Visiting the capital city, Tbilisi, where all the churches seem to look alike, which ones are the oldest churches in Tbilisi? Here is a list of the oldest churches (considering when first built) that will provide insight into how the Georgian Orthodox church has remained the religious center for over 1,500 years.
[Read more…] about The Oldest 5th-6th Century Churches in Tbilisi, Georgia
Jvaris Mama Church with its Armenian and Georgian Churches
In the walled area of the Jvaris Mama complex sits two churches that source in two different orthodox churches. The Jvaris Mama is Georgian while the St. Mary Church is Armenian. The Georgian is active while the Armenian building sits as a hollow shell reserved for pigeons. Let’s explore this monastery complex.
[Read more…] about Jvaris Mama Church with its Armenian and Georgian Churches
The Persian Splash upon Tbilisi with Walking Tour
On various occasions, the Persians conquered or at least controlled the area around Tbilisi. The Persians brought their culture and, at times, their religion to the Georgian region. Despite the Georgian Christian faith, the Persians often dwelt peacefully among them when they controlled the area. A key link to this idea comes from the time of the Sasanian King Khosrow II, who had a Christian wife named Shirin. This queen often sought protection for the Christian populations under Persian control.
[Read more…] about The Persian Splash upon Tbilisi with Walking Tour
Were Zoroastrians in Tbilisi?
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.
[Read more…] about Were Zoroastrians in Tbilisi?
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.
[Read more…] about Exploring the Sololaki Ridge in Tbilisi