Batumi

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.

Related Topics:
Black Sea - Capital - Ajaria - Georgia

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Batumi, with its large port and commercial center, is also the last stop of the Trans-Caucasian railroad and the Baku oil pipeline. It is situated some 20 km (12 mi) from the Turkish border, in a subtropical zone, rich in citrus fruit and tea. Industries include oil refineries, shipbuilding, food processing, and light manufacturing.

Related Topics:
Trans-Caucasian railroad - Baku - Oil - Pipeline - Turkish - Citrus - Tea - Oil refineries - Shipbuilding

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Batumi is located on the site of the ancient Greek colony of Batis. It has been known since the 11th century for its fortifications. A part of Georgia since the Middle Ages, it came under Turkish rule in the 16th century and was annexed by Russia in 1878 in accordance with Treaty of San Stefano between Russia and the Ottoman Empire (ratified on March 23). Instead, accordingly to Secret Anglo-Ottoman agreement, Ottomans were to be allowed to occupy Cyprus - "Cuprum probatum". Joseph Stalin was in the city in 1901 to organize strikes.

Related Topics:
Greek - 11th century - Middle Ages - 16th century - Russia - 1878 - Treaty of San Stefano - Joseph Stalin - 1901

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Unrest during World War I led to Turkey re-entering in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920. Then Kemal Ataturk ceded it to Lenin's Bolsheviks, on the condition that it be granted autonomy, for the sake of the Muslims among Batum's mixed population. When the U.S.S.R. collapsed, Aslan Abashidze was the appointed head of Ajaria's governing council and subsequently held onto power. In May 2004 he fled the region to Russia because of mass protests against his rule.

Related Topics:
World War I - 1918 - 1920 - Aslan Abashidze

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The town is home to all the major religions of the Caucasus, with a mixed population of Catholics, Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church, Muslims, and Jews. Attractions include the Ajar Museum, botanical gardens, which were started by professor Krasnov (brother of the general Pyotr Krasnov), aquarium - the only one in the former USSR, circus, and a former resort area along the Black Sea coast.

Related Topics:
Caucasus - Catholics - Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church - Muslims - Jew - Ajar Museum - Botanical garden - Pyotr Krasnov - Aquarium - Circus

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