Tbilisi (თბილისი) is the capital and largest city of Georgia. Nestled in a valley carved by the Mtkvari (Kura) River, it’s surrounded on most sides by hills and mountains. Tbilisi is the country’s undisputed political, cultural, economic, and educational heart.

The city offers a captivating blend of ancient history and modern vibrancy. Its architecture reflects its long and varied past, featuring a charming Old Town (Kala) with narrow, winding cobblestone streets, medieval churches like Sioni Cathedral and Metekhi Church, the ancient Narikala Fortress overlooking the city, famous sulfur baths (Abanotubani), and elegant 19th-century buildings. These historic elements contrast and coexist with modern structures like the Bridge of Peace. Tbilisi is known for its unique atmosphere, stemming from its position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and the renowned hospitality of its people.

Location

Tbilisi is located in Eastern Georgia, in the South Caucasus region, strategically situated between Europe and Asia. It lies along the banks of the Mtkvari River.

• Coordinates: Approximately 41.7∘ N latitude, 44.8∘ E longitude.
• Geography: The city sits in the Tbilisi basin, bordered by the foothills of the Saguramo Range to the north, the Iori Plateau to the east, and branches of the Trialeti Range to the west and south. The varied terrain ranges in elevation from about 380 to 770 meters (1,247 to 2,526 feet) above sea level.
• Strategic Position: Its location on historic trade routes, including the Silk Road, has made it a vital transit hub and a meeting point for diverse cultures throughout its history.

History

Tbilisi boasts a long and often tumultuous history:

• Ancient Origins: Archaeological findings indicate the territory of Tbilisi was settled as early as the 4th millennium BC.
• Founding: According to legend, King Vakhtang Gorgasali founded Tbilisi in the mid-5th century AD after discovering the area’s natural hot springs while hunting. The name “Tbilisi” derives from the Old Georgian word “Tpili,” meaning “warm.” Gorgasali moved the capital here from Mtskheta.
• Conquests & Rule: Due to its strategic importance, Tbilisi was frequently contested and ruled by various powers, including the Persians, the Byzantine Empire, and Arabs (who established the Emirate of Tbilisi for several centuries).
• Georgian Golden Age: In 1122, King David the Builder liberated Tbilisi, making it the capital of a unified Georgia. This ushered in a “Golden Age,” particularly under Queen Tamar, marked by significant growth and construction.
• Further Invasions: This prosperous period ended with invasions by the Khwarezmians and Mongols in the 13th century. Subsequent centuries saw invasions and occupations by Timurids, Turkmen, Persians, and Ottoman Turks. A devastating Persian invasion in 1795 nearly destroyed the city.
• Russian Empire: In the early 19th century (1801), Tbilisi was annexed by the Russian Empire and became the administrative center of the Caucasus region (known as Tiflis). This period saw significant development, construction of new infrastructure (like the Georgian Military Highway), and European architectural influences.
• Soviet Era: After a brief period of independence (1918-1921), Tbilisi became the capital of the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic within the USSR. It continued to grow as an industrial and administrative center.
• Modern Independence: Since Georgia regained independence in 1991, Tbilisi has remained its capital. It experienced instability in the early post-Soviet years but has undergone significant modernization and development, especially after the Rose Revolution in 2003.

Population

Tbilisi is Georgia’s most populous city. Recent estimates vary slightly:

• Estimates for the metro/urban area population in 2024-2025 hover around 1.08 to 1.09 million people.
• An estimate from 2020 placed the city/regional population slightly higher at approximately 1.18 million.
• A 2018 estimate mentioned a total area population of around 1.27 million.

Based on recent data, the population of Tbilisi is generally cited as being around 1.1 to 1.2 million inhabitants. It hosts a diverse population, though ethnic Georgians form the majority, with significant Armenian and Azeri communities, among others.