Region Mingrelia | Samegrelo | სამეგრელო

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Where is Mingrelia region?

Location

A well-known region of Western Georgia is Mingrelia or Samegrelo (სამეგრელო), which borders the Black Sea and Abkhazia in the west, Guria in the south and Imereti in the east. North of Mingrelia lies Svaneti. This region is divided into six districts: Zugdidi, Chobi, Senaki, Martvili, Zalendzhikha and Chhorotsk. The important seaport of Poti is also part of this region.

Geography

The landscape is largely flat and includes the Kolkheti Plain. There are mainly wetlands, but also mountains and hills. The highest mountain, Chitakavala (approx. 3,226 m), is located in the Egrisi Mountains and forms the border between Mingrelia and Svaneti. The region is traversed by the country’s most water-rich rivers: Rioni, Enguri and Zhenistzkali, which originate in the Greater Caucasus and flow into the Black Sea. The longest river in the region is the 150-kilometre-long Khobizkhali.

Climate

The Mingrelia region has a humid subtropical climate, which extends across the entire western Georgian region. The lowlands and hilly landscapes are characterised by a warm and humid climate with mild, snow-free winters and hot summers.

The mid 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

The Mingrelia region initially belonged to the Colchis Empire, later to Lazika and Egrisi. The administrative centre and capital of this region was Zichegodchi or Archeopolis. This city came under Roman control in the 1st century, which lasted until the 4th century. A large fortress was built there on the Techuri River, which still exists today and fascinates visitors. The legend of the Golden Fleece is also connected with the region.

In the Middle Ages, when Georgia was first unified under King Bagrat III, this region was a province of the unified Georgia. In the late Middle Ages, after the country was divided into various kingdoms and principalities, a principality called Odischi was established in this region. In the 18th century, when the Russian Empire annexed Georgia, this region was part of the Russian Empire. During the period of the First Republic, Mingrelia was part of independent Georgia.

Culture

Mingrelia is a region where ancient customs and traditions are particularly well preserved. Many religious festivals are celebrated in the villages that are unknown in other parts of the country. One of these festivals is Mirsoba, which is celebrated in spring and focuses on the desire for good weather to protect against bad, foggy weather.

The famous Mingrelian lullaby ‘Megruli Nana’ is sung throughout the country. The clothing of the inhabitants of this region does not differ significantly from that of other regions. The traditional clothing of men, the choche, is also widespread here, while women often wear silk dresses.

Language

The Mingrelian language /Megruli (მარგალური) is a regional language spoken exclusively in Samegrelo. Other Georgians cannot understand it. It is unique in its structure and expressions and contributes to the identity of the region. The language serves as a unifying element between the inhabitants and preserves the cultural authenticity of Samegrelo through its unique linguistic tradition.

Cuisine and wine

Mingrelian cuisine plays an important role in the regional culture. Thanks to the variety of spices, the dishes are particularly tasty. The cuisine offers both meat and vegetable dishes. The Sulguni cheese, which is often eaten smoked, is particularly well known. Other well-known dishes are Satsivi – a walnut sauce with chicken, Elardji – cornmeal porridge with cheese, Kutshcmatschi – liver and other offal.

The spicy Mingrelian sauce Adzhika is also very popular and is served with meat dishes as well as with fried potatoes and meat. Of course, there is also a special type of Khachapuri here, the cheese bread, in which the cheese is used not only as a filling but also as a topping.

Various types of wine are grown in the region of Mingrelia, of which the red wine Ojaleshi is the best known. This variety is particularly common in the municipalities of Zugdidi, Martvili and Abkhazia.

Travel tips for the Mingrelia region

Sightseeing  and activities

Cultural site

Mingrelian cultural treasures offer a wide range of attractions, from fortresses to cathedrals and palaces. The most important cultural monuments are

• Nokalakevi or Zichegodschi, located in Senaki on the Techuri River, dates from the first century. But as early as the 3rd century BC, there was a city with a fortress here. Top of Form The Roman architecture includes baths, barracks and impressive facilities, including a tunnel to the river.
• Built in the 19th century by the Dadiani princes of Mingrelia, the Dadiani Palace is a unique piece of architecture and now a museum. The palace’s beautiful garden is also worth seeing.
• Martvili Monastery, located on a hill in Martvili, is a gem of medieval Georgian architecture. The cathedral contains fascinating frescoes and paintings of historical figures.
• Jikhah, an old fortress from the late Middle Ages in the village of Jikhaskari, is captivating due to its location on a hill and resembles the Svan towers in its architecture.
• The cathedral of Zalendzhikha in the municipality of Zalendzhikha was built between the 11th and 13th centuries. It is surrounded by the ruins of an old fortress and, like many churches from this period, is richly decorated with magnificent paintings. There is a 45-metre-long and 2-3-metre-high tunnel nearby.

Natural sights

• Martvili Gorge is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Georgia. The gorge is located on the Abascha River and offers beautiful landscapes as well as boat trips through the gorge. It is officially a nature reserve and the tourist infrastructure is very well developed.
• The mountain lakes Toba Varchili are located in the Ergrisi Mountains at an altitude of 2600 m and can only be reached on foot. It is a wonderful destination for those who enjoy hiking and camping in the wild. On the way to the lake, there are other equally beautiful lakes such as Didgalisch Toba, Kalalisch Toba and Zakazkali Toba (Toba is the Mingrelian word for lake). The hike is only suitable for experienced hikers.
• Dedamoka hot spring is located near the Nokalakevi fortress in Sekani, on the Techuri River. The spring is hot and visitors can only enjoy droplets and steam. The springs are very popular, especially in summer, when it is also possible to bathe in the cold Techuri River.
• The Kolcheti National Park is a swamp area on the Black Sea with an area of 44,308.5 hectares, of which 15,276 hectares are Black Sea aquaporin. Lake Paliastomi is also part of the park. The place is particularly interesting for birdwatchers and nature photographers. As an activity here, we offer a boat trip, which is a good opportunity to enjoy the unique landscape, plants and the entire environment of the park.
• The Inzra waterfall is located in Martvili. It can only be reached on foot. However, a section of about 1.5 km can be driven by 4×4. The path is located in a beautiful forest and a trip there allows you to enjoy not only the waterfall itself, but also the beauty of the path.

Resorts

• Skuri, Tsalenjikha, 450-500 metres above sea level, offers balneoclimatic holidays in the mountains. It has been offering relaxing nature holidays with healing mineral water and beautiful surroundings since 1920.
• Mendji is situated 29 metres above sea level and is characterised by its mild climate. It is a balneological resort and its healing factor is the sulphurous and sodium-rich water. The beautiful natural surroundings attract tourists. It is ideal for a relaxing holiday in nature.
• Lebarde, a mountain resort in Martvili, 1,600 metres above sea level in the Egrisi Mountains, offers a mild climate, beautiful nature, hiking trails to large and small lakes, untouched wilderness and cosy huts in a wooded area.

Activities

The Mingrelia region offers numerous attractions and opportunities for a range of activities. Here are a few travel tips for visitors to the region:

• Hiking: the majestic mountains of the Egrisi range are ideal for hiking. Whether you are on the trail to Tobavarstchili or following the hiking trails in the resort of Lebarde, it is a wonderful opportunity to experience the breathtaking nature of Mingrelia. The hiking trails are partially marked and it is recommended to take a local guide with you.
• Horseback riding: The mountains of Mingrelia are also ideal for horseback riding. The locals are good riders and offer a variety of riding tours in the region.
• Photography: This region is particularly fascinating for landscape photographers. The Kolcheti National Park offers ideal motifs for photographers.
• Birdwatching: The Kolche National Park is also an excellent place for birdwatching. This is especially true in spring and September, when migratory birds are active.
• Cycling: The region is ideal for cycling tours lasting from a few days to a week. A circular tour of the region, which takes about 5-6 days and offers the opportunity to get to know all the communities and the main attractions, is particularly attractive.
• Culinary and wine tours: Every year, culinary and wine tours in the region enjoy great popularity. Many small, charming family businesses offer the opportunity to taste the delicious Mingrelian cuisine and wines.
• Cultural excursions: Culture lovers can visit old fortresses, cathedrals, churches, palaces and museums.

Tours in Mingrelia region

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