Region Khevsureti / ხევსურეთი

All regions of Georgia

Where is Khevsureti?

Location

Khevsureti is located in the east of Tusheti, north of the Russian border, south of Pshavi, and west of Khivi and Mliulet-Gudamakari. The region is divided into two parts by the Caucasus Mountains: Pirikita and Piraketa Khevsureti. The main villages are Shatili, Archoti, Mutso, Barisakhio, etc.

Geography

The area is full of gorges and valleys. The main rivers in the region are the Aragvi, the Archotiszkali, the Bisna, etc. Numerous mountains and passes surround the Equally important are the passes of Archotistavi, Samtrechlo, Shibughele, etc.

Climate

The climate is quite harsh. It is cold all year round. In January, temperatures range from -12°C to -18°C. Spring comes late and autumn begins early. Summer is cool

History and culture

Important historical passages

Old tales extol the bravery of the Khevsuri. In ancient texts, Khevsuri and Pshavi are referred to together as ‘Pkhovi’. Finds such as bronze objects show that people have lived here for a long time.

Long ago, in the fourth century, the inhabitants of ‘Pchowi’, including Khevsuri and Pshavi, refused to accept Christianity. They even rebelled against Queen Tamar, whereupon an army under Ivane Mkharvgil was sent to end the rebellion.

According to Vakhushti Batonishvili, the Kist-Chechens and Leks used to have good relations with Georgia and were administered together with Tuskh-Pshav-Chevsuretia. Later they became part of Kakheti and were placed under the Kvetari Saeristavo.

The combative population of the region did not like to be controlled. There were conflicts under King Giorgi I and later under King Lewan of Kakheti. Even King Erekle II had difficulties ruling them. Kakheti was always strong and defended the country against its enemies. Stories, especially fairy tales and poems, tell of their spirit of resistance and freedom. King Erekle II appreciated their commitment. As the border with Kist-Chechenia and Leki, they guarded the northern border and were relieved of royal duties.

For many years, the Khevsuretia region was under the control of the king. At times when royal power was weakened, nobles from Aragvi tried to take control. Later, Khevsuretia protected the country from attacks and took part in battles such as Aspindze (1770) and Krtsanis (1795).

They fought against the rule of the Tsarist Empire during the Mtiuleti Uprising (1804) and the Kakheti Uprising of 1812. In the 1880s, part of the population left the country. The resettlement to Bar in the 1950s had negative consequences, but in the 1980s the revival of the abandoned areas began.

Culture

When we consider the culture of the Khevsureti region, the unique architecture is particularly noteworthy. Villages such as Shatili, Muzo and Kistani are unique in Georgia and represent cultural and architectural peculiarities. The fortified towers, similar to those in Tusheti, are characteristic of this region.

A noteworthy peculiarity is the traditional clothing of the Khevsurians. They do not wear the traditional Georgian chokha, but a colourful and richly decorated costume called talavari. A cross is a main motif of the ornaments.

There is hardly another region in Georgia with as many legends and fables as here. The myths about Jachsar, Kopala and other deities are known and loved throughout the country. The Khevsurans are known for their martial arts. They used special, very small, round shields that they could handle exceptionally well. Other weapons were swords, guns and daggers.

This martial spirit is also reflected in the traditional folk dances of the Khevsurans, in which battle scenes play an important role.

The love of poetry is widespread among the Khevsurans. Almost all Khevsurans can write poetry and there are some well-known poets among them.

Travel tips for the Khevsureti region

Sights and activities

Cultural site

• Shatili is a unique gem of Georgian architecture. The village, which extends over the cliffs, served both as a place of residence and as a fortress. It guarded the northern passes of Georgia for centuries and has recently been restored. In some of the old houses there are rooms where you can stay overnight.
• Mutso, at 1,880m, is a well-known excursion destination in Chevsuretin. The village, which has been almost abandoned for over a century, consists of about 40 fortified medieval houses spread over vertical terraces above the valley of Muzzo-Ardot. In Mutso, four war fortresses and several ruins of residential houses still remain today.
• Lebaiskar is a tower with five floors. Inside, the floors are connected by movable wooden stairs. Goods were stored on the ground floor. There is a small balcony on each side of the tower. The top floor has a vaulted roof inside and a stepped pyramid roof outside.

Natural monuments

• The Chauchi massif, which reaches up to 3,688 metres in height, consists of Lower Jurassic clayey schists and sandstones. The area is characterised by bare, rocky slopes. Next to the Chaukheb in the Eastern Caucasus are the North Chakh (3842.5 m), the East Chakh (3644 m) and the West Chakh (3496 m). This area is part of the well-known Kazbek-Omalo trail that leads over the pass.
• The Abudelauri Lakes are located at an altitude of 2600 m and include the Green, Blue and White Lakes. The Green and Blue Lakes are close together, while the White Lake is further away and more difficult to access. Lake Abudelauri, 7 km from Roshka, is easily accessible and offers the best views in June and July when there is no snow.
• The Azunta Pass, at 3430m, is a popular destination for hikers and lies between Khevsureti and Tusheti. This pass is also part of the Kazbeki-Omalo hiking trail.

Activities

• Cultural excursions: Culture lovers are attracted by the old fortified villages and towers of the region of Khevsureti, including the private Arabulis Museum in Roshka.
• Hiking: The region, with its numerous mountain ranges, is ideal for hiking. A very well-known route leads over the Azunta Pass from Khevsureti to Omalo and starts in Kazbek.
• Horseback riding: Well-maintained horse trails pass through the villages, offering a glimpse of local life. The hiking trails mentioned above are also ideal for horseback riding.
• Photography: Photographers will find fascinating landscape and architectural subjects.
• Cycling tours: The region’s gently rolling landscape is ideal for cycling tours, especially for mountain bikers. Even the route to Schatili over the Datvidschvari Pass is fascinating, and it is also possible to cycle along the valleys.

Reiseangebote für Chewsuretien

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