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The Other Georgia

The Republic of Georgia was headline news last month due to a military conflict with Russia over two regions - Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The country of Georgia has a long and rich history. It gained independence in 1918, but with the formation of the Soviet Union (USSR), it soon lost that independence. Georgia, and all of the countries surrounding it except for Turkey, belonged to the USSR. But with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Georgia once again became a free country.

Located in Europe, Georgia is bordered by the Black Sea, Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. It is approximately 27,000 square miles in size, just a little larger than the state of West Virginia. Most of Georgia is mountainous, with the Greater Caucasus Mountains in the north, and the Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south. The capital of Georgia is Tbilisi and the country is a democracy. The official language is Georgian. There is no state religion, but most Georgians are Orthodox Christians. Over five million people live in the Republic of Georgia.

In this mini-unit, you can: become acquainted with Georgia and its people, understand the conflict between Georgia and Russia and view it on a map, learn what Georgians like to eat, see the Georgian alphabet, learn how to speak a little Georgian and listen to traditional Georgian Folk songs.

Reading

Country Profile

Georgia Throughout History

Q&A: Conflict in Georgia:

Georgian Food:

Maps

Republic of Georgia

Fun

See the Georgian language alphabet.

Learn how to speak the Georgian language:

Listen to Georgian traditional folk songs:

Recommended Resource

The Georgian Feast: The Vibrant Culture and Savory Food of the Republic of Georgia

According to Georgian legend, God took a supper break while creating the world. He became so involved with his meal that he inadvertently tripped over the high peaks of the Caucasus, spilling his food onto the land below. The land blessed by Heaven's table scraps was Georgia.

Nestled in the Caucasus mountain range between the Black and Caspian seas, the Republic of Georgia is as beautiful as it is bountiful. The unique geography of the land, which includes both alpine and subtropical zones, has created an enviable culinary tradition. In The Georgian Feast, Darra Goldstein explores the rich and robust culture of Georgia and offers a variety of tempting recipes.

The book opens with a fifty-page description of the culture and food of Georgia. Next are over one hundred recipes, often accompanied by notes on the history of the dish. Holiday menus, a glossary of Georgian culinary terms, and an annotated bibliography round out the volume.

Purchase here: at Amazon.com
Amazon Price: $14.93