Persian armies conquered Tbilisi again and again, yet Georgia remained firmly Christian. Why? Did the Persians deliberately avoid converting the population to Zoroastrianism, seeking peaceful coexistence, or was the empire’s ancient faith reserved for its own administrators and elites? The ruins of Tbilisi’s Fire Temple point to a striking paradox: an imperial religion present at the heart of the city, yet never fully imposed. This tension reveals a complex encounter between power, faith, and cultural coexistence.
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Exploring the Sololaki Ridge in Tbilisi
The southern Sololaki ridge on the hillside in Tbilisi has been a fortified defensive site since at least the 4th century, when the Narikala Fortress was built. On the ridge, the Narikala Castle, ancient fortress towers, and the 20th-century Mother of Georgia can still be visited. Let’s visit this strategic ridge and learn what important markers still remain.
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The Vanishing Church and Forgotten Armenian History of Tbilisi
A dormant church stands in the Jvaris Mama complex, fueling ongoing contention between the Armenian and Georgian Orthodox churches. This abandoned church reminds visitors how the city often overlooks Armenian history. Let’s explore the beauty of this church and uncover its rich story.
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When Stones Cry Out: The Lost Memory of the Red Gospel Armenian Church in Tbilisi
During my visits to Tbilisi, Georgia, I discovered some aspects of the Armenian presence in the city. Let’s explore some of these hidden finds in this amazing city, which reflect the tension between Georgia and Armenia today.
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The Great Orthodox Divide between Neighbors: Georgian and Armenian
The tension between Christian neighbors is deeply rooted in religious differences that have formed over centuries of misunderstanding and merciless devastation. Armenian churches sit wasting away throughout Tbilisi, and Georgian believers in Armenia have no official status. As Christians, one would think that they can resolve their differences within these orthodox churches.
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Narikala: The Georgian Fortress With a Persian Story
Few landmarks in Tbilisi spark more debate than the ancient Narikala Fortress. Some argue that the fortress reflects Persian power more than Georgian history, while others see it as a symbol of Georgian identity alone. Yet the story of Narikala is far more complex. Over centuries, Persians, Georgians, Arabs, Mongols, and Ottomans all shaped the fortress that still rises above the city today. Conquerors, builders, and traders left their marks of conquest, rebuilding, and cultural exchange on its walls. To understand Narikala, we must look beyond modern nationalism and read the layered history the fortress inscribes in its stone walls.
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