Established in 1923, the Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum has been a beacon of cultural preservation and education, residing within the historic walls of Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe, Georgia, since 1972. That same year, the museum was renamed in honor of the esteemed Georgian historian Ivane Javakhishvili, reflecting its commitment to showcasing the rich tapestry of history that defines the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Today, visitors to the museum are invited to explore not only the historical narrative of this unique area but also its geography, traditional lifestyles, and connections to the Islamic world.
The Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum boasts an impressive collection of over 25,000 artifacts that illuminate the region’s cultural heritage. Among these treasures are ancient manuscripts, photographic documents, coin collections, archaeological finds, and ethnographic materials. Many of these relics were gathered in the 1880s by the renowned Georgian researcher Ivane Gvaramadze, who established a family-run museum to showcase his extensive discoveries.
The museum’s exhibits are thoughtfully arranged across eleven halls, each offering a unique glimpse into the area’s past. One of the most popular sections is the coin collection, which features a remarkable array of currency, including a 1st-millennium coin bearing the image of Caesar Augustus, as well as copper and silver coins from Rome dating back to the 1st to 4th centuries. Additionally, visitors can admire Byzantine gold and silver coins from the 11th century, a testament to the region’s historical significance in trade and commerce.
In the archaeological section, a fascinating assortment of tools and artifacts spanning from the Paleolithic to the Late Bronze Ages awaits discovery. These items, all unearthed within the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, provide invaluable insight into the daily lives of ancient inhabitants. The ethnographic section further enriches the experience with displays of agricultural tools, weaponry, traditional clothing, household items, intricate wood carvings, and exquisite copper and silverware, all representative of local craftsmanship and cultural practices.
Literature enthusiasts will find delight in the museum’s collection of old manuscripts and printed books. Highlights include a 16th-century copy of “The Knight in the Panther’s Skin,” a seminal work of Georgian literature; “Christian Doctrine,” printed in Italy in 1477; a Georgian-Italian dictionary published in 1626; and a 1709 edition of the Psalms from the printing house of King Vakhtang VI. These texts not only showcase the literary heritage of Georgia but also reflect the broader cultural exchanges that have shaped the region.
In 2009, the museum expanded its offerings with a new section dedicated to showcasing over 800 materials obtained from archaeological expeditions conducted along the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline. This addition highlights the ongoing research and discoveries that continue to enrich our understanding of the region’s history.
Located within the historic Rabati Fortress at E 691, Akhaltsikhe, Georgia, the Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum stands as a vital institution for anyone interested in the rich history and culture of this remarkable region.