Batum

Batum is the historical and alternative name used for the city of Batumi, the main urban center of the Autonomus Republic of Adjara in southwestern Georgia. The name appears in various historical languages and maps as Batoum or Batoum.

It lies on the eastern shore of the Black Sea, near the Chorokhi River delta, close to the border with Turkey. Batum functions as a major port and commercial hub, and it is also a popular seaside resort and cultural center.

The area shows evidence of human settlement dating back to ancient Colchis. Over the centuries the city changed hands under Persian, Ottoman, and Russian influence, before becoming part of the Soviet Union and later independent Georgia. Since the establishment of Adjara as an autonomous republic within Georgia, Batumi has undergone substantial development, expanding its port, transport infrastructure, and tourism facilities.

The economy relies on seaborne trade, logistics, and tourism, with a growing information technology sector. The city displays a mix of architectural styles, from 19th-century Neo-Classical and Moorish-influenced buildings to contemporary towers. Notable landmarks along Batumi Boulevard include the Batumi Botanical Garden, Europe Square with the Alphabetic Tower, the Piazza, the statue of Ali and Nino, and various seaside promenades. The climate is humid subtropical, with warm summers and mild winters, supporting year-round tourism.