Introducing Zugdidi
The main city of Samegrelo (Mingrelia), Zugdidi is 108km northwest of Kutaisi. As the nearest Georgian city to Abkhazia, it has had to absorb a particularly high number of refugees since the 1990s (by some estimates they have doubled its population) and is a centre for Georgians who favour military action to regain Abkhazia. It was also from Zugdidi that deposed President Zviad Gamsakhurdia, himself a Mingrelian, launched his unsuccessful 1993 rebellion against the Shevardnadze government. Today Gamsakhurdia’s statue stands on the town’s central boulevard, which is named after him.
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Despite this troubled recent past, today Zugdidi is a bustling and (at least outwardly) pleasant town that sees few travellers except for those heading for Svaneti, for which Zugdidi is an essential stepping stone.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: in Georgia with a bike
by boombullyhostel 12 September 2011
Hi If i were u I'd do downhill from Mestia to Zugdidi beautiful nature nice road. It's a long way though start early in the morning…
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Re: Minivan tours in Georgia
by AndrewSmith 04 September 2011
I am not aware of regular scheduled tours. Its easy to find a car with driver who will take you on your own to Davit Gareja; its only…
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Khevsureti or Tusheti?
by soussia 31 August 2011
Just realized I posted this in the general Eastern Europe/Caucasus board, rather than the specific Georgia board, so I'm re-posting here.…
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