Guria

Guria is located in the western part of Georgia, bordered by the Black Sea. Famous for its music and polyphonic singing, Guria is a region rich in cultural traditions and natural beauty. The countryside is a fetching mosaic of perfumed citrus groves, tea plantations, orchards, grape vines and cornfields.

Social relationships are strictly defined in Guria and they are known for their politeness and respect for the elderly. Gurians are also known for their building skills and handcrafts including leatherwork, saddle making and basket making.

History

As with much of western Georgia, Guria was once part of the legendary Kingdom of the Colchis tribe. Roman coins from the 3rd-4th centuries have been found here and the remains of ancient burial mounds have also been found in the dunes along the Black Sea. During the Middle Ages this part of Georgia was an independent principality governed by the Gurielis.

Gurian people were very good horse-riders and participated in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.  They traveled to Europe and America numerous times, starting their performances with Georgian songs and dances,