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http://thebizzarelife.blogspot.com/2012/03/chasing-my-horisons.html
This map demonstrates the extreme diversity that Georgia experiences and celebrates. It shows some of the different cultures that are experienced in seperate regions of the country. The map also demonstrates Economics with the various forms of transportation depicted as well as the various resources and items produced in seperate areas. The map also references some of the Leisure Activities that are enjoyed and also shares some aspects of Religion and Art. This is all done in a map that is in itself very aesthetically pleasing and fun to look at. Please take some time to enjoy this map and see how many Cultural Universals you can name.
The three charts demonstrate the issues that Georgia has experienced in education, work and its economy as it tries to find its way after gaining its independence from the Soviet union. Figure 1-1 shows us that education has always been important to Georgians as it was one of the least influenced sectors after the change of government. Since 1984, Georgia has only increased it rate of children completing primary school. The same can not be said for the employment rate in Fig 1-2 and the export percentage of GDP in Fig 1-3. In Fig 1-2, we see that the employment rate of workers 15 years of age and older in 1991 was 58%. This rate has dropped slightly but as of 2007, the rate is rising again and was 56%. The economy of Georgia is starting to improve after a drastic drop in exports as a percentage of the GDP showed in Fig 1-3 after obtaining independence. The rate was only 13% in 1996 but Georgia has made great strides since then and in 2011 enjoyed the fact that its exports made up 36% of its GDP.
Gapminder.org Fig. 1-3 (Economy) The above chart demonstrates the percent that exports make up of the total GDP. In 1987 as part of the Soviet Union, Georgia enjoyed healthy exports making up 42% of the GDP. In 1996, Georgia had gained its independence and exports fell to just 13% of the GDP. However, by 2011, Georgia was once again on its way to increasing its post-Soviet exports and they were 36% of the GDP.
Georgian Statistics
- 99.7% of population over 15 years old can read and write.
- Inflation rate is -0.9%. Second best in the world.
- Georgia is slightly smaller than the state of South Carolina
- Climate is warm and pleasant and Mediterranean-like near the Black Sea.
- Languages spoken: Georgian 71%, Russian 9%, Armenian 7%, Azeri 6% and other 7%.
- Median age of males is 37.1 years old and the median age of females is 42.1 years old.
- Total population of Georgia is 4,942,157.
Statistics obtained from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gg.html
Religion in Georgia
The primary religion of Georgia has been Christianity since 330’s with strong Roman influence in the first centuries A.D. According to the 2002 census the breakdown of religion in Georgia is as follows: “Orthodox Christian 83.9%, Armenian-Gregorian 3.9%, Catholic 0.8%, Muslim 9.9%, other 0.8%, none 0.7% (2002 census).” The religion of Christianity started in the early kingdoms of Colchis and Kartli-Iberia. ("Geography and map," 2014)
The Apostle St. Andrew first preached Christianity in Georgia. Georgia was largely a Pagan country until the first half of the fourth century when St. Vine arrived in Kartli with the mission to convert the entire country to Christianity. Pagan idols were destroyed and King Mirian declared Christianity the official country religion in 337. Georgia was the world’s second Christian nation. (http://sacredsites.com/europe/georgia/sacredsitesofgeorgia.html)
Catholicism came to Georgia in the mid 17th century via Italian Catholic missionaries. Georgian Catholics are found in southern Georgia. They began as Orthodox Christians in the 17th century but were forced to convert to Catholicism when Turkey conquered the land. This was their only way to remain in the Christian religion. In Tbilisi there is a small population of Lutherans and Protestant Lutherans. Georgia also welcomes a population of the Armenian church as well as Judaism. The Jews began traveling to Georgia twenty six centuries ago during the Babylonian conquests. ("Religion of georgia," 2010)
Georgia has been a very tolerant country throughout its history up to the time it was taken over by the USSR in 1922. While they are primarily a Christian society they have been highly tolerant and against the persecution of all religions. At times this has caused them to be slightly blind to religious crimes/violence. Prior to the Soviet period most settlements of Georgia revolved around a church on a hill. ("Countries and their,")
Most churches were destroyed after this period. While many citizens of Georgia proclaim that they are religious they seldom attend church services. While the identification of religion is important within Georgian culture it is not a priority for most citizens to attend services.
Mediani Square of Old Tiblisi houses numerous churches from the variety of religions within Georgia. One can find a Georgian Orthodox Church, an Gregorian Armenian church, a jewish synagogue, and a muslim mosque all within a short distance of each other. In Uplistsikhe, was a functioning cave city of 1000 B.C. and was a prominent Pagan holy place. The Church of Dzhvari is symbol of Georgian architecture and was built over a previously Pagan place. Even as Tibilsi became the nations capital in the 6th century, Dzhvari has remained a religious center and place of pilgrimage. Gelati is another sacred religious place in Georgia. It was a monastery and academy founded by King David the Builder in 1106. Other Sacred places of Georgia include Motsameta monastery near Kutaisi, Bagrati monastery near Kutaisi, Vani temple city on Sulori River, Mediavel cave city of Vardzia, and the 7th century church of Ateni Sioni near Gori.
Georgia did not face much influence from the Government regarding religion until about 1922. This is when Georgia was annexed by the USSR. The USSR was found by a communist government that pushed Atheism, this was in contrast to Georgia’s official Orthodox/Christian religion. Many of the true Orthodox Christian’s of Georgia were not willing to budge from their faith even with the strong political influences of the USSR government. This was one of the only times of oppression within Georgia’s history pushing many of these strong believers to live “underground.” By 1991 Georgia was able to declare its independence and join the council of Europe in 1999. Within the Georgian constitution, citizens are guaranteed “complete freedom of religious belief and confessions as well as the independence of the church from the state.” In March of 2001, Georgian parliament began amending its constitution to make additional special priveleges for the Georgian Orthodox Church, such as exemptions from military service, beliefs taught in public schools, etc. This would mark a period of time where church and state are no longer separate in Georgia. (Robinson, 2002)
Georgia remains a highly Christian country with tolerance for many religions. The prevalence of Christianity primarily the Orthodox church has remained constant throughout it’s history. The Orthodox church is even mentioned within the countries Constitution. This religion is held in high regard within the country and continues to be the driver for changes to politics and society of the country.
The Apostle St. Andrew first preached Christianity in Georgia. Georgia was largely a Pagan country until the first half of the fourth century when St. Vine arrived in Kartli with the mission to convert the entire country to Christianity. Pagan idols were destroyed and King Mirian declared Christianity the official country religion in 337. Georgia was the world’s second Christian nation. (http://sacredsites.com/europe/georgia/sacredsitesofgeorgia.html)
Catholicism came to Georgia in the mid 17th century via Italian Catholic missionaries. Georgian Catholics are found in southern Georgia. They began as Orthodox Christians in the 17th century but were forced to convert to Catholicism when Turkey conquered the land. This was their only way to remain in the Christian religion. In Tbilisi there is a small population of Lutherans and Protestant Lutherans. Georgia also welcomes a population of the Armenian church as well as Judaism. The Jews began traveling to Georgia twenty six centuries ago during the Babylonian conquests. ("Religion of georgia," 2010)
Georgia has been a very tolerant country throughout its history up to the time it was taken over by the USSR in 1922. While they are primarily a Christian society they have been highly tolerant and against the persecution of all religions. At times this has caused them to be slightly blind to religious crimes/violence. Prior to the Soviet period most settlements of Georgia revolved around a church on a hill. ("Countries and their,")
Most churches were destroyed after this period. While many citizens of Georgia proclaim that they are religious they seldom attend church services. While the identification of religion is important within Georgian culture it is not a priority for most citizens to attend services.
Mediani Square of Old Tiblisi houses numerous churches from the variety of religions within Georgia. One can find a Georgian Orthodox Church, an Gregorian Armenian church, a jewish synagogue, and a muslim mosque all within a short distance of each other. In Uplistsikhe, was a functioning cave city of 1000 B.C. and was a prominent Pagan holy place. The Church of Dzhvari is symbol of Georgian architecture and was built over a previously Pagan place. Even as Tibilsi became the nations capital in the 6th century, Dzhvari has remained a religious center and place of pilgrimage. Gelati is another sacred religious place in Georgia. It was a monastery and academy founded by King David the Builder in 1106. Other Sacred places of Georgia include Motsameta monastery near Kutaisi, Bagrati monastery near Kutaisi, Vani temple city on Sulori River, Mediavel cave city of Vardzia, and the 7th century church of Ateni Sioni near Gori.
Georgia did not face much influence from the Government regarding religion until about 1922. This is when Georgia was annexed by the USSR. The USSR was found by a communist government that pushed Atheism, this was in contrast to Georgia’s official Orthodox/Christian religion. Many of the true Orthodox Christian’s of Georgia were not willing to budge from their faith even with the strong political influences of the USSR government. This was one of the only times of oppression within Georgia’s history pushing many of these strong believers to live “underground.” By 1991 Georgia was able to declare its independence and join the council of Europe in 1999. Within the Georgian constitution, citizens are guaranteed “complete freedom of religious belief and confessions as well as the independence of the church from the state.” In March of 2001, Georgian parliament began amending its constitution to make additional special priveleges for the Georgian Orthodox Church, such as exemptions from military service, beliefs taught in public schools, etc. This would mark a period of time where church and state are no longer separate in Georgia. (Robinson, 2002)
Georgia remains a highly Christian country with tolerance for many religions. The prevalence of Christianity primarily the Orthodox church has remained constant throughout it’s history. The Orthodox church is even mentioned within the countries Constitution. This religion is held in high regard within the country and continues to be the driver for changes to politics and society of the country.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ABOUT GEORGIAN CULTURE:
http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Georgia.html is a great website to visit. This website is great because it gives a short synopsis on many different topics associated with Georgia. These topics include location and geography, demographics, history, economy and politics to name a few. This website is extremely knowledgeable and also shares some local customs and do's and do not's while experiencing this countries culture.
http://georgiaabout.com/ is also a useful internet tool to use when learning about Georgia's culture. This page shares many current events and allows one to get a sense of the current trends and happenings within Georgia. This website shares articles on cultural dishes, the arts, things to do and also history. This website is a great overall resource and adds to ones knowledge about the background of the country.
http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Georgia.html is a great website to visit. This website is great because it gives a short synopsis on many different topics associated with Georgia. These topics include location and geography, demographics, history, economy and politics to name a few. This website is extremely knowledgeable and also shares some local customs and do's and do not's while experiencing this countries culture.
http://georgiaabout.com/ is also a useful internet tool to use when learning about Georgia's culture. This page shares many current events and allows one to get a sense of the current trends and happenings within Georgia. This website shares articles on cultural dishes, the arts, things to do and also history. This website is a great overall resource and adds to ones knowledge about the background of the country.
CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN THE COUNTRY OF GEORGIA
The country of Georgia is found in southeast Europe. It is a blended area of Eastern and Western traditions (“Republic of Georgia,” 2011). The country of Georgia is a multinational country with many of its ethnic groups having been formed relatively early on in its vast history. Most of the ethnic groups are tied through distinct linguistics, customs, and traditions. Changes to cultural diversity as well as unification of culture within the country of Georgia are directly linked to political changes ("Countries and their," 2014). There are current efforts being made politically to preserve culture and diversity.
Georgia has always been a culturally diverse country, with an increase in immigration in recent years. As seen in the table below from http://www.culturalpolicies.net/web/georgia.php?aid=424, 16.2% of the country of Georgia’s population is a minority:
Georgia has always been a culturally diverse country, with an increase in immigration in recent years. As seen in the table below from http://www.culturalpolicies.net/web/georgia.php?aid=424, 16.2% of the country of Georgia’s population is a minority:
As far back as has been recorded in the country of Georgia’s history, culture and ethnicity have been defined by it’s ruling party. In most recent years, the country of Georgia has been working to define how it will preserve its culture.
Georgia faced some of its most difficult times during the period of 1993-2003. During this time Georgia had many financial struggles, some involving political corruption. Facing these issues meant that the country of Georgia would need to makes changes to “the cultural infrastructure that remained from the Soviet period” (Gunia-Kuznetcova, 2013). After two civil wars that followed the republic of Georgia’s independence from Soviet Russia, a new parliament was elected in 1995 that adopted a new constitution ("Countries and their," 2014). As found on culturepolicies.net, in 2008, Order No. 282 of the President created a Strategic Vision Project-the National Vision and Action plan on Civil Integration and Tolerance ("Georgia/ 4.2 specific," 2012). The document outlined objectives for both Culture and Education. Under the Cultural Sphere the main concepts are:
• Support for preservation of the cultural identity of minorities
• Support for intercultural dialogue, improvement of knowledge about minority Georgian culture and national values
• Participation of minorities in the cultural life of Georgia
• Presentation of culture and history of minorities as cultural values of the country ("Georgia/ 4.2 specific," 2012)
The country uses this foundation as a means to support free use of different dialects and cultural differences of minorities that reside within Georgia. The struggles with this lie in fact that there are no actual laws in Georgia that protect minorities only concepts as mentioned above and unwritten rules to respect the traditions of all people living within Georgia.
The country of Georgia has welcomed programs that empower its citizens to promote diversity within Georgia as well as surrounding countries. One such program is described on euroeastculture.eu called SOS culture. This program encourages local youth in the rural border areas of Georgia and Armenia to improve cultural awareness and conservation (EuroEast Culture, 2011).
Programs such as this one are important not only in preserving cultural identity but encouraging citizens to understand the cultures of others aside from their own. This helps to promote peace among cultures, creating a strong foundation for a peaceful yet diverse society.
The country of Georgia currently recognizes the importance of being culturally diverse. The country of Georgia’s focus now is how to maintain the respect of minorities and cultural diversity within their political system and everyday life. The changes to cultural diversity are evident in the populations’ use of more technology and modern devices, with a move away from the more common rural populations of Georgia. These changes require that the concepts and rules in place to preserve cultural diversity must be followed and continue to be developed.
Georgia faced some of its most difficult times during the period of 1993-2003. During this time Georgia had many financial struggles, some involving political corruption. Facing these issues meant that the country of Georgia would need to makes changes to “the cultural infrastructure that remained from the Soviet period” (Gunia-Kuznetcova, 2013). After two civil wars that followed the republic of Georgia’s independence from Soviet Russia, a new parliament was elected in 1995 that adopted a new constitution ("Countries and their," 2014). As found on culturepolicies.net, in 2008, Order No. 282 of the President created a Strategic Vision Project-the National Vision and Action plan on Civil Integration and Tolerance ("Georgia/ 4.2 specific," 2012). The document outlined objectives for both Culture and Education. Under the Cultural Sphere the main concepts are:
• Support for preservation of the cultural identity of minorities
• Support for intercultural dialogue, improvement of knowledge about minority Georgian culture and national values
• Participation of minorities in the cultural life of Georgia
• Presentation of culture and history of minorities as cultural values of the country ("Georgia/ 4.2 specific," 2012)
The country uses this foundation as a means to support free use of different dialects and cultural differences of minorities that reside within Georgia. The struggles with this lie in fact that there are no actual laws in Georgia that protect minorities only concepts as mentioned above and unwritten rules to respect the traditions of all people living within Georgia.
The country of Georgia has welcomed programs that empower its citizens to promote diversity within Georgia as well as surrounding countries. One such program is described on euroeastculture.eu called SOS culture. This program encourages local youth in the rural border areas of Georgia and Armenia to improve cultural awareness and conservation (EuroEast Culture, 2011).
Programs such as this one are important not only in preserving cultural identity but encouraging citizens to understand the cultures of others aside from their own. This helps to promote peace among cultures, creating a strong foundation for a peaceful yet diverse society.
The country of Georgia currently recognizes the importance of being culturally diverse. The country of Georgia’s focus now is how to maintain the respect of minorities and cultural diversity within their political system and everyday life. The changes to cultural diversity are evident in the populations’ use of more technology and modern devices, with a move away from the more common rural populations of Georgia. These changes require that the concepts and rules in place to preserve cultural diversity must be followed and continue to be developed.
GEORGIA CUISINE
Cuisine of Georgia
The country of Georgia has a very unique and distinct cuisine. The type of cuisine is divided by the two main cultures of Georgia, east Georgia and west Georgia. Please see the chart below to see what is standard for food in east versus west Georgia and what is the same:
The country of Georgia has a very unique and distinct cuisine. The type of cuisine is divided by the two main cultures of Georgia, east Georgia and west Georgia. Please see the chart below to see what is standard for food in east versus west Georgia and what is the same:
For a person visiting Georgia they may be part of a Supra, or a traditional Georgia feast. An extra special Supra is called a Keipi. Supra’s are regarded with lots of tradition. An honor would be to be named the “tamada” or the toastmaster of the feast. This role would be similar to a party host in America but at a higher level, the tamada is charged with keeping the festivities going, including laughter and singing as well as traditional dancing. This of course includes wine. Georgia actually exports wine to over 48 countries, however they are not among the major wine-producing regions of the world. Georgia winemaking, along with Armenia can be traced back to the very first wines that were created around 8000 years ago. Georgia has an ideal climate for viticulture (winemaking) have warm summers but not overly hot and their winters are mild, they also have many natural springs with mineral rich rivers (Pereltsvaig).
Supra’s are filled with traditional breads, salads, meats, vegetable dishes, and candies. Many of Georgia’s dishes include nuts, as they are a staple in Georgia.
As described in the article “Foods of the Caucasian Georgia combines east and west,” here is what Supra Menu might look like:
Side Dishes:
· Eggplant with walnut and garlic sauce
· Sautéed mushrooms
· Cucumber and tomato salad
· Chicken salad
· Variety of Cheeses
· Green Spinach balls
· Liver paste
· Pickles
· French fries
· Cheese filled bread
· Cornmeal cake
· Regular bread
· Cooked dried beans
· Green beans
· Potato salad
Sauces:
· Sour plum sauce
Main Course:
· Fried catfish
· Baked trout
· Roast pig
· Sliced boiled tongue
· Ham
· Meat casserole
· Offal stew
· Pork kebabs
· Fried chicken
· Meatloaf
· Meat-filled dumplings
Beverages:
· Borjoni – salty mineral water
· Soft drinks, including tarragon flavored
· Wine
· Coffee
Deserts:
· Sweetened nuts and fruit
As described in the article “Foods of the Caucasian Georgia combines east and west,” here is what Supra Menu might look like:
Side Dishes:
· Eggplant with walnut and garlic sauce
· Sautéed mushrooms
· Cucumber and tomato salad
· Chicken salad
· Variety of Cheeses
· Green Spinach balls
· Liver paste
· Pickles
· French fries
· Cheese filled bread
· Cornmeal cake
· Regular bread
· Cooked dried beans
· Green beans
· Potato salad
Sauces:
· Sour plum sauce
Main Course:
· Fried catfish
· Baked trout
· Roast pig
· Sliced boiled tongue
· Ham
· Meat casserole
· Offal stew
· Pork kebabs
· Fried chicken
· Meatloaf
· Meat-filled dumplings
Beverages:
· Borjoni – salty mineral water
· Soft drinks, including tarragon flavored
· Wine
· Coffee
Deserts:
· Sweetened nuts and fruit
Recipes
Khinkali
A traditional dish of Georgia, that consists of meat filled dumplings. The meat filling varies by region and availability and sometimes includes cheeses, mushrooms, and mashed pot
A traditional dish of Georgia, that consists of meat filled dumplings. The meat filling varies by region and availability and sometimes includes cheeses, mushrooms, and mashed pot
Shared from Food.com here is the recipe:
Ingredients:
Servings:
6-8
Units: US | Metric
Filling 1
1 3/4 lbs ground lamb
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
3 large onions, minced
1 bunch cilantro, minced
Filling 2
12 ounces ground beef
12 ounces ground pork
4 tablespoons cilantro, minced
1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves
1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes
3 small yellow onions, minced
Dough
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup lukewarm salt water
Directions:
1
Knead together the filling you have chosen and about 7 tbsp lukewarm water.
2
Prepare a smooth dough from the flour and the salted water. Roll it out thinly and cut out 6 inch circles using a plate.
3
Place about 2 tbsp filling in center of round, and fold edges of dough over filling, creating pleats in dough as you go, until filling is covered.
4
Holding dumpling in the palm of one hand, grasp top of dumpling where pleats meet and twist to seal pleats and form a knot at top of dumpling. Repeat with remaining dough rounds and filling.
5
Put the khinkali in a large pan with boiling, lightly salted water and simmer gently, gently agitating them with a wooden spoon now and again.
6
When the khinkali float to the surface, continue to simmer for about 6 more minutes. Total time should be about 8 minutes.
7
Remove from the water with a wire skimmer, sprinkle black pepper over each and serve hot with cold beer.
Ingredients:
Servings:
6-8
Units: US | Metric
Filling 1
1 3/4 lbs ground lamb
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
3 large onions, minced
1 bunch cilantro, minced
Filling 2
12 ounces ground beef
12 ounces ground pork
4 tablespoons cilantro, minced
1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves
1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes
3 small yellow onions, minced
Dough
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup lukewarm salt water
Directions:
1
Knead together the filling you have chosen and about 7 tbsp lukewarm water.
2
Prepare a smooth dough from the flour and the salted water. Roll it out thinly and cut out 6 inch circles using a plate.
3
Place about 2 tbsp filling in center of round, and fold edges of dough over filling, creating pleats in dough as you go, until filling is covered.
4
Holding dumpling in the palm of one hand, grasp top of dumpling where pleats meet and twist to seal pleats and form a knot at top of dumpling. Repeat with remaining dough rounds and filling.
5
Put the khinkali in a large pan with boiling, lightly salted water and simmer gently, gently agitating them with a wooden spoon now and again.
6
When the khinkali float to the surface, continue to simmer for about 6 more minutes. Total time should be about 8 minutes.
7
Remove from the water with a wire skimmer, sprinkle black pepper over each and serve hot with cold beer.
Religious connections to food in the Country of Georgia
Most citizens of the country of Georgia are Orthodox Christians. In this religion there are certain days on the calendar that are reserved for fasting. In Georgia, fasting is fruit and vegetable based. These fasts can take up anywhere from 196 to 212 fast days a year, therefore in the country of Georgia fruit and vegetable based dishes are quite common (Pereltsvaig).