May 112014
May 2014
We headed out of town to Dmanisi. Dmanisi is a medieval town overlooking the confluence of two rivers where Silk Road caravans used to pass. Early human fossils, originally named Homo georgicus and now considered Homo erectus georgicus, were found at Dmanisi between 1991 and 2005. At 1.8 million years old, they represent the earliest known human presence in the Caucasus, and the oldest outside of Africa.
The country side is truly gorgeous, and a picnic on the grounds was a welcome change.
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We then meandered down to Bolnisi, long the seat of a bishop or archbishop, and the home of the oldest dated Christian structure in Georgia. It is known as Bolnisi Sioni (Sioni being Georgian for Zion and a designation used by many of their churches). This three-nave basilica church dates to the 5th century AD and features some pagan elements in its stonework. The original roof is missing but has been replaced with a modern covering.
We then meandered down to Bolnisi, long the seat of a bishop or archbishop, and the home of the oldest dated Christian structure in Georgia. It is known as Bolnisi Sioni (Sioni being Georgian for Zion and a designation used by many of their churches). This three-nave basilica church dates to the 5th century AD and features some pagan elements in its stonework. The original roof is missing but has been replaced with a modern covering.A dedication inscription from the Bolnisi church, carved in the late 5th century, is one of the oldest dated specimens of Georgian writing. It mentions Bishop David of Bolnisi and two Sassanid kings Peroz I and Kavadh I.
Sadly, whoever had the key, failed to show up, so we were unable to get inside.
We ended the day with a visit to a five female art co-operative that does batik and silk painting. Of course, I was in heaven. Delightful studio space in an old home, and two really beautiful working women to show us around. The studio is called La Maisono Bleue and is at 94 Barnov in Tblisi.
Georgia is radically different that Azerbaijan in so many ways. Their economy is so much more depressed, so there isn’t the extra money to throw at cleaning the streets and environment. Things don’t quite get done, ala, the key to the church, and yet the Georgians are a proud and wonderful people. They love their country, that is so obvious, they love their history, you can tell by the guides in the museums (those that are open), I hope that their economy can find a way to help them realize their potential.