Kartvelilaiset

Kartvelilaiset refers to the indigenous Kartvelian peoples of the Caucasus region, primarily inhabiting Georgia. The term encompasses distinct ethnic groups who share common linguistic and cultural roots. The most prominent Kartvelian group is the Georgian people themselves, who form the majority population of Georgia. Other Kartvelian groups include the Svan, Mingrelian, and Laz peoples. These groups, while having their own unique languages and traditions, are often grouped together due to their historical and linguistic connections.

The Kartvelian languages form their own independent family, the Kartvelian or South Caucasian language family. This family is not related to the Indo-European or Turkic language families, which are also present in the Caucasus. The Georgian language is the official language of Georgia and is written in its own distinct script. The other Kartvelian languages, such as Svan and Mingrelian, are spoken by smaller communities and have their own dialects and variations.

Historically, the Kartvelian peoples have a long and rich cultural heritage, marked by ancient kingdoms, significant architectural achievements, and unique artistic traditions. Their geographical location has also played a crucial role in shaping their history, as they have been influenced by and interacted with various empires and cultures throughout the centuries. The concept of Kartvelilaiset highlights this shared ancestral and linguistic foundation that unites these diverse, yet connected, peoples of the Caucasus.