The Georgian culture is located in western Asia in the Republic of Georgia. This was once a part of the Soviet Union and today is bordered on the north by Russia and on the south by Turkey.
The Georgian culture has been around for several centuries. This has been masked by the fact that Georgia is a relevantly new country, because it was once part of the USSR. In 1991, Georgia became an independent republic and gained its own identity. Georgia has been closely bound by religion since it was introduced into the area in the 4th century. This has had a substantial influence on its people. Nearly 75% of the population are Orthodox Christians while 11% are Muslims.
Georgia is a culture that is much like the United States in that the population is composed of nearly 100 different ethnic groups. Of all the ethnic groups, Georgians make up 70% of the total population, which is over five million people.
For many years Georgia has been under the control of other countries while still maintaining its unique cultural identity. Georgian culture is heavily influenced by both Asia and Europe. The artistic nature of Georgian culture is best expressed in the architecture that reflects both the Asian and European influence. Georgia is most known for the cupola structure. This dominant Georgian ecclesiastic architecture can be traced to domestic dwellings with circular floor plans that date back to the third or fourth millennium BC. Two major forms of ecclesiastic building developed in Georgia; the central domed structure and the basilica.
The Georgians are skilled metal workers with tombs exhibiting fine pieces of bronze, silver, and gold. Ancestors of the Georgians were accomplished in smelting, forging, soldering, stamping, and embossing.
Georgians are primarily farmers who grow tea, citrus fruits, grapes, vegetables, grains, and cows and goats for milk. Agriculture comprises 26% of the employment of the population while 31% of the work force is industrial in nature. The industrial focus in Georgia is mining, there are many minerals that are mined and processed there. During the day, the average citizen works from dawn to dark in the agricultural industry. The industrial workers, however, work a variety of hours and spend the evenings with their family.
“Georgian Culture.” International Association of Young Diplomats. (1999) http://members.tripod.com/IAYD/culture.htm 28 Feb. 2001
Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2000. CD-ROM. Microsoft Corporation 1999.
Written by: Travis Vander Steen