Annotation
Modern architectural style spread through Kutaisi throughout the 20th century; however, it has not received much attention since then. It is evident that the general public, particularly locals, are unaware of the significance of these monuments to Georgian culture. Most of these buildings are classified as cultural monuments of Georgia and are under state protection. Notably, in 2002, Kutaisi's modern architecture was listed among the top 100 most endangered monuments by "World Monuments Watch: USA" alongside that of Tbilisi, Poti, Batumi, and Dusheti.
Today, the situation has somewhat improved, but the modern architecture of cities other than Tbilisi remains under-researched. Since 2016, a non-governmental organization called the "Union for the Protection of European Cultural Heritage of Georgia" has been gradually researching modern-style architecture throughout Georgia. However, Kutaisi remains largely unexplored and continues to be vulnerable.
The urban development of Kutaisi
1.1 The city of Kutaisi and the history
of its development
Situated at the intersection of the plain and hilly terrains, Kutaisi is located in the center of Western Georgia, along the middle part of the Rion River. The Colchis Lowland, which becomes hilly to the north, occupies the southern portion of the area. It is bordered by the River Tskhenistsqali to the west, the Skanda-Shorapan borderline to the east, the Rion River to the south, and the Khvamli Mountain and the Nakerala Range to the north. The city is surrounded by the municipalities of Terjola, Tkibuli, Tskaltubo, and Samtredia.
The Imereti region is distinguished by its diverse natural resources. Raw materials needed for construction are found here in large quantities: quarries of eclastic and godogni masonry and paving stones, ceramic clays, and materials for cement and lime. This abundance creates very favorable conditions for providing inexpensive building materials. The river valleys are rich in valuable timber useful for construction. All these factors have created a favorable environment for the development of construction work.
The study of Kutaisi's history began in the 19th century, with a significant focus on researching the city's archaeological past. Although experts like Giorgi Tsereteli and Ekvtime Takaishvili showed interest, no substantial research was conducted at that time. Extensive reconnaissance archaeological work was carried out in Kutaisi between 1963 and 1965, with the goal of creating a map of the city's archaeological features. Additionally, a variety of sources have been used to piece together Kutaisi's visual history, providing valuable insights into its past.
In addition, numerous sources contribute to restoring the visual history of Kutaisi, including important information provided by foreign travelers. Surviving materials indicate that a special interest in Kutaisi emerged in the late Middle Ages. During this period, maps and records were created, allowing us to trace the development of the city and its urban growth.
Kutaisi was first mentioned in writing in the third century BC. Historical writers refer to it as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Colchis. In the poem "Argonautica" by the Alexandrian scholar and poet Apollonius Rhodius, "Kvitais" is mentioned as the capital city of Aia (Colchis) and describes the western union of Georgian tribes.
The old names of Kutaisi in historical sources include Aya, Kutaia, and Kutatisium. Archaeological studies and discovered artifacts (such as axes, hoes, and shovels) confirm the existence of a dense settlement in Kutaisi and its surroundings even in antiquity. Evidence of population from the 16th and 15th centuries BC is observed through the discovery of ceramic fragments, pieces of wooden braid, and burnt plaster, which are found in large quantities in the archaeological layers.
The growth of the city was especially noticeable in the 4th century. Since the city center is located on the hill of Arkhiel, there was likely an inner fortress citadel around which traces of wooden dwellings with clay floors can be found. This inner fortress was fortified. The 30-meter-long basilica, part of the second construction layer of the Bagrati Cathedral, dates from the same period. The construction of such a large church indicates the city's significant size and importance (O. Lanchava, 2007).
In the 6th century, active city life continued in Kutaisi. Amidst the Byzantium-Iran conflict, there was a need to develop a new defensive system for the city. At this time, two grand stone fortresses were established in Kutaisi: one in the plains and one in the mountainous region near the right bank of the Rion River. Both fortresses had distinct names. The fortress built on the plain was called "Kotaioni," while the one near the river was named "Uchimerioni" (V. Chakvetadze, p. 83).
From 786 to 978, Kutaisi served as the capital of the Western (Abkhazian) Kingdom of Georgia. Starting in the 10th century, it became the principal city of united Georgia until Tbilisi was liberated from Arab rule in 1122. Even after this, Kutaisi remained the center of western Georgia.
During the 11th to 13th centuries, known as the Golden Age of Georgia, Kutaisi reached a high level of development. This is evidenced by the construction of classic examples of highly artistic Georgian architecture, such as the Bagrati Cathedral, the Gelati Monastery Complex, and the Geguti Palace.
As a result of ongoing processes, from the second half of the 13th century, Kutaisi became the capital of Lichtimereti. Later, George V the Magnificent was able to unify Georgia. However, the difficult political situation in the 15th century led to a stagnation in the city's development. By this time, Kutaisi was described as "a city on a small hill" by the Italian diplomat and traveler Josaphat Barbaro in the 15th century. In the 1470s, the Venetian ambassador Ambrogio Contarini visited Kutaisi and wrote: "On July 9, we arrived at the small town of Kutaisi. Here, on a small hill, is a fortress built of limestone. Inside the fortress is a church that seems very old. We crossed the bridge and arrived. On a small field is the palace of King Bagrati of Georgia, who owns this fortress-city." The castle referred to was believed to be Uchimerion, and the palace mentioned was "Okros Chardakhi" (Golden Pavilion).
By the 17th century, city construction was developing around the royal residence, "Okros Chardakhi," on the right bank of the Rion River. In 1651, Russian ambassadors noted that "big" and "small" Kutaisi were separated from each other. "Big Kutaisi" was situated on a high hill on the right bank of the Rioni river, while "small Kutaisi" was located on the left bank, on a plain.
By the end of the 18th century, Kutaisi expanded towards the left bank of the river, although it remained less populated. "The planning of Kutaisi during this period was chaotic, typical of a medieval city, where the relief and consistency of construction were taken into account. The center for artisans and traders was grouped around the market (near the chain bridge). It consisted of a network of small streets lined with sheds for artisans and merchants. Urban development was sparse, as contemporary travelers inform us" (J. Shadren, P. Gnilosarov). [Architectural-Planning Development of Kutaisi City and Its Future Plans, Medea Abuladze, pp. 44–45]
In 1770, Solomon I began renewing the Kingdom of Imereti, marking the start of the revival of the capital. This process was successfully continued during the reign of Solomon II, who "brought Georgian Catholic merchants from Akhaltsikhe to Kutaisi. These merchants later contributed significantly to the city's development in the 19th century" (5).
Jean-François Gamba, the French consul in Russia, provided valuable information to foreign travelers. He described Kutaisi and included the first graphic plan of the city on the map titled "System in the Flow Phase of the River." This map, from 1738, shows the city situated on both sides of the Rioni River.
