Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti
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Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti
რაჭა-ლეჩხუმი და ქვემო სვანეთი | |
---|---|
From the top to bottom-right: Lechkhumi Mountain Range, Oni District, Rioni River, Kheshkuri River, Shaori Reservoir | |
Country | Georgia |
Seat | Ambrolauri |
Subdivisions | 4 municipalities |
Government | |
• Governor | Parmen Margvelidze |
Area | |
• Total | 4,954 km2 (1,913 sq mi) |
Population (2021)[2] | |
• Total | 28,500 |
• Density | 5.8/km2 (15/sq mi) |
ISO 3166 code | GE-RL |
HDI (2021) | 0.800[3] high · 11th |
Website | rls |
Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti (Georgian: რაჭა-ლეჩხუმი და ქვემო სვანეთი, Rach’a-Lechkhumi da Kvemo Svaneti) is a region (mkhare) in northwestern Georgia with a population of 28,500 (2021[2]), making it the most sparsely populated region in the country. It has a nominal area of 4,954 km2 (1,913 sq mi), of which 4,600 km2 (1,800 sq mi) is de facto controlled by Georgia.[4] The remainder is effectively under South Ossetian control.[nt 2] The region has Ambrolauri as its administrative center and Parmen Margvelidze is governor of the region since June 2021.[5][6] Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti includes the historical provinces of Racha, Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti (or Lower Svaneti).
Geography
Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti is located in the north of Georgia and covers an area of 4,954 km2 (1,913 sq mi). The eastern tip of the region is de facto in South Ossetia and is not under Georgian control. This concerns approximately 354 km2 (137 sq mi). Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti borders the
The region is surrounded by mountain ranges as a natural border. The north-south watershed and main ridge of the Greater Caucasus forms the natural northeastern boundary of Racha-Lechkumi and Kvemo Svaneti while the Racha Range form the southern boundary from the main ridge of the Greater Caucasus to the outlet of the region's Rioni and Tskhenistsqali rivers. To the west of this, the Egrisi Range forms the southwestern natural border and the Svaneti Range the northwestern. In addition, the region itself is also separated into separate areas by mountain ranges. The Shoda-Kedela Ridge, together with the Lechkhumi Range, form a natural division between the historical regions of Mountain-, Upper- and Lower Racha, Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti. Upper and Lower Racha have their natural boundary in the kHidiskari Gorge in the Rioni River between the villages of Tsesi and Kmimsi.
The largest river entirely in Georgia, the Rioni, has its major origins in Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, more specifically in Mountain Racha in the Greater Caucasus main ridge northwest of the village of Ghebi at the 3779 meter high Mt Pasismta. The Tskhenistsqali, the sixth river of Georgia, which flows into the Rioni after 176 kilometers at Samtredia, also finds its origin in this region, like the Rioni at Mt Pasismta. Both rivers flow in opposite directions through the region and find their exit in the southwest corner through the Khvamli chalk massif.
Subdivisions
The region has four municipalities with 62 administrative communities (temi)[4] and a total of 256 populated settlements:
- Three cities: Ambrolauri, Oni and Tsageri.
- Two dabas: Kharistvala, Lentekhi
- Villages: 251
Map | Municipality | Area (km2) | Density (p/km2) |
---|---|---|---|
Ambrolauri Municipality | 1,142 | 9.1 | |
Lentekhi Municipality | 1,344 | 3.0 | |
Oni Municipality | 1,748 | 3.2 | |
Tsageri Municipality | 755 | 11.3 | |
Population density based on 2021 population.[2] Municipality area[4] |
Demographic
According to data from the National Statistical Bureau of Georgia, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti had 28,500 inhabitants as of January 1, 2021,[2] a decrease of 11% from the 2014 census.[4] Of these, 23.7% live in urban areas and 76.7% in rural villages. Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti is the smallest region in Georgia in terms of inhabitants and has depopulated in a rapid pace, partly forced by limited economic prospects, especially in the hard to reach valleys deeper in the region.
Population development of the region Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti[7] | ||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1959 | 1970 | 1979 | 1989 | 2002* | 2002** | 2014 | 2021 | |||||||||||
Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti | 90,045 | 79,979 | 69,834 | 57,776 | 50,969 | 44,003 | 32,089 | 28,500 | ||||||||||
Ambrolauri Municipality | 26,667 | 24,128 | 20,916 | 17,065 | 16,079 | - | 11,186 | 10,405 | ||||||||||
Lentekhi Municipality | 14,692 | 13,479 | 12,963 | 11,227 | 8,991 | - | 4,386 | 4,027 | ||||||||||
Oni Municipality*** | 21,784 | 19,016 | 15,493 | 12,318 | 9,277 | - | 6,130 | 5,563 | ||||||||||
Tsageri Municipality | 27,262 | 23,356 | 20,462 | 17,166 | 16,622 | - | 10,387 | 8,505 | ||||||||||
* Research after 2014 census showed the 2002 census was inflated by 8-9 percent.[8] ** Corrected data based on retro-projection 1994-2014 in collaboration with UN[9] *** Part of Oni is outside Georgian government authority and has not been counted since 2002. |
Ethnic groups
The population of (Georgian controlled) Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti consists almost entirely of Georgians. The 2014 census counted no more than 112 inhabitants belonging to a minority group, with ethnic Russians (29) and Ossetians (28) being the most represented. Others include Armenians, Ukrainians, and Greeks.[10]
Religion
The population of (Georgian controlled) Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti almost entirely identifies themselves as Orthodox Christians, with only 90 people belonging to another religion. Jehovah's Witnesses are the most significant religious minority with 69 followers, according to the 2014 census, followed by s small number of Jews, Armenian Gregorians and Muslims.[11]
Oni has long been one of the main centers of Georgian Jews. At its peak, the community is said to have been as large as 3,500 people.[12][13] According to the census of the period 1920-1970, around 1,100-1,200 Jews lived in Oni. Migration to Israel, in particular, started from 1968 when the Soviet Union began to allow emigration. Under Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze, this was made easier, accelerating the exodus in the late 1980s. By the early 1990s, most Jews had left Oni, especially to Beer Sheva in Israel's Negev desert. This town has had a twinning relationship with Oni ever since.
The synagogue in Oni is the third largest in Georgia, and was opened in 1895 after a 4-year construction period. The synagogue is inspired by the Great Synagogue in Warsaw (Poland).[14][13] The rabbi of Oni saw this synagogue during a study in Warsaw and wanted a similar synagogue in Oni. He had a Polish design made in an eclectic style that also has references to synagogues in Tykocin and Krakow. It was built by Greek workers using limestone and rock. By 2021 the Jewish community in Oni is only 12 people small and it is difficult to keep the synagogue open. Services are only held if the attendance is at least 10.
Language
Georgian language is spoken by the entire population. The Svan language is also spoken in Kvemo Svaneti, mostly by the elders.
History
Kvemo Svaneti
In early centuries,
- Svanetis samtavro (Côté ouest de Zemo Svaneti)
- Balzemo Svaneti (Côté est de Zemo Svaneti)
- Kvemo Svaneti (Basse Svaneti)
Racha
In early period,
According to
Saeristavo of Racha
In the 10th century, the Rachis Saeristavo, an territorial-administrative entity in the feodal
In the 10th-13th centuries, the
In the end of the 13th century,
In the 15th century, the king of Imereti, Bagrat III gave to the Eristavi of Racha, Mindatsikhe. The Eristavis had their own residential area in the gorge of the Lukhuni River. The main residence became Mindatsikhe.
In the 15th-17th centuries, the kings of
In 1678, Shoshita (Eristavi) helped Archil III to take the throne. But after, Bagrat IV, helped by the Turks, re-gain the throne of Imereti. In 1679, the Turks invaded Racha. After the exil of Archil, in Russia, the Eristavis still fought with Imereti. Shoshita III restored ties with kings of Karti, especially with Vakhtang VI.
At first, Racha's Eristavis relied on Rachvelian nobles with the battle with the Kingdom of Imereti. The Allies, firstly, misappropriated the king of Imereti's proprieties : the Iashvili family took Kvaristsikhe, the Tsulukidze family took Khotevisa and the major parts of Imeretian possessions were taken by the Eristavi. In 1769, the Imeretian king Solomon I captured Rostomi (Eristavi) and his family, and the Rachis Saeristavo was cancelled. In 1784, the Saeristavo was restored by Davit (King of Imereti). Katsia II Dadiani, helped him to take the decision to restore the Saeristavo. He place as Eristavi, his nephew Anton which was badly saw by the Tsulukidze and Tsereteli.
In 1785, the king of Imereti, changed his mind and decided to place his father, Giorgi as Eristavi of Racha. Beri Tsulukidze and Papuna Tsereteli fled to Akhaltsikhe and in 1786, an army of 500 Laks and 1000 Turks broke down in Racha. The king of Imereti went to fight in Racha. At the final battle, on 26 January 1789, close to the village Skhvava, Davit win, but the Eristavi Giorgi died in 1787 during the battle. Anton was declared Eristavi. In 1789, in Imereti, Solomon II became king and abolished the Rachis Saeristavo.
Lechkhumi
In the region of
became independent. Its economic centre was in Laila. After the creation of theTransportation
The relatively isolated region is connected with neighbouring regions
Since autumn 2021, a new road from central Georgia to Oni has been opened. It starts in Sachkhere (Imereti) and runs through the Racha Range] to the Oni-Ambrolauri road (Sh16), which significantly reduces travel time.[15] This road reaches a highest point of almost 1,900 m (6,200 ft) meters above sea level and replaces the old route from Gori via Tskhinvali to Oni which has been effectively closed since the 1990s. A direct road between the towns of Lentekhi and Mestia in Upper-Svaneti via the Laskadura valley and a 6 kilometer long tunnel through the Svaneti Range has been announced several times, especially in election campaign times.[16]
In 2017, an
Economy
The majority of the region is mountainous, while the economy mostly relies on agriculture from the valleys. In the region, cultivation of
The area around Ambrolauri is mostly known for its Khvanchkara wine production. Due to the protected climate, the Rioni valley is used for viticulture: the red wine Khvanchkara, popular in the former Soviet Union, is produced in this area.[18] This is also reflected in the design of the coat of arms of the municipality. The namesake of the wine, which is a mixture of the Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes, is the village of Khvanchkara, which is located 12 km (7.5 mi) west of Ambrolauri.
See also
- Racha, historic region abolished at the end of the 18th century
- Subdivisions of Georgia
Notes
- ^ South Ossetia's status is disputed. It considers itself to be an independent state, but this is recognised by only a few other countries. The Georgian government and most of the world's other states consider South Ossetia de jure a part of Georgia's territory.
- 2008 Russo-Georgian Warthe Georgian central government lost effective control over South Ossetia.
References
- ^ Nominal area 4,954 km2, de facto controlled by Georgia 4,600 km2.
- ^ a b c d "Population and Demography - Population as of 1 January by regions and urban-rural settlements". National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat). Retrieved 2022-02-04.
- ^ "Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab". hdi.globaldatalab.org. Retrieved 2018-09-13.
- ^ a b c d "Main Results of the 2014 Census (Publication)" (PDF). Census.ge, National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) (in Georgian). 2016-04-28. p. 204. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
- ^ "PM Gakharia Appoints Four New Governors". Civil Georgia. 2021-02-09. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
- ^ "State Representative Parmen Margvelidze". Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti website (in Georgian). 2021-06-02. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
- ^ "Divisions of Georgia". Population Statistics Eastern Europe and former USSR. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
- ^ "Population Dynamics in Georgia - An Overview Based on the 2014 General Population Census Data" (PDF). National Statistics Office of Georgia, Geostat. 2017-11-29. pp. 1–4. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
- ^ "Retro-projection of main demographic indicators for the period 1994-2014". National Statistics Office of Georgia, Geostat. 2018-05-18. pp. 3, Table 1. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
- ^ "Ethnic Composition of Georgia 2014". Population Statistics Eastern Europe and former USSR. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
- ^ "Religious Composition of Georgia 2014". Population Statistics Eastern Europe and former USSR. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
- ^ "Oni Synagogue Is Still Closed". Human Rights Center. 2015-12-21. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
- ^ a b "History of the Oneli Jews". Liberali (in Georgian). 2018-08-16. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
- ^ "Great inspiration from Tłomackie Square". Żydowski Instytut Historyczny (Joods Historisch Instituut) (in Polish). 2020. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
- ^ "New 51-km road connecting Georgian regions of Zemo Imereti-Racha opens today". Agenda.ge. 2021-09-28. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
- ^ "How Prime ministers lie of the Lentekhi-Mestia road". Mountain Stories Georgia. 2021-12-16. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
- ^ "Georgia's Regions Gross Domestic Product by types of economic activities". National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat). Retrieved 2022-02-04.
- ^ "Culinary Backstreets on the Road: Khvanchkara Wine, Racha's Nectar". Culinary Backstreets. 2019-06-21. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
External links
- (in Russian) Svaneti Ru