The first archaeological findings from Telavi date back to the Bronze Age. One of the earliest surviving accounts of Telavi is from the 2nd century AD, by Greek geographer Claudius Ptolemaeus, who mentions the name Teleda. Telavi began to transform into a fairly important and large political and administrative center in the 8th century. Interesting information on Telavi is provided in the records by an Arab geographer, Al-Muqaddasi of the 10th century, who mentions Telavi along with such important cities of that time's Caucasus as Tbilisi, Shamkhor, Ganja, Shemakha and Shirvan. Speaking about the population of Telavi, Al-Muqaddasi points out that for the most part it consisted of Christians.
From the 10th until the 12th century, Telavi served as the capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti and later Kingdom of Kakhet-Hereti. During the so-called Golden Era of the Georgian State, Telavi turned into one of the most important political and economic centers of the Georgian State. After the disintegration of the united Georgian Kingdom in the 15th century, the role of Telavi started to decline and the city eventually became an ordinary town of trade and crafts. Telavi regained its political importance in the 17th century when it became a capital of the kingdom of Kakheti. By 1762, it turned into the second capital of the united Eastern Georgian Kingdom of Kartl-Kakheti. The reign of King Erekle II, who was born and died in this city, was a special epoch in the history of Telavi. During this period it grew into a strategic and cultural centre. Erakle II established there a theological seminary and founded a theatre. Erekle II's reforms touched upon all aspects of life in the country. They changed fundamentally the political, economical and cultural orientation of Kartli-Kakheti and, subsequently of the whole Georgia. His name became a symbol of freedom and national independence of the Georgian people. Erakle II is still called affectionately "Patara Kakhi", and his heroic deeds are described in folk literature.
Russian rule
In 1801, after the Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti was annexed by the Russian Empire, Telavi lost its status as a capital. In the 19th century, the city was given the status of an administrative center of an uyezd within the Tbilisi Gubernyia. During that period, the economy of the city was mainly composed ofsmall-scale industries, commerce and agriculture. The town's population was about 12,000 in the end of the 19th century.
Heritage
Telavi and its surroundings are rich in historical, architectural and natural monuments. The most important heritage monuments preserved within the city limits include:
Dzveli Galavani - fortress of the first Kakhetian kings
Fortress Batonis Tsikhe built in the 17th century; one of the only well-preserved medieval royal palaces in Georgia
Korchibashishvilebis Tsikhe - castle of the local noblemen named Korchibashishvilis
akhvakhishvilebis Tsikhe - castle of the local noblemen named Vakhvakhishvilis
Telavi is the only city in Georgia where four fortification monuments from four historical periods remain relatively intact. Due to this reason, architects, scholars and art historians consider Telavi as the most "medieval" city in the country. Another curious sight in Telavi is a 900-year-old plane tree which is high and around the trunk. Other notable landmarks around Telavi include the Alaverdi Cathedral, the second highest cathedral in Georgia after the newly built Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral; the Ikalto Academy, where the famous Georgian writer Shota Rustaveli studied; the Church of St. George ; ruins of the city and castle of Gremi ; Shuamta, a complex made of three churches of different periods — 6th, 7th and 8th centuries — in a highland forest; Akhali Shuamta, the monastery close to Dzveli Shuamta, built in the 16th century; the stunning Tsinandali Gardens ; and many others.
Geography
Telavi faces the Tsiv-Gombori Range to the south and southwest and borders on the Alazani Valley to the north and east. The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range, which runs to the north of the Alazani Valley, can be seen from most of Telavi. At present, the city of Telavi is connected with Tbilisi by two highways. The most widely traveled highway runs through the rural areas of Kakheti and is longer than the route, which runs through the highlands of the Gombori Mountain Range. The shorter route is quite scenic, but is less used due to the reconstruction works that are being carried out there from 2014, but now it is used way, it is little difficult for non professional and non experienced drivers, road is too much narrow and dangerous. Because of its beauty, historical monuments and hospitality and the reputation for kindness of its residents, the city is a popular tourist destination in Georgia.
