Overview
Imereti is a historic and geographically significant region located in western Georgia. It stands as a vital cultural, economic, and historical hub for the country. Renowned for its ancient heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and unique traditions, Imereti has played a crucial role in Georgia’s long history. Its capital, Kutaisi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and served as the capital of various Georgian kingdoms, including the ancient Kingdom of Colchis. Imereti is celebrated for its rich culinary traditions, particularly the Imeretian Khachapuri, and its distinct winemaking practices using local grape varietals like Tsolikouri, Tsitska, and Krakhuna. The region is also the birthplace of many prominent Georgian poets, writers, and public figures.
Geographical Location
Imereti is situated in the eastern part of western Georgia, primarily in the middle and upper reaches of the Rioni River and the Kvirila River basin. It is characterized by diverse landscapes, ranging from humid subtropical lowlands to alpine meadows.
The region is bordered by:
Imereti is often geographically divided into Upper (Zemo) and Lower (Kvemo) Imereti. The region is well-connected to other parts of Georgia through important mountain passes, including the Rikoti and Surami passes to the east (Kartli), and the Nakerala Pass to the north (Racha). The climate is generally humid subtropical in the lowlands, with mild, warm winters and hot summers, while the higher elevations experience colder winters and cooler summers. The region is rich in natural resources, including significant deposits of manganese ore (notably around Chiatura) and coal (Tkibuli), as well as various mineral springs and forests.
History
Imereti boasts an ancient and storied past. Traces of human life in the region date back to the Lower Paleolithic period. In antiquity, this territory was a core part of the Kingdom of Colchis, famously associated with the legend of Jason and the Argonauts and the Golden Fleece. Archaeological sites like Vani provide significant evidence of this period, showcasing sophisticated Colchian culture and its connections with the Hellenic world.
Kutaisi, the heart of Imereti, served as the capital of the Kingdom of Egrisi (Lazica) in late antiquity. During the 10th-12th centuries, considered Georgia’s Golden Age, Kutaisi became the capital of the united Kingdom of Georgia. Many important cultural and religious monuments, including the iconic Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), were constructed during this era and stand as testaments to the region’s historical significance.
Following the disintegration of the united Georgian feudal monarchy in the 15th century, Imereti emerged as an independent kingdom in 1466, ruled by a branch of the Bagrationi dynasty. The Kingdom of Imereti initially encompassed much of western Georgia, but over time, principalities like Samegrelo (Odisha), Guria, Abkhazia, and Svaneti separated. For centuries, the Kingdom of Imereti was a battleground between the Ottoman and Persian Empires, which sought to exert control over the strategically important Caucasus region. These ongoing conflicts and internal strife weakened the kingdom.
Seeking protection, the rulers of Imereti began to establish ties with the Tsardom of Russia. In 1804, King Solomon II of Imereti accepted Russian Imperial suzerainty, but this protectorate was short-lived. In 1810, the Kingdom of Imereti was formally annexed by the Russian Empire and became part of the Georgia Governorate, and later the Georgia-Imeretia Governorate (1840-1846), with Kutaisi serving as an important administrative center.
During the Soviet period, Imereti underwent significant industrialization, particularly focused on the mining of its rich manganese and coal deposits. Kutaisi became a major industrial city. After Georgia regained its independence in 1991, the region, like the rest of the country, faced economic challenges following the collapse of the Soviet system.
Population
Imereti is one of Georgia’s most populous regions. According to 2020 estimates, the population of the Imereti region was approximately 487,000. The 2014 census recorded a population of 533,906 for the region.
The administrative center and largest city is Kutaisi, which had a population of 147,635 according to the 2014 census (with estimates around 135,201 in 2020). Other significant towns in Imereti include Samtredia, Zestaponi, Chiatura, Tskaltubo, Tkibuli, Khoni, Sachkhere, Vani, and Baghdati. The vast majority of the population consists of ethnic Georgians (over 99%).
Politics (Historical Context)
Historically, Imereti’s political structure was defined by its status as a kingdom. The Kingdom of Imereti, established in the 15th century, was a monarchy ruled by the Bagrationi dynasty. The king held supreme authority, though often contended with powerful feudal nobles (tavadebi and aznauri). The kingdom had its own administrative and military structures.
With its incorporation into the Russian Empire in 1810, the monarchical system was abolished, and Imereti was administered as part of the imperial Russian governance system, initially within larger governorates and later with Kutaisi as the center of its own governorate.
In the modern era, following Georgia’s independence, Imereti is an administrative region (Mkhare). As with other regions in Georgia, its governance involves a State Representative (formerly known as Governor) appointed by the central government. Local self-governance is exercised at the municipal level through elected councils (Sakrebulos) and mayors.
Administrative Divisions
The Imereti region is administratively divided into one self-governing city (equal to a municipality) and 11 municipalities:
These municipalities encompass numerous towns, smaller urban settlements (daba), and villages within their respective territories.
