Reports from European Travellers about Tbilisi's Population (the Second Half of the 19th Century)

Abstract

The present article draws upon the personal narratives of European travellers who visited Tbilisi during the latter half of the nineteenth century. These accounts offer insights into the ethno-religious composition of the city's population. The content of this information is derived from travellers' observations in various urban locations, namely the streets, markets and gardens of the city. The Tbilisi market has been termed the 'Babylon of ethnicities and languages', and the clothing and activities of different peoples are described in meticulous detail. The following article presents an overview of the nature and activities of the native population of Tbilisi, which comprises Georgians, Armenians, Tatars, Persians, as well as Russians, Germans, and French who have settled in the city since the beginning of the 19th century. The French diplomat Jules Patennotre is quoted as having described Tbilisi as a "hybrid city", in which diverse elements coexist, but do not amalgamate. As posited by Belgian traveller Carla Serena, Tbilisi can be regarded as a model of the Caucasus, encompassing a multitude of ethnic and cultural groups. Consequently, during the 19th century, Tbilisi assumed a pivotal multicultural role. The coexistence of representatives of different nationalities and religions in this city was a distinctive characteristic that contributed to its cultural and historical significance. While the accounts of European travellers may not be entirely objective, the material preserved in their writings is an invaluable research source regarding Georgia.