The article refers to the history of Georgia’s autonomous province of Adjaria. Official language Georgian Capital Batumi ISO code GE.AJ Head of the Council of MInisters of Adjara Levan Varshalomidze Area  - Total  - % water 2,900 km² n/a Population  - Total ( 1989)  - Density 392,432 135. ...

Ancient and medieval Adjaria

Golden statuette found at Gonio (Hellenistic period)

Archeologists say the territory has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age. Occupied by an ancient Georgian tribe of Moskhs from ancient times, the territory of Adjaria was a province of Colchis in the 7th-3rd cent. BC. Part of the area formed a county (saeristavo) within the Kingdom of Iberia in the late 4th century BC. Colonized by Greek merchants in the 5th and 4th cent. B.C., the coastal Adjaria later came under Roman rule. Bathus (Bathys) (the present day Batumi) and Apsaros (Apsaruntos) (modern Gonio) were the key cities and fortresses at that time. Archeological excavations have revealed ruins of a rich ancient town at Pichvnari near the present day town of Kobuleti. In the 2nd century AD, Bathus was an important military base for Roman legions. Apsaros was famous for its theatre. Image File history File links Colchis-statuette. ... Image File history File links Colchis-statuette. ... The term Hellenistic (established by the German historian Johann Gustav Droysen) in the history of the ancient world is used to refer to the shift from a culture dominated by ethnic Greeks, however scattered geographically, to a culture dominated by Greek-speakers of whatever ethnicity, and from the political dominance... The Neolithic, (Greek neos=new, lithos=stone, or New Stone Age) is traditionally the last part of the stone age. ... In ancient geography, Colchis (sometimes spelled also as Kolchis) (Greek: Κολχίς, kŏl´kĬs; Georgian: კოლხეთი, Kolkheti) was a nearly triangular district in Caucasus. ... Dionysius Exiguus invented Anno Domini years to date Easter. ... Ancient countries of Caucasus: Armenia, Iberia, Colchis and Albania Iberia was a name given by the ancient Greeks and Romans to the ancient Georgian kingdom of Kartli (4th century BC-5th century AD) corresponding roughly to the eastern and southern parts of the present day Georgia. ... City motto: Senatus Populusque Romanus – SPQR (The Senate and the People of Rome) Founded 21 April 753 BC (mythical), early 1st millennium BC (archaeological) Region Latium Area  - City Proper  1285 km² Population  - City (2004)  - Metropolitan  - Density (city proper) 2,553,873 almost 4,300,000 1. ... A view of Batumi, circa, 1911, towards the mountains Batumi (also Batum or Batoum) is a seaside city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Ajaria, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. ... Kobuleti is a town in Georgias southwestern region of Achara (Ajaria). ... The Roman Forum was the central area around which ancient Rome developed. ...

The early Christian era in Adjaria was linked with names of Saint Andrew, Saint Simon the Canaanite and Matata. Saint Matthew is said to be buried in the Gonio fortress near Batumi. A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ. ... Saint Andrew (Greek: Andreas, manly), called in the Orthodox tradition Protocletos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle, brother of Saint Peter. ... The apostle Simon, called Simon the Zealot in Luke 6:15 and Acts 1:13; and Simon Kananaios (Simon signifying שמעון hearkening; listening, Standard Hebrew Å imÊ¿on, Tiberian Hebrew Å imʿôn), was one of the most obscure among the apostles of Jesus: little is recorded of him aside from his name. ... Matthew the Evangelist (מתי Gift of the LORD, Standard Hebrew and Tiberian Hebrew Mattay; Septuagint Greek Ματθαιος, Matthaios) is traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of Matthew. ... A view of Batumi, circa, 1911, towards the mountains Batumi (also Batum or Batoum) is a seaside city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Ajaria, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. ...

In the 2nd Century AD, Adjara was incorporated in the (Egrisi|kingdom of Lazica). The province’s key fortress of Petra (Tsikhisdziri) served as a battlefield during the Lazic War between the Byzantines and Persians in 542-562. // Events Roman Empire governed by the Five Good Emperors (96–180) – Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius. ... Dionysius Exiguus invented Anno Domini years to date Easter. ... Egrisi (or Kolkheti) known to the ancient Greeks and Romans as Lazica and Persians as Lazistan was a kingdom in the western part of Georgia, which flourished between the 6th century BC and the 7th century AD. It covered the territory of the former kingdom Kolkha (Colchis) and the territory... The Lazic War, or Egrisi Great War as it is known in Georgian historiography, refers to the twenty-year war between Byzantium and Iran Sassanid Empire for controlling the western Georgian Kingdom of Egrisi/ Lazica in 542-562. ... Byzantine Empire is the term conventionally used to describe the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages, centered around its capital in Constantinople. ... The Persians of Iran (officially named Persia by West until 1935 while still referred to as Persia by some) are an Iranian people who speak Persian (locally named Fârsi by native speakers) and often refer to themselves as ethnic Iranians as well. ... Events The plague killed upwards of 100,000 in Constantinople and perhaps two million or more in the rest of the Byzantine Empire (possibly exaggerated). ... For the area code 562 see Area Code 562 Events Nan Xiao Ming Di succeeds Nan Liang Xuan Di as ruler of the Chinese Nan Liang Dynasty. ...

In the 8th century, the region was divided between two Georgian states, the so-called Kingdom of Georgians and the Abkhaz Kingdom. (7th century — 8th century — 9th century — other centuries) Events The Iberian peninsula is taken by Arab and Berber Muslims, thus ending the Visigothic rule, and starting almost 8 centuries of Muslim presence there. ... Tao-Klarjeti is the term conventionally used in modern history writing to describe the historic south-western Georgian principalities, now forming part of north-eastern Turkey and divided among the provinces of Erzurum, Artvin, Ardahan and Kars. ... Official languages Abkhaz, Russian Political status De Facto Independent Capital Sukhumi Capitals coordinates 43°01′N 41°02′E President¹ Sergei Bagapsh Prime Minister¹ Alexander Ankvab ¹ De-facto government Chairman of the Supreme Council² Temur Mzhavia Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers² Irakli Alasania ² Pro-Georgian Government in exile Independence...

In the 11th century, Adjara became a part of the unified Georgian Kingdom and was governed by rulers of Samtskhe-Saatabago. The region was ravaged by Seljuks in the 11th century and by Mongols in the 13th century. After the disintegration of Georgian monarchy and subsequent internal wars, Adjaria was passed from hands to hands until it became a part of the Principality of Guria in 1535. The Genoese established one of their Black Sea trading “factories” at the fortified town of Gonio at that time. As a means of recording the passage of time, the 11th century was that century which lasted from 1001 to 1100. ... The recorded history of Georgia dates back more than 4,000 years and the Georgian language is one of the oldest living languages in the world. ... Samtskhe-Javakheti is a region in southern Georgia, with Akhaltsikhe as its capital. ... The Seljuk Turks (Turkish: Selçuk; Arabic: سلجوق Saljūq, السلاجقة al-Salājiqa; Persian: سلجوقيان Saljūqiyān; also Seldjuk, Seldjuq, Seljuq) were a major branch of the Oghuz Turks and a dynasty that occupied parts of Central Asia and the Middle East from the 11th to 14th centuries. ... As a means of recording the passage of time, the 11th century was that century which lasted from 1001 to 1100. ... The Mongols are an ethnic group that originated in what is now Mongolia, Russia, and China. ... (12th century - 13th century - 14th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 13th century was that century which lasted from 1201 to 1300. ... Guria is a region in Georgia (Caucasus), in the western part of the country, bordered by the eastern end of the Black Sea. ... Events January 18 - Lima, Peru founded by Francisco Pizarro April - Jacques Cartier discovers the Iroquois city of Stadacona, Canada (now Quebec) and in May, the even greater Huron city of Hochelaga June 24 - The Anabaptist state of Münster (see Münster Rebellion) is conquered and disbanded. ... Location within Italy Genoa (Italian Genova, Genoese (dialect of Ligurian) Zena, French Gênes, German Genua, Spanish Génova, Galician Xénova) is a city and a seaport in northern Italy, the capital of the Province of Genoa and of the region of Liguria. ... Map of the Black Sea. ...

Adjara under Ottoman rule

In 1547, the Ottomans raided the province and captured Batumi. Liberated by Prince Rostom Gurieli of Guria in 1564, the region fell under the Turkish rule again in 1582. In 1609, Prince Mamia Gurieli temporarily relieved Batumi. However, Guria lost the province to the Ottomans in 1614. The area was divided into two sandjaks and submitted to the Pasha of Childir (Akhaltsikhe). Part of Adjarians fled to other Georgian regions. Those who remained were forcibly converted to Islam. Nevertheless, until 1770s, most Adjar peasants were Christian. The Ottoman rule became firmer in the late 18th century and the process of Islamicization accelerated especially after the 1820s. During the Crimean War of 1853-1856 and Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, thousands of Adjarians were recruited in the Ottoman army. Events January 16 - Grand Duke Ivan IV of Muscovy becomes the first Tsar of Russia. ... Imperial motto (Ottoman Turkish) دولت ابد مدت Devlet-i Ebed-müddet (The Eternal State) The Ottoman Empire at the height of its power (1683) Official language Ottoman Turkish Capital Söğüt (1299-1326), Bursa (1326-1365), Edirne (1365-1453), İstanbul (1453-1922) Imperial anthem Ottoman imperial anthem Sovereigns Padishah of the Osmanl... A view of Batumi, circa, 1911, towards the mountains Batumi (also Batum or Batoum) is a seaside city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Ajaria, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. ... Guria is a region in Georgia (Caucasus), in the western part of the country, bordered by the eastern end of the Black Sea. ... Events March 27 — Naples bans kissing in public under the penalty of death June 22 — Fort Caroline, the first French attempt at colonizing the New World September 10 — The Battle of Kawanakajima Ottoman Turks invade Malta Modern pencil becomes common in England Conquistadors crossed the Pacific Spanish founded a colony... Events January 15 - Russia cedes Livonia and Estonia to Poland February 24 - Pope Gregory XIII implements the Gregorian Calendar. ... // Events April 4 – King of Spain signs an edit of expulsion of all moriscos from Spain April 9 – Spain recognizes Dutch independence May 23 - Official ratification of the Second Charter of Virginia. ... Guria is a region in Georgia (Caucasus), in the western part of the country, bordered by the eastern end of the Black Sea. ... Events April 5 - In Virginia, Native American Pocahontas marries English colonist John Rolfe. ... Pasha (or pascha, bashaw; Turkish: paşa) originally from Persian padshah or padeshah meaning king) was a high rank in the Ottoman Empire political system, typically granted to governors and generals. ... Akhaltsikhe (old name - Lomsia and Ahıska) is a small city in southwestern Georgia, Mkhare (Province) of Samtskhe-Javakheti. ... Islam (Arabic: ; ) is a monotheistic religion based on the Quran. ... 1770 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ. ... (17th century - 18th century - 19th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 18th century refers to the century that lasted from 1701 through 1800. ... 1820 was a leap year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... Combatants United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Second French Empire, Ottoman Empire, Kingdom of Sardinia Imperial Russia Strength 250,000 British 400,000 French 10,000 Sardinian 1,200,000 Russian Casualties 17,500 British 90,000 French 35,000 Turkish 2,050 Sardinian killed, wounded and died of... 1853 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... 1856 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... The Russo-Turkish Wars were a series of ten wars fought between the Russian Empire and the Turkish-ruled Ottoman Empire during the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. ... 1877 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... 1878 (MDCCCLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ...

Adjara under Russian rule

The Ottomans ceded Adjara (called Adjaristan under Turkish rule) to the Russian Empire on March 3, 1878. Under the Russian oppression of Islam, thousands of Muslims fled the region in search of refuge in Turkey in an immigration process called Muhajiroba. Financed by the Ottomans, a terrorist organization known as The Avengers attempted to kill Russian officers and officials, along with Adjarians who collaborated with the imperial presence. Nevertheless, many Adjarians were loyal to Russia as they found the best opportunity to be reunited with other Georgians. Imperial motto (Ottoman Turkish) دولت ابد مدت Devlet-i Ebed-müddet (The Eternal State) The Ottoman Empire at the height of its power (1683) Official language Ottoman Turkish Capital Söğüt (1299-1326), Bursa (1326-1365), Edirne (1365-1453), İstanbul (1453-1922) Imperial anthem Ottoman imperial anthem Sovereigns Padishah of the Osmanl... Imperial Russia is the term used to cover the period of Russian history from the expansion of Russia under Peter the Great, through the expansion of the Russian Empire from the Baltic to the Pacific Ocean, to the deposal of Nicholas II of Russia, the last tsar, at the start... March 3 is the 62nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (63rd in leap years). ... 1878 (MDCCCLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ...

The Berlin Congress of 1878 declared the regional capital of Batum a porto franco or free port. The city became an important seaport and industrial city towards the end of 1880s. At the turn of the 20th century, Batumi was linked to the oil fields of Baku by one of the earliest pipelines and a railway, and it became one of the most important ports in the world. On June 22, 1892 the “Markus”, a huge tanker ship departed Batumi for Bangkok, Thailand, becoming the first oil tanker to transit the Suez Canal. Prompted in 1878 by Otto von Bismarck to revise the Treaty of San Stefano, the Congress of Berlin proposed and ratified the Treaty of Berlin. ... 1878 (MDCCCLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... A view of Batumi, circa, 1911, towards the mountains Batumi (also Batum or Batoum) is a seaside city (population: approximately 137,000) on the Black Sea coast and capital of Ajaria, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. ... A free port (porto franco) is a port with relaxed jurisdiction with respect to the country of location. ... 1880 (MDCCCLXXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Satellite view of Baku The Baku harbour on the south of Absheron peninsula The Maiden Tower in old town Baku Baku (Azerbaijani: Bakı), sometimes known as Baky or Baki, is the capital of Azerbaijan. ... June 22 is the 173rd day of the year (174th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 192 days remaining. ... 1892 (MDCCCXCII) was a leap year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... A view of Batumi, circa, 1911, towards the mountains Batumi (also Batum or Batoum) is a seaside city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Ajaria, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. ... Bangkok from the Chao Phraya River at sunset, July 2004 The Wat Phra Kaew temple Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep ( ), or Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon is the abbreviation of its full ceremonial name Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani... 1881 drawing of the Suez Canal. ...

The region (called Batum Oblast under the Russian rule) witnessed numerous strikes and bloody crackdowns during the Russian Revolution of 1905-1907. The Russian Revolution of 1905 was an empire-wide spasm of both anti-government and undirected violence. ... 1905 (MCMV) was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... 1907 (MCMVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ...

During World War I, Adjarian muhajirs (emigrants to Turkey) formed a division within the Turkish army. Adjara was temporarily occupied by the Ottoman army on 14 April 1918. Combatants Allies: Serbia, Russia, France, Romania, Belgium, British Empire, United States, Italy, and others Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire Casualties Military dead: 5 million Civilian deaths: 3 million Total of dead: 8 million Military dead: 4 million Civilian deaths: 3 million Total dead: 7 million The First... April 14 is the 104th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (105th in leap years). ... 1918 (MCMXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ...

British Occupation

Memed Abashidze, leader of the Ajarian Mejlis

On December 15, 1918 the British expeditionary forces landed at Batumi to replace the Turkish troops. The Council for Batum Region was created to govern Ajaria from 21 December 1918 to 28 April 1919. The Committee of the Liberation of Muslim Georgia, headed by Memed Abashidze during the years 1918–1919, had repeatedly spoken of the establishment of autonomy on religious principles within the borders of Georgia. To work towards this, on September 13 1919 a prototype parliament, the Mejlis, was convened in Batum. Though Abashidze’s faction strongly advocated the union with Georgia, the drive towards autonomy was strong, even among the pro-Georgian Ajarians. Another, less numerous group known as Seday Mileth (Turk: “voice of people”) propagated pro- and pan-Turkish ideas. December 15 is the 349th day of the year (350th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1918 (MCMXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... A view of Batumi, circa, 1911, towards the mountains Batumi (also Batum or Batoum) is a seaside city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Ajaria, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. ... December 21 is the 355th day of the year (356th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1918 (MCMXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... April 28 is the 118th day of the year (119th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 247 days remaining. ... 1919 (MCMXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ...

Adjara in Democratic Republic of Georgia

The British administration ceded the region to Georgia on 20 July 1920. Bolsheviks and Russian agents organized a series of sabotages and terrorist acts. The administration of democratic Georgia accepted the idea of Ajaria’s autonomy, although it was only realized under Soviet rule. July 20 is the 201st day (202nd in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 164 days remaining. ... 1920 (MCMXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will take you to calendar) // Events January January 7 - Forces of Russian White admiral Kolchak surrender in Krasnoyarsk. ... Bolshevik Party Meeting. ...

During the Soviet invasion of Georgia, Turkish forces occupied Batumi on March 11, 1921 and held the city until they were expelled by the Georgian troops under General Giorgi Mazniashvili on March 18, 1921. The Soviet rule in Batumi was declared the next day. Turkey recognized the region as a part of Georgian SSR by the Soviet-Turkish Treaty of Kars of 16 March 1921. State motto (Russian): Пролетарии всех стран, соединяйтесь! (Transliterated: Proletarii vsekh stran, soedinyaytes!) (Translated: Workers of the world, unite!) Capital Moscow Official language None; Russian (de facto) Government Federation of Soviet republics Area  - Total  - % water 1st before collapse 22,402,200 km² Approx. ... A view of Batumi, circa, 1911, towards the mountains Batumi (also Batum or Batoum) is a seaside city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Ajaria, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. ... 11 March is the 70th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (71st in Leap year). ... 1921 (MCMXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... Giorgi Mazniashvili (in Georgian: გიორგი მაზნიაშვილი) (1872-1937) was a Georgian general and one of the most prominent military figures in the Democratic Republic of Georgia. ... March 18 is the 77th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (78th in leap years). ... 1921 (MCMXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... A view of Batumi, circa, 1911, towards the mountains Batumi (also Batum or Batoum) is a seaside city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Ajaria, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. ... State motto: პროლეტარ ყველა ქვეყნისა, შეერთდით! Official language Georgian since 1978 Capital Tbilisi Chairman of the Supreme Council Zviad Gamsakhurdia (at independence) Established In the USSR:  - Since  - Until February 25, 1921 December 30, 1922 April 9, 1991 Area  - Total  - % water Ranked 10th in former Soviet Union 69,700 km² -- Population  - Total (1989)  - Density Ranked... Kars (Armenian: Ô¿Õ¡Ö€Õ½) is a city in northeast Turkey and the capital of the Kars Province, formerly at the head of a sanjak in the Turkish vilayet of Erzurum. ... March 16 is the 75th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (76th in Leap years). ... 1921 (MCMXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ...

Adjaria under Soviet rule

The Soviet government declared the Adzharian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (Adzharian ASSR) on 16 July 1921. Turkey ceded the region to Bolsheviks on the condition that it would be granted autonomy, for the sake of the Muslims among Adjaria's mixed population. It is thought also that Moscow wanted to avoid giving Georgia complete control of the important Black Sea port of Batumi and to bolster Communist leanings among the ethnic Georgian Muslims living in Turkey. Under Joseph Stalin, Islam, like Christianity, was repressed. July 16 is the 197th day (198th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 168 days remaining. ... 1921 (MCMXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... Moscow (Russian: Москва́, Moskva, IPA: ) is the capital of Russia and the countrys principal political, economic, financial, educational and transportation center, located on the river Moskva. ... Map of the Black Sea. ... A view of Batumi, circa, 1911, towards the mountains Batumi (also Batum or Batoum) is a seaside city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Ajaria, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. ... Communism - Wikipedia /**/ @import /w/skins-1. ... A Muslim is a believer in or follower of Islam. ... (Russian, in full: Иосиф Виссарионович Сталин [Iosif Vissarionovich Stalin]; December 18 [O.S. December 6] 1878[1] – March 5, 1953) was the leader of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s to his death in 1953 and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (1922-1953... Islam (Arabic: ; ) is a monotheistic religion based on the Quran. ... Christianity is a monotheistic[1] religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recounted in the New Testament. ...

Adjaria under Aslan Abashidze

Ajaria

Following Georgia’s first democratic parliamentary and presidential elections, President Zviad Gamsakhurdia appointed Aslan Abashidze as the head of the Adjara’s Supreme Council on March 15, 1991 hoping that the latter would assist in canceling the autonomous status of the region. However, when Gamsakhurdia proposed to abolish Ajarian autonomy, Abashidze called Ajarians, especially the Muslims of the region, to rise in protest. Tensions with central Georgian authorities ensued. On 22 April 1991, pro-Abashidze protesters stormed administrative buildings in the central Batumi demanding the immediate resignation of several officials. The protests were effectively used by Abashidze to establish his own powerbase in the region. Gamsakhurdia facing serious internal problems already in Tbilisi preferred not to interfere in the Ajarian events. In turmoil, Nodar Imnadze, Abashidze’s deputy chairman of the Supreme Soviet and the highest placed supporter of Gamsakhurdia in Ajaria, was killed in highly controversial circumstances. In Batumi’s version, Imnadze was shot by guards while attempting to burst in Abashidze’s office with a gun in his hands. The Tbilisi-controlled media simply printed unspecified obituaries. However, many claims have been made that Imnadze was killed by Abashidze himself during the argument at office. Zviad Gamsakhurdia Zviad Konstantines dze Gamsakhurdia (Georgian: ზვიად კონსტანტინეს ძე გამსახურდია) (March 31, 1939 - December 31, 1993) was a dissident, scientist and writer, who... Aslan Abashidze Aslan Abashidze (Georgian: ასლან აბაშიძე) (born July 20, 1938) was the leader of the Ajarian Autonomous Republic in western Georgia from 1991 to May 5, 2004. ... March 15 is the 74th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (75th in Leap years). ... 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... April 22 is the 112th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (113th in leap years). ... 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Under Abashidze’s tight control of the autonomy, Adjaria enjoyed relative political stability and economic prosperity during the Georgian Civil War. However, the majority of the Adjarians remained poor despite numerous economical projects and foreign investments. On 24 October 1997, Adjaria became a full member of the Assembly of European Regions (AER). The Georgian Civil War consisted of inter-ethnic conflicts in the regions of South Ossetia (1991-1992) and Abkhazia (1992-1993), as well as the overthrow of President Zviad Gamsakhurdia and his subsequent uprising in an attempt to regain power (1991-1993). ... October 24 is the 297th day of the year (298th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 68 days remaining. ... 1997 (MCMXCVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The relations between the central and regional authorities were strained. Adjarian leadership often refused to pay taxes to the central budget. Abashidze took control over the customs, Batumi seaport and other strategic objects. He created his own semi-official armed units and had full control over the Batumi-based 25th Brigade of Georgia’s Defense Ministry.

The central government claimed Batumi-based Russian military unit was a powerbase for the Adjarian strongman and criticized Abashidze for his pro-Russian orientation.

Georgia's ex-president Eduard Shevardnadze visited the region several times during his rule in 1992-2003 to attempt reconciliation with Abashidze. They reached a kind of compromise which allowed Abashidze to stay in power.The latter's party, the Union of Democratic Revival of Georgia, cooperated with Shevardnadze's ruling Union of Citizens of Georgia party in the 1995 parliamentary elections, but broke with Shevardnadze after the elections. Eduard Amvrosiyevich Shevardnadze (Georgian: ედუარდ შევარდნაძე, Russian: Эдуа́рд Амвро́сьевич Шевардна́дзе; pronounced ed-oo-ard am-vro-see-ye-vitch she-va-rd-nad-zuh) (born 25 January 1928) is a Georgian politician. ... 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday. ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Union of Citizens of Georgia (also known as the Citizens Union of Georgia or Georgian Citizens Union) is a political party established by Eduard Shevardnadze, President of Georgia between 1992-2003. ... 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Abashidze's Revival Party had thirty members in the Georgian parliament, and was seen as a moderate opposition to the central government in Tbilisi. After the rigged elections of 2003 and the ensuing "Rose Revolution" in Georgia, Abashidze described the November 2003 ouster of Shevardnadze as "a violent coup d'etat”. 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Mikhail Saakashvili and his supporters marched on the parliament carrying roses as a symbol of nonviolence Rose Revolution refers to a peaceful 2003 revolution in the country of Georgia that displaced president Eduard Shevardnadze. ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Adjaria crisis

Main article: Adjaria Crisis Ajaria crisis refers to a political crisis in Georgia’s Ajarian Autonomous Republic led by a local strongman Aslan Abashidze, who refused to obey central authorities after President Eduard Shevardnadze’s ouster during the Rose Revolution of November 2003. ...

On November 23, 2003, immediately after Shevardnadze’s fall, Aslan Abashidze declared a state of emergency in the region. Nevertheless, Adjaria took part in the Georgian presidential elections of January 4, 2004, won by Mikheil Saakashvili. Saakashvili ordered the Ajarian leader to comply with the Georgian constitution and start disarming. In May 2004, Abashidze claimed that Georgian forces were preparing to invade. His forces blew up bridges connecting the region with the rest of Georgia. The state of emergency was followed by the dispersal of local oppositional demonstrations as of May 4. This proved a catalyst for even larger demonstrations later on the same day. Tens of thousands from all Adjara headed for Batumi to demand Abashidze’s resignation. On May 6, Abashidze's position became untenable when local protesters took control over the central Batumi and Georgian Special Forces entered the region and started to disarm pro-Abashidze groups. After the overnight talks with the Russian official Igor Ivanov Mr. Abashidze stepped down and left for Moscow. November 23 is the 327th day of the year (328th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 38 days remaining. ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... January 4 is the 4th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Mikhail Saakashvili briefing the press at UN headquarters Mikhail Saakashvili (Georgian: მიხეილ სააკაშვილი) (born December 21, 1967), Georgian jurist and politician, is the President of Georgia. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... May 4 is the 124th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (125th in leap years). ... May 6 is the 126th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (127th in leap years). ... Igor Sergeyevich Ivanov (Russian, Игорь Сергеевич Иванов) became Russias Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1998, succeeding Yevgeny Primakov. ... Moscow (Russian: Москва́, Moskva, IPA: ) is the capital of Russia and the countrys principal political, economic, financial, educational and transportation center, located on the river Moskva. ...

Post-Abashidze era

Flag of Ajaria (adopted in 2004)

On May 7, 2004 direct presidential rule was imposed in Adjaria and 20-member Interim Council was set up to run the Autonomous Republic before the fresh local elections could be held in the region. Levan Varshalomidze was appointed as the Chairman of the Interim Council. This image is a national, governmental, military, royal/vice-regal or historical flag. ... This image is a national, governmental, military, royal/vice-regal or historical flag. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... May 7 is the 127th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (128th in leap years). ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... L. Varshalomidze Levan Varshalomidze (b. ...

Regional parliamentary elections were held on June 20. Victorious Adjara, party backed by President Saakashvili won 28 seats out of 30 in the local legislative body. Remaining two seats were occupied by Saakashvili's former allies, the Republican Party members. There were allegations of vote-rigging from the Republicans, after they won less than 15 per cent of the vote. On July 20, Adjarian Supreme Council approved Levan Varshalomidze as the Chairman of the Autonomous Republic’s Government. June 20 is the 171st day of the year (172nd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 194 days remaining. ... July 20 is the 201st day (202nd in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 164 days remaining. ... L. Varshalomidze Levan Varshalomidze (b. ...

The regional policy of central and local governments focuses on attracting foreign investments in the region. A large scale campaign of privatization has been launched for this purpose.

Georgian opposition and some European observers criticize the current status of Adjaria and say that the Georgian central government has brought the status of autonomy down to a nominal. Some claims have been made about human right violations, particularly in mass media. This article is about the continent. ...

Russian military presence is another challenge in the region. In violation of the 1999 Istanbul OSCE summit’s promise to withdraw, Russia maintain a military base in Batumi – a source of great tension with Georgia. 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday, and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations. ... Satellite image of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Istanbul (Turkish: Ä°stanbul) is Turkeys largest city, and its cultural and economic center. ... The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is an international organization for security. ... A view of Batumi, circa, 1911, towards the mountains Batumi (also Batum or Batoum) is a seaside city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Ajaria, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. ...

See also

• History of Georgia

The recorded history of Georgia dates back more than 4,000 years and the Georgian language is one of the oldest living languages in the world. ...

External link

• Ajaria (Georgia): Historical flags