Akhaltsikhe

Akhaltsikhe is one of the oldest towns of Georgia (old name – Lomsia). It is located in 230 km from Tbilisi, in the Akhaltsikhe plain, on both banks of river Potskhovi. In historical sources it is mentioned from XII century. In XIII-XIV centuries it is a political center of Samtskhe-Saatabago. In 1629-1828 it became part of the Ottoman empire as a capital of Akhaltsikhe vilayet and a seat of Pasha. It used to be the most important center of prisoner slave trade. Historical part of the town of Akhaltsikhe was built on the rocky mount on the left bank of river Potskhovistskali. It is called Rabat that means a settlment of merchants and artisans in the medieval town. On the territory of Rabat is located the fortress of Sargis Jakeli, church of St. Marina, palace of Pashas of Akhaltsikhe, Ottoman mosque (1752), Karavan-sarai, baths. On the territory of Rabat in Akhaltsikhe today operates local history museum.

Author: Publishing House "Klio"