Overview
Terjola is a town located in the Imereti region of western Georgia and serves as the administrative center of the Terjola Municipality. Situated in the Imereti lowlands, the town and its surrounding area boast a rich history dating back to antiquity, evidenced by numerous archaeological sites and historical monuments like the Skande Fortress. Terjola is known for its agricultural activities, particularly viticulture, and its location within a region marked by diverse natural landscapes, including rivers, caves, and waterfalls. The town officially acquired its status in 1983.
Geographical Location
Terjola is situated in western Georgia, within the Imereti region. It lies in the eastern part of the Kolkheti Lowland, specifically the Imereti Plains, on the right bank of the Chkhara (or Chkhari) River, a tributary of the Kvirila. The town is located approximately 190 km northwest of Tbilisi and about 14 km northwest of Zestaponi, along the main highway. Its elevation is around 170 meters above sea level.
The Terjola Municipality is characterized by a significant river network, including the Cholaburi, Dzverula, and Tskaltsitela rivers, in addition to the Chkhara. The region features Kolkheti-type vegetation, with forests of oak, beech, linden, and other species. The climate is humid subtropical, with cold winters and dry, hot summers typical for the area, although the maritime influence is somewhat weakened compared to coastal areas.
History
The territory of Terjola Municipality has been inhabited since the Stone Age, confirmed by findings in caves like Sakajia and Sagvarjile. During antiquity, the area was strategically significant, with important historical cities like Chikhori and Chkhari located nearby, and major trade routes, including a branch of the Silk Road, passing through. The 5th-century Skande fortress stands as a testament to this strategic past.
The settlement of Terjola itself is first mentioned in historical sources in the 17th century. The region was part of historical Georgian kingdoms, including Colchis, Egrisi-Lazica, and later the Kingdom of Imereti. It faced turbulent times, including devastating attacks by Levan II Dadiani, the Prince of Samegrelo, in the 17th century, which led to the destruction of Chikhori and Chkhari, although these settlements were later revived.
Under the Russian Empire, the territory was part of the Kutaisi Governorate. Terjola became the center of a separate administrative district (initially named Chkhari district) in 1930 during the Soviet era. The district was renamed Terjola in 1950. Terjola itself was granted the status of a town in 1983.
Population
According to the 2014 Georgian census, the population of the town of Terjola was 4,644. Estimates for the following years place the town’s population slightly higher, reaching around 4,818 by 2024.
The Terjola Municipality had a population of 35,563 according to the 2014 census. The vast majority of the population (99.7% in 2014) consists of ethnic Georgians.
Politics (Historical Context)
Historically, Terjola and its surrounding lands were part of larger political entities, namely the Kingdom of Imereti. Its administration would have followed the feudal structures of the time. During the Russian Imperial period, it fell under the administration of the Kutaisi Governorate, likely within the Kutaisi Uyezd.
The establishment of the Chkhari (later Terjola) district in 1930 marked its formation as a distinct administrative unit within the Soviet system. Following Georgia’s independence, Terjola Municipality operates under the principles of local self-government, with its own elected Municipal Assembly (Sakrebulo) responsible for local governance.
Administrative Divisions
Terjola Municipality is an administrative-territorial unit within the Imereti region. The administrative center is the town of Terjola. The municipality comprises 46 settlements: 1 town (Terjola) and 45 villages. These settlements are grouped into 19 administrative units:
The municipality is home to various historical and natural landmarks, including Skande Fortress, the Gogni Fortress and Church ruins, Navenakhevi Cave, and numerous waterfalls and churches.
