HISTORY OF ADJARA

Adjara has hard and diverse past like whole Georgia. As a historical and geographical entity it has been known since ancient times. According to historians, this territory had to be inhabited since the Stone Age. The monuments of this age are found in he mountainous resort Beshumi. The Chorokhi basin used to be one of the main hearths of bronze metallurgy. Hence the abundance of monuments belonging to the Bronze and Early Iron Ages.

The Antique world was well-acquainted with Adjara. It used to have active cultural and trade relations with Colchis Kingdom.

Georgian chronicles first mention Adjara in the 3-rd century BC as part of the Kartli Kingdom. It was here that Christianity was cradled in Georgia. This significant historic event is connected with Christ's apostle Andrew the First-Called who was the first to enter Adjara and preach Christianity.

Gonio-Apsaros Fortress, located in Gonio near Batumi, is also connected with I century AD. It is called mighty Colchic citadel representing the most valuable monument of Adjarian history and an important research sphere for archaelogy to this day. Besides, it is here that one of the most significant Christian sanctities has been found - the grave of St.Mathias. It is well-known that he was elected the twelfth apostle instead of Judas Iscariot. According to the historic sources he spent last years of his life in Adjara and was buried here.

Architecture, writing, copying, wood and leather processing was highly developed in Medieval Adjara. In XVI century Adjara was conquered by the Ottomans. It was liberated and reunited to Guria Princedom. In 1614 it was again conquered by the Ottomans and moaned under their yoke until 1878. During all that period Adjara never bent under the huge Ottoman Empire. The population used to rebel, followed Christianity, preserved language and passed Georgian and Orthodox customs and traditions from generation to generation. In 1878, as a result of Russian-Turkish war, Adjara was reunited back to mother-Georgia.

XIX century sees the beginning of new stage in the history of Adjara. The region started to follow the path of economic and social reconstruction and development. After becoming the Soviet State, in 1921, Adjara was announced the Autonomous Republic. It retains the status up to this day.

During the last century, under the Soviet leadership, Adjara was developing within the frames of common Soviet space.

After the so called ''Rose Revolution'' and famous November events in 2003, the Adjarian population made its choice in May 2004 and today it follows the path of revival and reconstruction.

HISTORY OF BATUMI

The history of Batumi can be singled out against the background of the history of Adjara. It is impossible to imagine not only the history of Georgia but the history of the whole Caucasus without Batumi.

The blazing surface of the Black Sea is crossed by a peninsula with a small city-port on it. This city is called Batumi. It is caressed by the sea and warm breeze all year round. It often rains in Batumi but it is this alteration of weather that creates unique image of the ''Rainy Sunland''. Batumi is situated almost on the sea level (only 3 meters above the sea level) that determines the uniqueness of its climate.

Plynius, Xenophonte and Apolonius of Rhodes give us the first information about the city built on the site of Batumi. They claim this city to be well-known in the Antique World and one of the significant sea-ports. The name is originated from Greek. In early times it was mentioned with its Greek name ''Batius Liman'' meaning ''deep bay''. Scholars believe that it was here that two ancient cultures - Antique and Colchic - used to merge.

During the Ottoman yoke the geopolitical importance of Batumi was diminished. As a result, information about medieval Batumi preserved in historical sources is rather poor.

At the end of XIX c. Batumi became the regional centre of Adjara and accordingly, it took the central place in economic, political and cultural life of Adjara.

In 1990es it became a large centre of oil export and industry as well as an important sea-port.

The period when the city was announced ''Porto-Franco'' is of great importance too. The turnover of Batumi sea-port had largely increased by that time. In the first part of XX century various types of goods used to pass regularly to Georgia and Russian Empire via Batumi. Batumi port became the greatest transit point for transporting oil extracted in Baku.

During the Soviet period Batumi still functioned as a significant sea-port. Today its sea terminal serves numerous liners and tankers. Visitors entering the city from the sea can enjoy the splendid views straight from the ship.

The uniqueness of the city is also shown by the fact that it is built according to the Roman style. With the help of the parallel streets it is clearly divided into squares which makes orientation easy. And as far as the numeration of the city begins from the sea, it is actually impossible to get lost in the city.

BATUMI'S INSTANTANEOUS

KHACHAPURI

The Black Sea and Adjaran rivers deliver wide range of seafood that allows for plentiful exotic flavors in various specially cooked fish dishes Peculiarities of everyday life in Adjaran highlands explain dominant role of the dairy products in their cuisine.

Adjaran highland fat-free cheese, known for its unusual flavor, would be one of the most adapted products to such climatic conditions.

Achma, Borano, Sinori and the rest local Adjaran dishes enrich traditional Georgian menu. Visiting Batumi: One must get acquainted with whole specter of Adjaran and Georgian cuisine widely served at local hospitable restaurants and cafes.

All Georgia famous Adjaran Khachapuri (special kind of cheese bread) so called visit card of Batumi is treditionally prepared in the open fire.