Exploring the Architectural Treasures in Batumi, Batumi, Georgia

Some visit Batumi for the beaches, some for the nightlife, but we enjoyed finding the treasure trove of architecture in a variety of styles. There are modern towers, heritage hotels, and even remnants from the Ottoman Empire. Together, they combine to make a great, but rainy, city.

Its deep Black Sea harbour is what first attracted the Greeks and then the Romans to Batumi. Unfortunately, not much is left of those early days. In the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire overthrew local Georgian leaders, and they remained in Batumi until the end of the Russo-Turkish War in the 1800s. With that background and its location, only 20 kilometres from the Turkish border, it won’t take long before you notice the large Turkish influence in the city.

Batumi is the capital of Adjara, and as a result of the region’s history, it has a distinct culture from the rest of Georgia. Locals became Christian in the 7th century, but converted to Islam under the Ottoman Empire’s rule. In fact, approximately 40% of Adjarians are still practicing Muslims today. Although they changed religions, they maintained speaking Laz, a Kartvelian language that is in the same group as Georgian. They also continued many of their ancestral customs. Adjara became part of the Russian Empire at the end of the 1800s and later came under the Soviet Union. It was granted autonomous status under the Soviets and has maintained that distinction, calling itself the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).