Nestled in the southwestern autonomous republic of Adjara, Keda Municipality offers a captivating blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and distinct cultural heritage. With its verdant valleys, winding rivers, and imposing mountains, Keda is a testament to Georgia’s breathtaking scenery.
Overview
Keda Municipality is an administrative-territorial unit within the Adjara Autonomous Republic of Georgia. It is known for its picturesque setting along the Acharistsqali river, its ancient bridges and fortresses, and its viticultural traditions, particularly the unique local grape varieties “Keda Tsolikouri” and “Chkhaveri.” The administrative center is the urban-type settlement (daba) of Keda.
Geographical Location
Situated in the middle reaches of the Acharistsqali river basin, Keda Municipality is bordered by the municipalities of Khelvachauri to the south and west, Kobuleti to the northwest, and Shuakhevi to the east. It also shares a southern border with Turkey, defined by the Shavsheti Range. The Meskheti Range lies to the northeast and the Kobuleti Range to the north and northwest. The municipality covers an area of 452 square kilometers. The administrative center, Keda, is located at an elevation of 256 meters above sea level, while the highest point in the municipality is Mount Ghoma, reaching 2,441 meters. The climate varies from a Mediterranean subtropical climate in the lower Acharistsqali gorge to more humid and colder conditions at higher elevations.
History
The history of human settlement in the Keda area dates back to ancient times, with archaeological finds from the Bronze Age and ancient periods. The region also played a role in the Middle Ages, as evidenced by the numerous castles and arched bridges that still stand today. Historical records suggest that the town of Keda was a trading post in the 19th century. The Keda Historical Museum houses a collection of artifacts that tell the story of the municipality’s past, from ancient times to the present.
Population
According to 2021 estimates, the population of Keda Municipality is approximately 16,700 people. The population density is around 37 people per square kilometer. The town of Keda itself has a smaller population, with an estimated 1,285 residents in 2021. The majority of the population consists of ethnic Georgians, with a significant portion identifying as Muslim Georgians and a notable minority belonging to the Georgian Orthodox Church, based on the 2014 census data.
Politics
The political landscape of Keda Municipality is managed by the local self-governance bodies. The Keda Municipal Assembly (Sakrebulo) is the representative body, consisting of members elected for a four-year term. The mayor, elected through local elections, heads the executive branch. The current mayor, as of the last elections in October 2021, is Roland Beridze from the Georgian Dream party. Like other municipalities in Georgia, Keda is subject to the laws and governance structure of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and the national government of Georgia.
Administrative Divisions
Keda Municipality is administratively divided into 10 communities (temi). These communities encompass a total of 63 villages (sopeli). The urban-type settlement of Keda serves as the administrative center for the entire municipality and is also a part of one of the administrative units.
