Did you know that a European nation is often confused with the U.S. state of Georgia? Georgia is a mesmerizing nation positioned between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. To help you learn more about the nation of Georgia, we have compiled ten interesting facts about Georgia. You’ll be adding this unique location to your bucket list!
Where is the nation of Georgia located?
One of the interesting facts about Georgia is that the nation is officially located in Asia, yet the residents believe it is part of Europe. This former Soviet republic is inherently stunning. It is also home to many monasteries, cathedrals, and churches, comparable to Azerbaijan and Armenia, its neighbors. Together, these three make comprise Europe’s Caucasus area.
Interesting facts about Georgia
Let us explore some fantastic Georgia facts.”
1. The Five Cross Flag of Georgia
The flag of Georgia has significant significance and symbolism. The Five Cross Flag bears a red cross in the center of a white backdrop. The big cross is the cross of Saint George, Georgia’s patron saint. In each of the four white quadrants is a red cross of a lesser size (the same color as the large one). White denotes serenity, while the five crosses symbolize Christianity and sacrifice.
Initially, the flag was a medieval banner from the Kingdom of Georgia. In January 2004, it became the current flag of Georgia. In 2003, opposition to the then-president Eduard Shevardnadze erupted. Instead of bringing firearms or weapons, they carried flowers and the Flag of the Five Crosses. The flag represents the National Movement, sometimes called the Rose Revolution.
2. Georgia’s names: in English and native Georgian languages
Although there is no definitive proof of the origin of Georgia’s name, it is thought to have a direct connection to St. George. In reality, Tbilisi Central Square is home to a gilded monument of the saint defeating a monster. St. George is the patron saint of Georgia, and it is claimed that he was executed for refusing to forsake his Christian faith.
It is essential to remember that Georgians do not refer to their nation by its English name when traveling to Georgia, Tbilisi. Instead, locals refer to it as “Sakartvelo,” which is Georgian for “the location where the Kartvels live.”
3. Georgian cuisine
Georgia is a tiny nation with a plethora of tasty cuisine. Shots puri is one of the most well-known. The bread is baked in a circular clay oven, wrapped around the walls, and cooked. Only competent bakers are capable of producing delectable bread. The oven must be hot, and the dough must be sufficiently sticky.
Another unusual Georgian delicacy is “Churchkhela,” a sweet fashioned like a candle. The primary components are nuts, wheat, and grape must. The skewers are dipped in grape juice, thickened, and then dried into a sausage shape.
Read More: 15 Famous Georgian Food You Must Try
4. The linguistic and writing systems are amazing Georgia facts
The Georgian language is one of four Kartvelian languages and is well known as a common Georgia fact. These are unlike any other language you have ever heard! The remaining three are Laz, which is spoken in northeastern Turkey; Svan, in Svaneti, Georgia; and Megrelian, in Samegrelo, Georgia. There are three alphabets in the Georgian script: Asomtavruli, Nuskhuri, and Mkhedruli. Mkhedruli, the modern Georgian language, contains 33 letters and no capital letters. The absence of gender in the Georgian language is another intriguing characteristic. Instead, when speaking to or about a person, you just use the pronoun “that.”
5. Georgia facts: Georgians like visitors.
One of the interesting facts about Georgia is The Georgians think that a visitor is a gift from God, which is fantastic news for travelers. In Georgia, this makes hospitality a way of life. At every supra (traditional Georgian feast), visitors are greeted with open arms, and locals take pleasure in serving the traditional foods. If you are from outside the nation, you are considered a visitor. Meals are honored because they bring people together, and there is always plenty of wine and food. At each sutra,’ a ‘tamada’ or toastmaster is present. This individual is needed to entertain, inspire, or express gratitude. If you are invited into a Georgian house, raise your glass and exclaim “Gaumarjos!” (cheers)!
6. Religion in Georgia
Georgians continue to follow Orthodox Christianity vigorously. In 326 A.D., Georgia became the second country to embrace Christianity as its official religion. The population is primarily Eastern Orthodox Christian. Despite its substantial Christian influence, Georgia is courteous of other faiths. There are a handful of Catholics, Armenian Apostolics, and Muslims in the nation.
Read More: All you need to know about Georgia
7. Religious buildings in Georgia
Georgia is home to an abundance of religious sites, ranging from the caverns of the Vardzia Monastery to the remote Gergeti Trinity Church on Erusheli Mountain. The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century, is one of the ancient sites that visitors may tour. Numerous travelers make the trip to these sacred sites; it is said to be a fantastic Georgia fact.
8. UNESCO world historic sites in Georgia
Georgia is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Gelati Monastery, Mtskheta and its ancient treasures, and the Upper Svaneti region. The Gelati Monastery was a center of culture and intelligence during the Middle Ages, constructed in 1106. In 1994, UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site.
In 1994, the historical sites of Mtskheta were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the third-fifth centuries BC, Mtskheta was the capital of the East Georgian Kingdom. Christianity was established as the state religion of Georgia. The Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral are essential sites.
Upper Svaneti was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Chazhashi is considered an exemplary example of medieval architecture. More than 200 tower homes from the Middle Ages are intact.
9. Residence of Joseph Stalin
Joseph Stalin formerly resided in Georgia, a former Soviet Republic and birthplace of the controversial political figure. Stalin was the former general secretary of the Soviet Union’s Communist Party Central Committee. The Stalin Museum is located in the Georgian city of Gori. A section inside the museum where visitors may see Stalin’s death mask on an altar-like structure.
Read More: 11 Reasons To Choose To Live in Georgia
