Tbilisi,Georgia

Mother of Georgia

MonumentOpenSoviet Era

The Mother of Georgia, known locally as Kartlis Deda, is a monumental statue located on Sololaki Hill overlooking Tbilisi. Erected in 1958 to celebrate the city's 1,500th anniversary, the 20-meter aluminum figure depicts a woman in traditional Georgian dress. She holds a sword in her right hand, intended for those who come as enemies, and a bowl of wine in her left, offered to those who come as friends.

The statue serves as a symbolic representation of the Georgian national character, embodying the country's history of defending its independence while maintaining a tradition of hospitality. Originally constructed of wood, the statue was covered in aluminum in 1963 to protect it from the elements, and a completely new aluminum version was installed in 1997 to replace the weathered original.

Key Facts

Materials
Aluminum, Wood (original)
Civilization
Georgian
Accessibility
Accessible via cable car or hiking trail
Date(s)
1958
Condition
Well-maintained
Original Function
Commemorative monument
Key Figures
Elguja Amashukeli

Conception and Construction

1958

The monument was commissioned as part of the celebrations for the 1,500th anniversary of Tbilisi. Sculptor Elguja Amashukeli designed the figure to capture the dual nature of the Georgian spirit.

Material Evolution

1963-1997

The original wooden statue was covered in aluminum plates in 1963 to improve durability. Due to severe degradation over the decades, the entire structure was replaced with a new, more resilient aluminum version in 1997.

Modern Status

21st Century

Today, the statue is a primary landmark of Tbilisi, accessible via the Narikala cable car. It remains a focal point for cultural tourism and national pride.

Cultural Significance

Kartlis Deda is widely considered the personification of Tbilisi. The juxtaposition of the sword and the wine bowl is a profound cultural metaphor for the Georgian experience: a nation that has historically faced frequent invasions and conflict, yet remains deeply committed to the cultural values of hospitality and friendship.

Interpretive Notes

Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty

There is minor academic discussion regarding the evolution of the statue's aesthetic, specifically whether the 1997 replacement accurately captured the original artistic intent of Amashukeli's 1958 design, as the facial features were slightly altered during the reconstruction.

Visiting Information

Entry Rules

The monument is located in a public park area and is free to visit at all times.

Best Times to Visit

Sunset provides the best lighting for photography and panoramic views of the city. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

Photography

None. The site is in a public space.

Preservation Notes

The statue is a protected monument. Visitors are requested to stay on designated paths and not to climb the base of the structure.

Nearby POIs

11 shown

Sources & Further Reading

  1. [1]
    Tbilisi: A Guide to the City — George Hewitt. Caucasus World (2003)
  2. [2]
    The Art of Soviet Georgia — Nino Kalandadze. Georgian National Museum Press (2015)