Located on the Black Sea coast in the autonomous republic of Adjara, Kobuleti Municipality is one of Georgia’s most popular seaside resorts, attracting visitors with its long pebble beach, subtropical climate, and vibrant atmosphere. Beyond its coastal charm, the municipality extends into picturesque foothills and mountains, offering a diverse range of natural beauty and historical sites.
Overview
Kobuleti Municipality is a significant administrative unit in northern Adjara, centered around the resort town of Kobuleti. It is a key tourist destination in Georgia, particularly favored by families and visitors from пост-Soviet countries. The municipality boasts a unique combination of maritime and mountain climates, contributing to its appeal as both a recreational and therapeutic location. Its territory includes a mix of urban and rural settlements, encompassing a variety of landscapes from the coast to the بداية of the Lesser Caucasus.
Geographical Location
Kobuleti Municipality is situated in the northern part of the Adjara Autonomous Republic, along the eastern coast of the Black Sea. It borders Ozurgeti Municipality of the Guria region to the north, Keda and Shuakhevi municipalities of Adjara to the south, and has its western border defined by the Black Sea. The administrative center, the town of Kobuleti, is located right on the coast. The municipality’s geography transitions eastward from the coastal plain into rolling hills and then into the foothills of the Meskheti Range. Several rivers flow through the territory, including the Kintrishi and Chakvistskali. Kobuleti’s climate is humid subtropical, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. The municipality is also home to important protected areas, such as the Kintrishi Protected Landscape and the Kobuleti Managed Reserve, preserving unique ecosystems like the Ispani peatbogs.
History
The territory of Kobuleti Municipality has a long history of human habitation, with archaeological evidence dating back to the Stone and Bronze Ages. In ancient times, the area was part of the Colchis kingdom. Throughout the medieval period, it was often contested between various Georgian principalities. From the 15th to the 18th centuries, the region was frequently a point of contention between the Principality of Guria and the Ottoman Empire, eventually falling under Ottoman rule. During this time, it was known as Çürüksu. Following the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78, Kobuleti became part of the Russian Empire and was included in the Batumi Oblast. In the Soviet period, Kobuleti was officially granted resort status in 1923 and town status in 1944, developing into a major Black Sea resort. After the restoration of Georgia’s independence, it continued to be a popular tourist spot. The municipality has numerous historical and architectural monuments, including the Petra Fortress in Tsikhisdziri and medieval bridges, reflecting its rich and sometimes turbulent past.
Population
According to the 2014 census, the population of Kobuleti Municipality was 74,794. More recent estimates from 2020 indicate a population of around 104,013. The population is concentrated in the town of Kobuleti and the larger villages along the coast and in the lower elevations. The ethnic composition is overwhelmingly Georgian, with a small percentage of other ethnic groups. The religious makeup primarily includes Georgian Orthodox Christians and Muslim Georgians, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of Adjara.
Politics
Kobuleti Municipality is governed by local self-governing bodies. The representative body is the Kobuleti Municipal Assembly (Sakrebulo), elected by the residents for a four-year term. The head of the executive branch is the mayor of Kobuleti Municipality, also elected through local direct elections.
Administrative Divisions
Kobuleti Municipality is administratively divided into one city (Kobuleti), two urban-type settlements (boroughs – daba), and 17 administrative units corresponding to village communities (temi). These administrative units encompass a total of 48 villages (sopeli). This structure facilitates the local governance and management of the municipality’s diverse geographical areas and scattered settlements, from the urban center of Kobuleti to the rural communities in its hinterland.
