Georgian Terms Glossary

Key terms, names, and concepts used throughout Sakartvelo Unveiled

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Adjara (აჭარა): Autonomous republic in southwestern Georgia, on the Black Sea coast. Capital: Batumi. Historically had a significant Muslim population.
Abkhazia (აფხაზეთი): Region in northwestern Georgia, currently occupied by Russia since 2008. Recognized as independent by Russia and a few other countries, but considered part of Georgia by most of the world.
Asomtavruli (ასომთავრული): The oldest form of the Georgian alphabet, used from the 5th to 9th centuries CE. Also known as "capital" or "majuscule" script.

Colchis (კოლხეთი): Ancient kingdom in western Georgia (13th-1st century BCE), mentioned in Greek mythology as the destination of Jason and the Argonauts. Known for the legend of the Golden Fleece.

Ghvino (ღვინო): Georgian word for wine. Some linguists believe this may be the root of all Indo-European words for wine (vin, vino, wine, etc.).
Gelati (გელათი): Medieval monastery complex near Kutaisi, built by King David IV (David the Builder) in the 12th century. UNESCO World Heritage site.

Iberia (იბერია): Ancient kingdom in eastern Georgia (6th century BCE - 6th century CE), not to be confused with the Iberian Peninsula. Also known as Kartli.

Kakheti (კახეთი): Eastern region of Georgia, known as the wine heartland. Home to the Alazani Valley and many of Georgia's most famous wine regions.
Kartli (ქართლი): Central region of Georgia, historically the core of the Georgian state. Contains Tbilisi, Mtskheta, and Gori. The name "Sakartvelo" derives from Kartli.
Kartvelian (ქართველური): The language family to which Georgian belongs. Includes Georgian, Svan, Megrelian, and Laz. A linguistic isolate with no proven relationship to other language families.
Khachapuri (ხაჭაპური): Traditional Georgian cheese-filled bread, considered a national dish. Regional variations include Adjarian khachapuri (boat-shaped with egg) and Imeretian khachapuri (round).
Khinkali (ხინკალი): Georgian dumplings filled with spiced meat (usually beef or pork) or cheese. Eaten by holding the topknot and biting into the side.
Koshki (კოშკი): Defensive stone towers in Svaneti, built from the 9th to 13th centuries. Used for protection during blood feuds and avalanches. UNESCO World Heritage.

Megrelian (მეგრული): One of the Kartvelian languages, spoken in Samegrelo region. Also known as Mingrelian. UNESCO classifies it as "definitely endangered."
Mkhedruli (მხედრული): The modern Georgian alphabet, in use since the 11th century. The only script currently used for Georgian writing.
Mtskheta (მცხეთა): Ancient capital of Georgia, located at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Home to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. UNESCO World Heritage site.

Nuskhuri (ნუსხური): The second form of the Georgian alphabet, used from the 9th to 11th centuries. A "minuscule" or lowercase script, used primarily for religious texts.

Qvevri (ქვევრი): Large clay vessel used for fermenting and storing wine. Buried underground, this ancient method is still used today and recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Sakartvelo (საქართველო): The name Georgians use for their own country. Derived from "Kartli" (the central region) with the prefix "sa-" (land/place of).
Saperavi (საფერავი): One of Georgia's most important red grape varieties, used to make full-bodied, dark red wines. Grown primarily in Kakheti.
Samegrelo (სამეგრელო): Northwestern region of Georgia, also known as Mingrelia. Home to the Megrelian language and Zugdidi.
South Ossetia (სამხრეთ ოსეთი): Region in central Georgia, currently occupied by Russia since 2008. Recognized as independent by Russia and a few other countries.
Svan (სვანური): One of the Kartvelian languages, spoken in Svaneti region. UNESCO classifies it as "severely endangered."
Svaneti (სვანეთი): Mountainous region in northwestern Georgia, known for its defensive towers (koshki), the Svan language, and UNESCO World Heritage status.
Svetitskhoveli (სვეტიცხოველი): 11th-century cathedral in Mtskheta, one of Georgia's most important religious sites. According to legend, contains the robe of Christ.

Tamada (თამადა): The toastmaster at a Georgian supra (feast). Responsible for leading toasts and maintaining the ritual structure of the meal.
Tbilisi (თბილისი): Capital and largest city of Georgia, located on the Mtkvari River. Founded in the 5th century CE.