Batoum

Batoum, also known as Batumi in Georgian, is a city on the western coast of the Black Sea in southwestern Georgia. It serves as the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and is a major port and economic center for the region. The city has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm, moist summers that support year‑round tourism and agricultural trade.

Historically, Batoum traces its origins to antiquity in the area of Colchis. It passed through the control of various regional powers before coming under Ottoman suzerainty. After the Russo‑Turkish War of 1877–1878, the city and its port were ceded to the Russian Empire, which expanded Batum as a maritime center and developed rail connections. In the 20th century it remained part of the Russian and later Soviet systems, becoming part of the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic after 1921. Following Georgia’s independence in 1991, Batumi developed as a modern commercial and tourist hub. In 2004, events in Adjara led to central government interventions that redefined regional governance in the area.

Culturally and architecturally, Batoum features a blend of Old Town charm and contemporary developments. Key sites include Batumi Boulevard along the waterfront, the Piazza, and the historic streets of the Old Town. The Batumi Botanical Garden, situated near Mtsvane Kontskhi, is a major natural attraction. Contemporary landmarks include the Alphabet Tower, which symbolizes the Georgian script, and the Ali and Nino sculpture, a moving seaside monument. The city hosts various cultural events and festivals, reflecting its status as a regional cultural center.

Batumi’s economy centers on port activities, shipping, and services for a growing tourism sector. It is served by Batumi International Airport and by rail and road connections to Tbilisi and other parts of Georgia.