Georgians

Georgians, or Kartvelians, are an ethnic group native to the Caucasus region, primarily the country of Georgia. They are distinguished by their unique language, Georgian, which belongs to the Kartvelian language family, and by their deep cultural and historical roots in the region. The history of the Georgian people dates back to ancient times, with two significant civilizations, Colchis and Iberia, forming the foundation of modern Georgian identity. Colchis was known for its connections to the Greek world, while Iberia had influence from the Persian Achaemenid Empire before being conquered by Alexander the Great.

In the 4th century, Georgians became one of the first nations to embrace Christianity, which played a central role in shaping their identity and culture. The majority of Georgians today belong to the Georgian Orthodox Church, though there are also smaller Catholic and Muslim communities. The adoption of Christianity and the development of Georgian literature and art are key pillars of the nation’s cultural legacy.

The Kingdom of Georgia, established in 1008 AD, marked the height of Georgian political and cultural power. During this period, known as the Georgian Golden Age, Georgia enjoyed political unity and significant influence in the region. However, the kingdom eventually weakened due to Mongol invasions, internal conflicts, and the rise of powerful neighbors like the Ottoman Empire and Persia.

In the modern era, Georgia struggled with foreign domination. It came under Russian control in the 19th century, briefly regained independence in the early 20th century, and finally declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Today, more than 5 million Georgians live worldwide, with notable diaspora communities in countries such as Russia, Turkey, and the United States.

Georgians are known for their strong sense of national identity, pride in their heritage, and rich traditions in music, dance, and cuisine.