Medea monument in Batumi
The resort region of Adjara is renowned not only for its sun-soaked beaches and azure sea but also for its deep historical roots. History enthusiasts flock here to explore the ancient fortresses, ruins, and time-honored temples that dot the landscape. The chronicles of Adjara can be uncovered in these open-air museums, offering a captivating glimpse into the past.
Numerous archaeological studies have confirmed the region’s venerable past, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic era. Significant findings from this period highlight the area’s long-standing importance. Even more artifacts from the Bronze Age tell the story of the Colchians, the indigenous people who established the historical state of Colchis in the Eastern Black Sea region.
Colchis is regarded as one of the largest states of the ancient world, encompassing coastal areas, the Colchian lowlands, and mountainous regions. Its present-day boundaries stretch across several regions of Georgia and neighboring countries. Ancient Colchis is considered one of the centers for the unification of Georgian lands, frequently mentioned in the works of ancient historians and geographers, including the myth of the Argonauts and the Golden Fleece. The Colchian culture, represented by ancient tribes of western Georgia, reached its zenith a millennium before our era.
The Colchians and the Kartvelians, ancestors of modern Georgians, actively engaged in trade and warfare with neighboring states such as Greece, Assyria, and Persia. They fortified their borders by constructing powerful fortresses and bastions. Among these is the well-preserved Gonio Citadel, with historical records dating back to the 1st century AD. The decline of Colchian civilization coincided with the invasions of northern nomadic tribes, including the Scythians and Sarmatians.
Once ravaged, the lands fell into decline and were subsequently conquered by Greek sailors from Miletus, who sought to establish their ancient cities. The first millennium BC marked a new era along the Black Sea, heralding the age of Greek colonization.
Hellenic mariners, who had already established their city-states along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, ventured into the Caucasus. Between the 7th and 6th centuries BC, the first Miletian trading cities emerged along the shores of ancient Colchis, extending from the modern Turkish city of Rize (formerly known as Rizios) to the Russian resort of Tuapse, which was called Nicopsia nearly 3,000 years ago.
Among the most notable Hellenic sites in Adjara is the ancient city of Batus, known today as Batumi, the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. This tourist capital of Georgia boasts a rich and venerable history.
Colchis experienced a revival in the 6th century BC as the Neo-Colchian Kingdom under the rule of the Aetid dynasty. The descendants of mythical heroes chose the city of Kutaisi as their capital. Much of modern Adjara was incorporated into the Neo-Colchian Kingdom, while its southern regions fell under the control of the Persian Empire.
During this period, a new state emerged in eastern Georgia, with its capital at Mtskheta—known as Iberia. Adjara, along with other Colchian lands, became part of the more powerful Iberia, contributing to the formation of a unified Georgian state.
Meanwhile, the Hellenic ports came under the influence of the Roman Empire. The fortified towns of Batus and Gonio became focal points for Roman legions stationed along the Black Sea coast. Many historians believe that Christianity began to spread throughout Georgian lands from Adjara, where apostles and saints such as Simon the Zealot, Matthew, and Andrew the First-Called lived and preached.
At the dawn of the Common Era, the territories of Adjara became part of the Kingdom of Lazica, a disputed territory between Georgians and Byzantines. Major battles occurred near Petra Fortress, located in the modern village of Tsikhisdziri.
Scholars believe that the Byzantine citadel was constructed in the 6th century at the behest of Emperor Justinian. Today, visitors can still explore its well-preserved ruins. The fortress of Petra has witnessed the presence of the Laz people, Byzantines, and their eternal adversaries—the Persians.
In the early Middle Ages, Adjara was divided into the regions of the Abkhaz Kingdom and Tao-Klarjeti. The fertile lands were frequently ravaged by nomadic tribes, including the Seljuk Turks and the Golden Horde.
In 1547, the first incursions into the province were made by the Ottoman Empire. Soon after, the Turks captured Batumi, and by 1614, full control of the province was secured by the Turkish Sultan. The territory was divided into two sanjaks, each governed by a pasha from Akhaltsikhe.
The Turkish occupation faced resistance from both the Georgian nobility and the peasantry of Adjara, who frequently revolted against their oppressors. The region suffered during the Crimean War of the 19th century and the Russo-Turkish wars. Following the conflicts and the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano, Adjara came under Russian control.
A significant historical milestone occurred in March 1878 when Ottoman military leaders transferred power over the region to the Russian army. The capital of Adjara, the future resort city of Batumi, was designated as a “porto-franco” or free trade city. The residents of Batumi seized the opportunity, leading the city to flourish and develop its trade, industry, culture, and crafts.
One of the first oil pipelines in the empire connected Batumi and Baku, and railway lines were constructed to transport Azerbaijani oil to central Russia and Europe. During the Russian Empire, many of the region’s popular attractions were established, many of which are still known today. These include the Batumi Botanical Garden, an oasis of subtropical vegetation, and various churches and cathedrals, such as the Batumi Mosque and the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The beautiful mansions built in the 19th and 20th centuries form the foundation of Batumi’s Old Town.
During the era of the Russian Empire, the region was referred to as Batum Province. It experienced repression, strikes, armed conflicts, and a period of muhajirism—forced migration of Muslims from Adjara to other regions and countries—as well as British occupation in 1916. The Russian army seized the region in 1921, and Soviet power was declared. During the Soviet period, Adjara was proclaimed the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.
In 1990, Adjara gained the status of an Autonomous Republic within independent Georgia. The region began to actively develop its maritime, climatic, and mountainous resorts. The capital, Batumi, was recognized as the country’s tourist capital and its main seaport. This period marked the beginning of a new era in Adjara’s history—an era of travel and tourism.
The first travelers began arriving in Adjara over a century ago, drawn by the southern charm, the allure of resort towns along the Black Sea coast, and abundant opportunities for wellness and relaxation.
The tourism industry in Adjara flourished even more during the Soviet era. A summer trip to Batumi became a dream for every Soviet citizen yearning for a seaside vacation.
The Adjara resort coastline stretches from Kobuleti to Sarpi, featuring dozens of seaside settlements. The most luxurious experiences can be found in Batumi, where the tourism sector has been developing since the mid-20th century. Sanatoriums, hotels, holiday homes, railway stations, and the famous Primorsky Boulevard were established during the Soviet period.
In the era of independent Georgia, Batumi has seen the emergence of dazzling skyscrapers, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. A beach holiday in Adjara can easily be combined with excursions, wellness treatments, mountain trips, and cultural festivals. There is something for every traveler’s taste in this vibrant region.