Old Omalo of Tusheti Georgia, Keselo fortresses in Georgia, Tusheti holiday of Atnigenoba
In one of the highest mountain villages of Georgia, several towers have been preserved in the village of Omalo. Explore the secrets of the towers of Tusheti together with the Madloba catalog - the best guide for tourists and discover new horizons for travel. Don't forget to visit the incomparable Atnigenob holiday and take part in equestrian competitions!
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In Tusheti each clan has its own prayer house, in which representatives of the clan gather annually and arrange a holiday. Atnigenoba - the cycle of Tushet cult holidays begins on the hundredth day after Easter and it lasts two weeks. At this time, religious services are conducted - cattle are sacrificed, beer is brewed and Hitanoba (equestrian competitions) are organized.
Tusheti one of the most mountainous and inaccessible regions in Georgia. It is located in the north-east of the country, on the northern slopes of the Caucasian ridge, at an altitude of 1650-4493 m above sea level. Administratively, Iusheti is part of the Kakheti region, in particular, the Akhmet municipality.
The only road leading to Tusheti, It begins in Kakheti, in the village of Pshvali (Akhmet Municipality) and through the highest crossing in Georgia - the Abano Pass - ends in Omala. During the year, this road operates only for a few months - from May to September. And over the past month, it has been repeatedly cleared of landslides and rock fragments.
Historical Tusheti consists of five communities: Changchakhovani, Chagma, Gometsari, Tsovata and Pirikita. The communities unite more than 50 villages (although this association is conditional, since most of these villages have already been emptied). All Tushin villages have preserved examples of traditional Tushin architecture - defensive Signal Fortress towers, which were used as living quarters and shelters from tribal raids from the north.
Omalo is the largest village in Tusheti and its administrative center is divided into two parts: old and new Omalo. The old Omalo, or fortress of Keselo, is a monument of the XVIII century. At the very beginning, the whole village was built around her. After the population descended into the plain, the towers were used as shelters during enemy invasions. "
Only a few towers have survived to this day. In one of them there is an ethnographic museum, which stores household and military weapons.
Since 2007, the unique landscape of Tusheti has been included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Tentative List.
Watchtowers have become recognizable symbols of these places, all tourists are sure to buy souvenirs that remind them of their trip to Omalo. Everyone, returning from the highlands, notes an extraordinary surge of strength, incredible emotions and adrenaline.
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One of the highlights of Tusheti is the At'nigenoba festival. This celebration brings together locals and visitors alike to honor their traditions and heritage. From lively folk dances to traditional music performances, At'nigenoba offers a vibrant display of Tushetian culture. The festival also features horse racing, which adds excitement to the festivities and showcases the equestrian traditions of the region.
Exploring the Old Omalo and witnessing the grandeur of Keselo is an experience like no other. It allows you to immerse yourself in the stories of the past and appreciate the resilience of the Tushetian people. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a nature lover, this corner of Georgia offers a unique blend of both. Don't miss the chance to visit and be enchanted by the Old Omalo of Tusheti, Keselo fortress, and the festive atmosphere of At'nigenoba.