Adjara

Discovering Adjara: Georgia’s Coastal Gem

Adjara, a vibrant and unique region of Georgia, offers a fascinating blend of seaside resorts, stunning mountain landscapes, distinct cultural traditions, and a rich history. This post explores the Autonomous Republic of Adjara according to its geography, history, population, political structure, and administrative divisions.

Overview

The Autonomous Republic of Adjara (აჭარის ავტონომიური რესპუბლიკა, Ach’aris Avt’onomiuri Resp’ublik’a) is an administrative-political region within Georgia, located in the southwestern corner of the country. Bordering Turkey and the Black Sea, it’s renowned for its humid subtropical climate along the coast, bustling port city and resort capital Batumi, picturesque beaches, and mountainous interior with unique traditions. Its status as an autonomous republic within Georgia acknowledges its distinct historical and cultural background.

Geographical Location

Adjara occupies a strategic location on the southeastern coast of the Black Sea.

• Borders: It is bordered by Turkey to the south, the Black Sea to the west, the Georgian region of Guria to the north, and the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia to the east.
• Terrain: The landscape is characterized by a narrow coastal lowland where most urban settlements, including Batumi and Kobuleti, are located. This quickly gives way to the mountainous hinterland, part of the Lesser Caucasus range (specifically the Meskheti and Shavsheti ranges, and the Adjara-Imereti range). The highest peaks exceed 2,500 meters.
• Rivers: Major rivers include the Chorokhi (flowing partly from Turkey) and the Acharistsqali.
• Climate: The coastal zone has a very humid subtropical climate with mild winters and warm, rainy summers, fostering lush vegetation including tea plantations and citrus groves. The mountainous interior has a colder climate.

History

Adjara’s history is deeply intertwined with that of Georgia, but with distinct influences:

• Ancient & Medieval Times: Like much of western Georgia, Adjara was part of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis and later the Kingdom of Iberia. It was an integral part of the unified Kingdom of Georgia during its medieval golden age. Christianity spread here early on.
• Ottoman Rule: From the 16th/17th centuries until the 19th century, Adjara was gradually conquered and incorporated into the Ottoman Empire. This period led to the significant Islamization of the local Georgian population, although Christian communities also persisted.
• Russian Empire: Following the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, most of Adjara (then largely known as the Batumi district/oblast) was annexed by the Russian Empire under the Treaty of San Stefano and confirmed by the Treaty of Berlin. Batumi developed rapidly as a key port city.
• Soviet Union: After a brief period of British occupation and Turkish claims following World War I, Adjara became part of the newly formed Georgian SSR. In 1921, it was established as the Adjarian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR). This autonomous status, unique for a region primarily populated by Georgians, was partly influenced by the 1921 Treaty of Kars between Turkey and the Soviet republics, which guaranteed religious freedom for the local Muslim population.
• Post-Soviet Georgia: After Georgia regained independence in 1991, Adjara came under the authoritarian rule of Aslan Abashidze. While formally part of Georgia, Abashidze ran the region largely independently from Tbilisi, leading to significant tensions. The situation culminated in the 2004 Adjara Crisis, a peaceful standoff following Georgia’s Rose Revolution, which resulted in Abashidze’s resignation and exile, and the full restoration of Tbilisi’s authority over the region, while preserving its autonomous status under revised terms.

Population

• Size: The population of Adjara is estimated to be around 350,000 – 360,000 people (as of recent estimates).
• Ethnic Composition: Adjara is predominantly populated by Georgians (over 90%), who regionally identify as Adjarians (აჭარლები, Acharlebi). Adjarians are considered an ethnographic subgroup of Georgians. Small minorities include Russians, Armenians, Greeks, Ukrainians, and others, mainly concentrated in Batumi.
• Language: The official language is Georgian. Local dialects of Georgian are spoken in the region.
• Religion: Historically, Adjara was known for its significant population of Georgian Muslims, a legacy of Ottoman rule. Since the Soviet collapse and especially after 2004, there has been a noticeable trend of conversion or re-identification towards Georgian Orthodox Christianity, which is now the dominant religion. However, a substantial Muslim minority remains, primarily in the mountainous municipalities like Khulo. Religious tolerance is characteristic of the region.

Politics

• Status: Adjara is an Autonomous Republic within the unitary state of Georgia. Its status and powers are defined by the Constitution of Georgia and the Constitutional Law of Georgia on the Status of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara.
• Governance: Adjara has its own legislative body, the Supreme Council of Adjara (21 members elected for four-year terms), and an executive body, the Government of Adjara. The Chairman of the Government of Adjara is nominated by the President of Georgia in consultation with political groups in the Supreme Council and confirmed by the Council.
• Relationship with Central Government: While Adjara enjoys autonomy in certain specified spheres (like culture, local economy, tourism, health, etc.), its powers are delegated by the central government. National policy areas such as defense, foreign affairs, state finance, and justice remain under the exclusive competence of the central authorities in Tbilisi. The central government is also represented in Adjara.

Administrative Divisions

The Autonomous Republic of Adjara is divided into one self-governing city (ქალაქი, kalaki) and five self-governing municipalities (მუნიციპალიტეტი, munitsip’alit’et’i):

1. City of Batumi: The capital and largest city, administered separately.
2. Keda Municipality
3. Kobuleti Municipality
4. Khelvachauri Municipality
5. Shuakhevi Municipality
6. Khulo Municipality

Batumi serves as the administrative center, economic hub, and main tourist destination of Adjara.