Culture of Adjara

Adjarians are like other sub ethnical groups of Georgians have historically followed Christianity. Significant importance on culture, Adjarians received being under the rule of Ottomans for three centuries long. They had accepted Islam, but carried their national identity through ages preserving their language and culture.

There, as well as everywhere in Georgia the culture of hospitality and feasts with magnificent wine is a must (it is only in Kedsky area of Adjara that they make unique rose wine from unique chkhaveri grapes). According to tradition the first toast announced by toastmaster in Adjara is to “The God and Peace”. An as the feast goes on everyone is to add at least something to this. 

Adjaran folklore has preserved its traditions from the old times. These are their ancient musical instruments, that are still played on national holidays: string chonguri and panduri, wind salamuri, doli and stviri, Adjaran bagpipe chiponi.

Beautiful old Adjaran songs are performed on holidays such as ‘Gomarduloba’, ‘Kolkhoba’, ‘Machakhloba’, ‘Merisoba’, ‘Tbeloba’ and ‘Shuamtoba’. Adjaran songs mostly reflect hard life of people, their dreams about happiness and readiness to give their lives for their land.

The world knows famous, plastic, expressive and bright Adjar folk dances ‘Khorumi’ and ‘Acharuli’.

Adjaran Culture - Cuisine

The Adjaran cuisine is very similar to a large extent to the Georgian ones, but still there are some distinctive features. The Adjarans prefer poultry (chicken, turkey and quail). They also use pork to cook their dishes.

Adjaran Culture - Clothing

The Adjaran men’s national costume consists of a shirt (perangi) and trousers (nipkhavi, sharvali), with outer garment chokha and short akhalukhi worn over them. A woolen, silk or leather belt is worn with the chokha.