Georgia is located at the junction of Europe and Asia. It is a multinational country with a rich history. It is famous for its picturesque nature, amazing architecture, delicious national dishes and the friendly attitude of local residents.
Most people do not have the right idea of Georgia. They believe the stereotypes that they came up with back in Soviet times. "Women only go in black ”,“ Men are very temperamental and impose their attention on all women, ”“ It’s very dirty there"- and so on. These statements are from the same category as Russian bears with balalaikas who walk on Red Square.
If you still have not decided where to spend your next vacation, pay attention to this colorful country. Below is a list of interesting facts about Georgia. Also, this information will interest those who like to learn something new. Let's get started.
10. The alphabet is based on the Aramaic language
Georgian is beautiful, but complex. For example, it has a word consisting of 8 consonants. The alphabet is considered perhaps the most ancient in the world. He went through three stages, three stages of development: asomtavruli, nushuri, mkhedruli.
The basis was taken Aramaic-Pahlavi writing. The Aramaic language is very ancient, it was used in the time of Jesus. Scientists also note that there were some Greek influences.
9. The country claims to be the homeland of wine
Georgia is called the birthplace of this drink, and not without reason. In France, a study was conducted in the city of Bordeaux. A professor at the University of Pennsylvania, winemaking historian Patrick McGovern, led a group of six scientists.
For three years they tried to find the answer to the question: in which country did wine first appear? They carefully studied archaeological materials and concluded that Georgia can be called the birthplace of winemaking. According to some reports, the tradition of making wine in this country has more than 8 thousand years.
8. In its bowels conceals 2400 mineral springs
One of the most stable associations associated with Georgia is mineral waters. The most famous is Borjomi. There are many other sources that are not inferior to her in usefulness. The total number of mineral springs in Georgia reaches 2400.
They not only drink water, but also use it for swimming. This tradition came from antiquity. In the 20th century, stone baths were discovered in Georgia, which were used in the 1st century BC. e.
Mineral water can replace the medicine, it will help get rid of diseases of the digestive tract, digestive system, kidneys and many others. It is not surprising that medical resorts of Georgia are very popular among residents of many countries.
7. Ushguli - the highest mountain settlement in Europe
Ushuguli community is considered the highest settlement in Europe. Its height is 2200 meters above sea level. It consists of 4 villages, located in the high valley of Upper Svaneti.
Ushguli preserved valuable architectural and historical monuments, in particular Svan tower houses. There is also a church that was built in the 11th century.
Tourists are attracted to this area, although it is not easy to get here. The local population of Ushguli does not exceed 200 people. For half a year the neighborhood of the community is covered with snow and it is not possible to leave its territory.
6. Khinkali - one of the main dishes of Georgian cuisine
Most tourists admit that they are conquered by Georgian cuisine. There are many dishes that are definitely worth a try, but one of the most important is khinkali. This is a bag of dough with meat filling. The dish is prepared using a special technology, so insidedumplings brothers»Aromatic broth accumulates.
Khinkali are large, with a portion (10 pieces) not everyone can handle. The filling does not have to be from meat; you can add mushrooms or cheese.
5. Mayakovsky was born in Georgia
Mayakovsky’s birthplace is the Georgian village of Baghdadi, which was located in the Kutaisi province. Vladimir Vladimirovich considered himself a Georgian, although his parents are representatives of other nationalities.
He sincerely loved his homeland, but after the death of his father, his mother decided to leave for Moscow. For the rest of his life, Mayakovsky was drawn to Georgia. He came there several times, and in Tiflis his most cherished dream came true. Vladimir Vladimirovich staged a play based on a play of his own composition.
4. The main religion is Christianity.
The Georgian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest in the world (among Christian). The country was one of the first to adopt Christianity; this happened back in the 4th century. Currently, most residents of Georgia profess Orthodoxy. The figure is impressive - 83.42% of the total population.
Everyone else holds a different faith. There are Protestants, Muslims, Catholics, etc. Due to the multinationality of the state, its religious composition is also very diverse.
3. In many high-rise buildings, paid elevator lift
For foreign guests, a lift fee may come as a surprise. In multi-storey buildings, elevators have special boxes resembling coin boxes. Residents who need to get up lower money there, the descent by elevator is free. For the sake of justice, it is worth noting that the fee is negligible. Still, it’s not very nice to get a wallet every time you go home.
Although e, if you figure it out, there is nothing to be surprised at. Our compatriots also pay for the elevator, but they don’t even think about it. The amount is included in utility bills. And in Georgia, a certain organization, not related to the management company, is engaged in the maintenance of elevators. Residents pay her directly.
2. Folk dances and songs are part of UNESCO
The list of UNESCO cultural heritage includes not only architectural monuments, but also folk art. The culture of the country is diverse, its inhabitants managed to preserve the traditions to this day.
An unforgettable sight - Georgian national dance. There are several types, but all of them are united by one thing - the complexity of execution. Women's movements are smooth and graceful, men dance more “aggressively”, thus demonstrating their agility and militancy.
The real masterpiece of folklore is the Chakrulo song, feast, choral, polyphonic. It is dedicated to the warrior who is being prepared for the battle against the villain who oppresses the people. Two vocal parts against the background of a slow choir is a real feast for the ears.
1. The tradition of stealing the bride
The legendary "Caucasian captive" Gaidai is still relevant here. Usually abductions are committed if the parents do not give consent to the wedding, and the girl reciprocates.
Unfortunately, there are many situations when a bride is stolen against her will. If she refuses the kidnapper, and relatives contact the police, the girl will be returned to the family. But she will no longer have a single chance to arrange her personal life. Her reputation will be spoiled, no man will marry her. There is only one way out - to agree to a marriage with a kidnapper or to remain an old maid.
This tradition has broken many women's destinies, but there are also lucky ones who in such an unusual way met their love.