Geography
Kutaisi, the second largest city in Georgia, is the administrative centre for numerous municipalities in the region, including Kutaisi, Baghdati, Vani, Zestaponi, Terjola, Samtredia, Sachkhere, Tkibuli, Tskaltubo, Chiatura, Kharagauli and Khoni. Imereti is rich in inland waters with major rivers such as Rioni and Tskhenistskali, including Dzirula, Chkherimela, Kvirila, Rikotula and others.
Climate
The Imereti plain is the eastern part of the Kolkhi Lowland Plain with humid subtropical coastal climate. Mild, warm winters and hot summers are typical, with an average annual air temperature of 11-15℃. The higher elevations are characterised by long winters and cool summers.
The mid-mountain and high mountain areas have a moderately cold to cold climate with snowy winters and short summers. The average temperature in the lowlands is between +13 and +19 °C. Temperatures decrease with increasing altitude in the north.
History and culture
Important historical passages
Traces of human life in the Imereti region date back to the Upper Paleolithic period. In the 13th century BC, an important settlement of Colchic tribes emerged in this area. It was part of the ancient kingdom of Colchis (8th-3rd century BC). In the 1st century, the kingdom of Egrisi (Lazika) emerged in this area, which soon came under the influence of the Roman Empire and was also the scene of conflicts between Greeks and Persians.
In the 8th century, Georgia, including Imereti, experienced a major Arab invasion that posed a major challenge for the region. Despite considerable destruction, the region subsequently became a centre of Georgian political and cultural life, and Kutaisi became the capital of Western Georgia and later of unified Georgia.
The period between the 10th and 13th centuries is considered the golden age of Georgia, which also included the region of Imereti. During this time, important elements of Georgian culture emerged. The monastery and academy of Gelati are an outstanding example of this development and were built in this very region near Kutaisi.
From the late Middle Ages
In the 15th century, after the collapse of the Georgian feudal monarchy, Imereti was established as an independent feudal state under the name Kingdom of Imereti. Initially, it comprised the whole of western Georgia, but over time it split off from the principalities of Odisha, Guria, Abkhazia and Svaneti. The capital of the Kingdom of Imereti was Kutaisi. During this time, Imereti had to fight several defensive battles against the Ottomans.
As the capital of the Imereti region, Kutaisi was an important cultural, architectural and political centre of Western Georgia for centuries. In the 19th century, the Kingdom of Imereti was annexed by Russia and incorporated into the Russian Empire as a province.
In the first Georgian Republic (1917-1921), Imereti became an important part of Georgia again. During the Soviet era, it was one of the most important industrial centres. According to the current regional structure, historical Imereti has the status of a territorial-administrative unit.
Culture
The culture of the Imereti region is an integral part of Georgian culture. Here you can find outstanding examples of Georgian architecture such as the monasteries Gelati and Barati and the famous chapel Kazchis Sveti.
The architecture of this region is remarkable. The tradition of courtyard architecture was passed down from generation to generation. The house – imeruli Oda – is located in the centre of the courtyard, adorned with tiled floors and elaborately carved balconies facing the sun.
The population of Imereti hardly differs from that of other regions in their traditional costumes. The men wear chochas with a dagger and gunpowder container. Examples of the beautiful traditional costumes of Imereti can be admired in the Georgian National Museum.
Pottery plays an important role in the daily life of Imereti and is very widespread. One of the oldest pottery centres in Georgia is located in Shrosha. Here, the tradition and secrets of the craft are passed down from father to son. The village of Shrosha is also home to a large pottery market.
Cuisine and wine
The people of the region are very hospitable and their cuisine is incredibly tasty. Nut dishes are common here and herbs are used liberally. Khachapuri from Imereti is known and loved throughout the country. An outstanding dish is roast chicken, which is soaked in blackberry juice and unripe grapes and is known as Isrimakvali.
Wine-making in Imereti is also noteworthy. The region is one of the most diverse wine-growing areas in Georgia, which is due to the different climatic conditions and soil conditions of mountainous Imereti. The grape varieties grown in Imereti include Tsolikauri, Tsitska, Krakhuna, Otskhanuri Sapere, Adanasuri and others.
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