5/5 stars Recommended if you like: nonfiction, STEM books, medical history, antibacterial resistance

Big thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Coming into the book I didn't really know much about bacteriophages except what I learned in middle school honors bio. This book provided so much interesting information in a very easy to understand way. It mixes the science of bacteriophages with the history of how they came to be used as 'living medicine.' I absolutely flew through this book and greatly enjoyed reading about bacteriophages...even if some of the antibacterial resistant stuff scared me a bit (I knew it was an issue, but I had no idea just how prevalent it is).

The first chapter provides an overview of antibacterial resistance, how it came about, and just how much risk we're taking by continuing to overuse/overprescribe antibiotics. As much as it seems a distant menace, the threat of a post-antibiotic age is very real, and relatively close at hand, if not already here. The last chapter(s) of the book bring this topic back around, but with a more hopeful tone. By the end of the book we know all about phages and their history in medicine, and the final chapters showcase how researchers and doctors are currently working to get them approved for use, providing us with an invaluable weapon against drug-resistant pathogens.

The bulk of the book discusses how bacteriophages came to be on scientists' radars and the huge controversies that sprung up regarding them, both past and present. I found it super interesting to read about how they occur in the natural world and have been acting as antipathogenic agents for far longer than we've realized. They've acted as protectors against cholera in rivers such as the Ganges and the Mtkvari Rivers, but they also exist in soil and the air.

The middle chapters of the book also deal with the lives and careers of the scientists who studied phages. They were initially laughed off, but over time, phages grew to be taken more seriously, particularly by the Pasteur Institute in France and the (now-named) Eliava Institute in Georgia. The bulk of phage research ended up being carried out at the latter, and Georgia ended up being the rising star of phage research. We learn about the people who studied phages, what their lives and careers were like up until that point, and the ways they changed (if at all) afterward. While this was not meant to be a biography, I found I enjoyed learning about the personal lives of the scientists and liked following their careers from students to stars of their field.

Of course, no good dead goes unpunished, and Georgia ended up under Soviet control, thus placing the country and phages at risk of Soviet-era threats, from a breakdown of manufacturing processes to Stalin's purges. However, for the first period of Soviet rule, the Eliava Institute was able to continue running with great success. They continued to produce cholera- and dysentery-fighting phages, they developed phages that could be used during WWII to save battle wounds and that helped prevent epidemics during front-line sieges. There was even a period after the war when things were going okay...but then the Great Terror came and the Institute nearly fell apart. Phage research likely would've been almost entirely lost if not for the perseverance of the scientists and doctors at the Eliava Institute, both during the purges and later on during the Georgian Civil War.

In part because it was Soviet medicine and in part because a lack of regulations in the early phage period resulted in bad or no outcomes, phage medicine was laughed off in the West even into the 2000s. Even as drug-resistant superbugs were starting to emerge and develop faster resistance to new antibiotics. Again, it was the persevering phage scientists who ensured the research continued and bit by bit phages were (re)introduced into Western medicine until it was deemed okay to use them in lieu of antibiotics for food--apparently a lot of food products are treated with phage sprays to prevent/get rid of infectious pathogens. Once that hurdle was crossed, some of those same scientists began working toward phages for human medicine...and then they started getting approved for human use.

As someone who is allergic to some antibiotics and freaked out by the side effects of others, I'm glad for personal reasons that we're starting to look at effective alternative therapies. On a larger scale, we're starting to look at bacteriophages right when we need to and if clinical trials continue and phages start reaching the market, we have a very real chance of aborting the antibacterial resistant threat before it really consumes us.

[paramedicabroad]

Historical Monuments of Mtskheta

Nestled at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, the ancient town of Mtskheta in Georgia is a living testament to the country’s rich history and spiritual heritage. As one of Georgia’s oldest cities and the former capital of the Kingdom of Iberia, Mtskheta holds a special place in the hearts of Georgians. The town's historical monuments, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a captivating glimpse into the region's early Christian architecture and cultural significance. Let's explore the magic of Mtskheta's sacred landmarks.

In 1994, the historical monuments of Mtskheta were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledging their outstanding universal value. The recognition helps protect these ancient sites, ensuring they remain a part of Georgia’s cultural legacy for future generations.

Dominating the skyline of Mtskheta, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is an architectural marvel and one of the most venerated religious sites in Georgia. Built in the 11th century on the site of Georgia’s first Christian church, it is said to house the burial site of Christ’s robe. The cathedral’s intricate stone carvings and frescoes depict biblical scenes and Georgian history, making it a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture.

Perched atop a hill overlooking Mtskheta, Jvari Monastery offers panoramic views of the town and its surrounding landscape. This 6th-century monastery, whose name means "Monastery of the Cross," is an exquisite example of early Georgian church architecture. The simple yet elegant design of Jvari has inspired many other churches in the region.

Located near Svetitskhoveli, Samtavro Monastery is another significant religious site in Mtskheta. This complex includes a church and a nunnery, dating back to the 4th century and later expanded in the 11th century. It is known for its beautiful frescoes and the tombs of King Mirian III and Queen Nana, who were instrumental in the spread of Christianity in Georgia.

Mtskheta is not only about its standing monuments but also its rich archaeological heritage. Excavations in the area have uncovered numerous artifacts, from ancient pottery to gold jewelry, providing insights into the daily lives and customs of its early inhabitants. These findings are displayed in the Mtskheta Archaeological Museum.

The historical monuments of Mtskheta are home to several revered Christian relics, which attract pilgrims from all over the world. Among them is the life-giving pillar (Svetitskhoveli) and parts of the Holy Cross, underscoring Mtskheta’s role as a spiritual center.

Mtskheta’s monuments have played a crucial role in the cultural and religious development of Georgia. The town’s historic churches have been central to the Georgian Orthodox faith, serving as the site of many significant events in the country’s religious history.

Today, Mtskheta remains a vibrant town where history and modernity coexist. Visitors can wander through its ancient streets, attend services at its historic churches, and experience the spiritual ambiance that has defined Mtskheta for millennia.

Exploring the historical monuments of Mtskheta is like taking a step back in time. Each church, monastery, and artifact tells a story of faith, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Georgian people. This sacred town invites you to immerse yourself in its rich heritage and discover the timeless beauty of Georgia’s ancient heart.🏕️🏛️🇬🇪

[tri-ciclo]

I Don't Know, Why I've Fallen so in Love!

Every Khevsur, every Svan, Blackberry-eyed Georgian woman, My Tbilisi, and Pirosmani, I don't know, why I've fallen so in love!

As soon as he died, everyone worshipped him, While alive, no one went near him, I live on Pirosmani's street And every morning I meet Nikolas.

With his sleep broken and disturbed He whets his appetite with a glass of vodka, Then stumbles, as if struck by moonlight And paints the beauties of Ortachali.

The Georgian sky, the Georgian land, The Mtkvari, both turbulent and clear... My Tbilisi and Pirosmani, I don't know, why I've fallen so in love!

- Lado Asatiani, 1939

[alphaman99]

FAI the Publicist

Suggested for you  · 5d  ·

Two rivers of Georgia (Asian continent or transcontinental) that meet but do not mix: they are the white Aragvi and the black Agravi.

The reason why they do not mix is ​​due to the composition, density, temperature, elevation that develops between them, which acts as a thin wall that prevents mixing.

Further south, at the level of the Jinvali reservoir, the river reached by the waters of Aragvi of Pshavi and that of Khevsureti, takes the unique name of Aragvi and in turn flows into the Mtkvari river, in Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia.

In Mtskheta, from the Jvari (Cross) Monastery, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the two rivers connecting to each other.

With their different colors you can clearly see the meeting point.

[karlogeorgia]

Uncover the Charm of Tbilisi: Tailored Private Tours for an Authentic Experience

Tbilisi, the vibrant capital of Georgia, is a city that captivates visitors with its unique blend of ancient history, modern energy, and warm hospitality. Nestled along the banks of the Mtkvari River and surrounded by rolling hills, the city offers a fascinating mix of cultures, architectural styles, and experiences. While Tbilisi is known for its iconic sites such as the Narikala Fortress, the sulfur baths, and the charming Old Town, a tailored private tour is the best way to truly uncover the city’s hidden charm and embrace its authenticity.

A private tour allows you to explore Tbilisi at your own pace, creating a journey that caters to your individual interests and preferences. Whether you are drawn to the city’s historical roots, its culinary delights, or its artistic spirit, a personalized tour ensures that every moment of your visit is tailored to suit your passions. A knowledgeable local guide, passionate about sharing the stories and secrets of their city, will escort you through Tbilisi’s most iconic landmarks as well as its lesser-known gems, giving you a deeper understanding of its rich heritage and vibrant contemporary culture.

For history enthusiasts, Tbilisi is a goldmine of fascinating sites that span centuries of culture and heritage. A private guide can take you through the maze-like streets of the Old Town, where every corner is steeped in history. You’ll discover ancient churches such as the Sioni Cathedral and the Anchiskhati Basilica, which date back to the 6th and 5th centuries, respectively. These historic sites provide insight into the spiritual significance of Tbilisi and Georgia’s long tradition of Christianity. Your guide will offer context and stories behind each structure, helping you understand the cultural importance of these landmarks beyond their architectural beauty.

If you’re an art lover, Tbilisi has a thriving contemporary art scene that’s often overlooked by conventional tours. A tailored private tour gives you the opportunity to explore quirky galleries, creative spaces, and street art murals that define the city's modern aesthetic. You can visit the Art Palace, where Georgian art from the 19th and 20th centuries is on display, or enjoy a walk through the Fabrika complex, a former Soviet sewing factory now home to hip cafes, art studios, and an eclectic mix of local talent. Many private tours can also include visits to smaller, hidden galleries and artist workshops where you can meet local creators and see their work up close, offering an authentic, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the city’s artistic soul.

For food lovers, Tbilisi is a gastronomic paradise, and a tailored tour can introduce you to the best of Georgian cuisine. With its rich blend of flavors from both the East and West, Georgian food is an integral part of the country’s cultural identity. Your private guide can take you to family-run restaurants and local markets where you can sample traditional dishes such as khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khorovats (grilled meats), and sumptuous Georgian wines that are world-renowned. If you’re interested, some tours even offer cooking classes, allowing you to learn how to prepare these beloved dishes yourself, adding a hands-on element to your culinary adventure.

[trendynewsnow]

A Night of Art and Uncertainty in Tbilisi: The Impact of New Laws on Cultural Expression

A Night of Art and Uncertainty in Tbilisi On a sultry late summer evening, within a horseshoe-shaped club elegantly suspended over the Mtkvari River that bisects Georgia’s vibrant capital, Tbilisi, the artist and drag performer Andro Dadiani captivated the audience with his powerful, a cappella rendition of an aria. Adorned in a sweeping ball gown that mirrored the deep blue of the European…

[almanach-international]

14 octobre : la Géorgie célèbre sa plus ancienne église

C’est la Journée de la cathédrale de Svétitskhovéli (Svetistskhovloba, სვეტიცხოვლობა). Cette église, située dans la localité de Mtskheta, proche de Tbilissi, passe pour être la plus ancienne de Géorgie. Il ne s’agit pas de l’édifice actuel construit au XIIIe siècle et maintes fois remanié, ni du précédent, mais du tout premier, en bois, édifié sur le site au VIe siècle. Selon la légende, l’église aurait été édifiée sur le lieu même où fut enterrée, 330 ans plus tôt, la tunique du Christ qu’aurait rapporté en Géorgie, un témoin de la crucifixion. Ce n’est pas sûr car il ne reste rien de cette relique, même si les Russes pensent en posséder un morceau. D’ailleurs, la concurrence et rude : une trentaine d’églises dans le monde, dont en France, affirme posséder la véritable tunique du Christ.

Édifiée sur le site d’un cèdre, Svétitskhovéli a été la principale église géorgienne pendant un millénaire avant d'être remplacée par la cathédrale de la Sainte-Trinité de Tbilissi. Tous les ans, à partir de 10h, une célébration solennelle, avec la participation du patriarche de Géorgie, a lieu dans cette cathédrale. Après la célébration, un rite de baptême de masse est organisé au confluent du Koura (Mtkvari) et d’Aragvi. Partout dans le pays la journée est très festive, elle a permis cette année un grand week-end de trois jours. En effet, le 14 octobre est un jour férié et chômé.

Un article de l'Almanach international des éditions BiblioMonde, 14 octobre 2024

[suetravelblog]

Tbilisi Georgia