List of renamed cities in Georgia facts for kids

Have you ever wondered why some places have changed their names over time? It's a fascinating part of history! Cities often change names because of new rulers, important events, or even to honor famous people. This article explores some cities in Georgia that have had different names throughout history.

Why Do Cities Change Names?

Cities change names for many reasons. Sometimes, a new government wants to mark a fresh start. Other times, a name might be changed to honor a hero or a political leader. For example, during the Soviet era, many cities in Georgia and other countries were renamed after communist leaders like Stalin or Ordzhonikidze. After the Soviet Union ended, many of these cities got their original names back.

Cities with New Names in Georgia

Changes from the Soviet Era

Many cities in Georgia saw their names change during the time of the Soviet Union. These changes often reflected the political ideas of the time.

• Baghdati: This city was called Maiakovski in 1940. This was likely to honor a famous Soviet poet. In 1990, it went back to its original name, Baghdati.
• Chqondidi: This city became Gegechkori in 1936. It was named after a revolutionary. In 1990, it returned to its historic name, Martvili.
• Khashuri: This city had several name changes. It was Mikhailovo in 1872, then Khashuri again in 1918. In 1931, it was called Stalinisi, named after Joseph Stalin. By 1934, it was back to Khashuri.
• Çörük Qəmərli: This city had a few names. It was Katarinenfeld in 1817, then Lüksemburgi in 1921. In 1943, it became Bolnisi.
• Akhalgori: This town was known as Leningori from 1935, named after Vladimir Lenin. In 1991, it returned to Akhalgori.
• Ozurgeti: From 1922, this city was called Makharadze. This name honored a Georgian revolutionary. In 1990, it became Ozurgeti again.
• Kharagauli: This town was renamed Orjonikidze, likely after a prominent Soviet leader. In 1990, it went back to Kharagauli.
• Senaki: This city was called Mikha-Tskhakaia in 1935, and then Tskhakaia in 1976. These names honored a Georgian communist. In 1989, it became Senaki once more.
• Shulavery: This town was known as Shahumiani from 1925, named after a Bolshevik leader. In 1991, it returned to Shulaveri.
• Trialeti: This town was called Molotovo in 1940, likely after a Soviet politician. In 1957, it became Trialeti again.
• Dedoplistskaro: This city was Tsarskiye Kolodtsy in 1803 and Tsitelitskaro in 1921. In 1991, it returned to Dedoplistsq'aro.
• Tskhinvali: This city was named Staliniri in 1934, also after Joseph Stalin. In 1961, it became Tskhinvali again.
• Khoni: This city was called Tsulukidze in 1936, honoring a Georgian revolutionary. In 1990, it returned to Khoni.
• Tiflis: This was the historic name for Georgia's capital. In 1936, it was officially changed to Tbilisi, which is its current name.

Other Historical Name Changes

Not all name changes were due to the Soviet era. Some changes happened much earlier or for different reasons.

• Ağbulaq: This place became Tetritsq'aro in 1940.
• Barmaqsız: This town was renamed Tsalka in 1932.
• Başkeçid: This place became Dmanisi in 1947.
• Ninotsminda: This city had several names: Altunkale, then Bogdanovka in 1829. In 1991, it became Ninotsminda.
• Dioscurias: This ancient city had many names over centuries, including Savastapolis, Tskhumi, and Sohumkale, before finally becoming Sukhumi.
• Elisabethtal: This town was renamed Asureti in 1943.
• Kvirila: This place was called Jugeli in 1920 before becoming Zestafoni in 1921.
• Qarayazı: This town was renamed Gardabani in 1947.
• Stepantsminda: This town was known as Kazbegi for a while. In 2006, it returned to Stepantsminda.
• Sarvan: This place was called Borchalı in 1929 and then Marneuli in 1947.

Source

• Georgian Soviet Encyclopedia, Volumes 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11; Tbilisi, 1977/1987
• ქართლის ცხოვრების ტოპოარქეოლოგიური ლექსიკონი (Topoarcheological lexicon of Kartlis Tskhovreba), Tbilisi, 2013

See also

• List of places named after Stalin
• List of renamed cities in Armenia
• List of renamed cities in Azerbaijan