Located in the southwestern part of Georgia’s autonomous republic of Adjara, Khelvachauri Municipality serves as a vital area bordering the regional capital Batumi and offering a diverse landscape ranging from Black Sea coastline to mountainous terrain. Known for its strategic importance throughout history and its natural beauty, Khelvachauri is a region of contrasts and rich heritage.
Overview
Khelvachauri Municipality is an administrative unit within Adjara, characterized by its varied geography that includes a small Black Sea coast strip and extends into the foothills and mountains of the Lesser Caucasus. While the town of Khelvachauri, the historical administrative center, was largely absorbed into the neighboring city of Batumi in 2012, the municipality retains its distinct identity through its numerous villages and natural attractions, including parts of national parks and historical sites.
Geographical Location
Khelvachauri Municipality is situated in the southwestern corner of Georgia. It borders the city of Batumi to the north and west, Keda and Shuakhevi municipalities to the east, and has a border with Turkey to the south. A short coastline along the Black Sea marks its southwestern edge, notably featuring the Sarpi border crossing, a major entry point into Georgia. The landscape is dominated by the western extension of the Meskheti Range in the north and the Shavsheti Range along the Turkish border in the south, with elevations reaching over 2,000 meters. The Chorokhi, Acharistsqali, and Machakhlistskali rivers traverse the municipality, contributing to its often humid subtropical climate, particularly in lower areas. The renowned Mtirala National Park, known as the wettest place in Georgia, is partly located within Khelvachauri, highlighting its significant natural assets.
History
Khelvachauri’s strategic location has shaped its history, making it an important area throughout various periods. The region has been inhabited for centuries, with historical accounts mentioning the presence of Abkhazian Muhajirs settling here in the 19th century under Ottoman rule. Following the Russian takeover of Adjara in 1878, the territory was incorporated into the Batum Oblast. Throughout the Soviet era, the administrative status of the area changed several times, eventually becoming Khelvachauri District and then Khelvachauri Municipality in 2006. A significant administrative change occurred in 2012 when a considerable portion of the municipality, including the administrative center and the urban-type settlement of Makhinjauri, was integrated into the city of Batumi. Despite this, the municipality retains numerous historical monuments, including ancient fortresses like Gonio and Gvara, and medieval arched bridges, reflecting its long and complex past.
Population
According to the 2021 estimates, Khelvachauri Municipality has a population of approximately 52,737 residents. This represents an increase since the 2014 census, although the municipality experienced a significant population decrease between 2009 and 2011 due to the redrawing of borders and the transfer of populated areas to Batumi. The population density is around 148 people per square kilometer. The ethnic composition is overwhelmingly Georgian, with small communities of other ethnic groups. In terms of religious affiliation, the population is primarily composed of Muslim Georgians and Georgian Orthodox Christians, based on the 2014 census data.
Politics
The political administration of Khelvachauri Municipality is overseen by the local self-governing bodies, similar to other municipalities in Georgia. The Khelvachauri Municipal Assembly (Sakrebulo) is the representative body, with members elected every four years. The head of the executive branch is the mayor, who is also elected locally. The current mayor, elected in October 2021, is Zaza Diasamidze from the Georgian Dream party. Despite its administrative center being located within the territorial limits of Batumi city following the 2012 changes, the municipality maintains its own elected local government responsible for its remaining territory and population.
Administrative Divisions
Khelvachauri Municipality is structured into 11 administrative units, known as communities (temi). These communities encompass a total of 64 villages (sopeli). Prior to the 2012 administrative changes, the municipality also included urban-type settlements (daba) like Khelvachauri and Makhinjauri; however, these were largely absorbed by the city of Batumi. The administrative functions for the municipality are now carried out from facilities located within the territory of Batumi. The villages within the remaining municipal boundaries form the basis of its administrative divisions.
