Tiflis Audio-Tour: Kulturelle und historische Juwelen von Didube, Tiflis

The Kingdom of Kartli, where you are now standing, represents a significant epoch in Georgian history. This late medieval and early modern monarchy was centered in the province of Kartli with Tbilisi as its capital. The Kingdom emerged in 1478 following the tripartite division of the Kingdom of Georgia. It existed until 1762 when it merged with the Kingdom of Kakheti through dynastic succession under the Kakhetian branch of the Bagrationi dynasty. During much of its existence, Kartli was a vassal to successive Iranian dynasties and, to a lesser extent, the Ottoman Empire. However, it experienced periods of greater independence, especially post-1747. The genesis of the Kingdom of Kartli is marked by intense feudal competition, civil war, and separatism. The disintegration of a unified Georgian kingdom began in earnest after George VIII’s defeat at the Battle of Chikhori in 1463 by the rebellious nobleman Bagrat VI. Bagrat’s subsequent declaration as King of Imereti splintered the Georgian monarchy further. After his defeat in 1465, George VIII was captured, allowing Bagrat VI to claim kingship over all Georgia by 1466. Released from captivity, George VIII formed the rump state of Kakheti. His nephew, Constantine, then emerged as a contender for the throne in Kartli in 1469, leading to additional turmoil. Bagrat VI was continuously challenged until losing control in 1478 when Constantine, aided by local dukes, temporarily restored Kartli's integrity with Western Georgia by 1481, proclaiming himself King of All Georgia. Yet, this unity was short-lived due to ongoing feudal struggles. The complex interplay of regional powers and noble factions defined Kartli’s historical landscape, reflecting the broader fracturing and political instability of the period. As you gaze upon this landmark, consider the turbulence and shifting alliances that shaped the Kingdom of Kartli, an essential chapter in the history of Georgia.

You are now standing outside Bassiani, an influential and prominent nightclub located in Tbilisi. Established in 2014, Bassiani is uniquely housed within the Dinamo Arena, Georgia's largest sports venue. The club makes creative use of the venue's disused swimming pool as its main dance floor. As the largest techno club in Georgia, it can accommodate up to 1,200 people and is known for featuring both local and international performers. Bassiani has garnered significant international media attention and stands out as a modern attraction in Tbilisi. However, it has also been a subject of controversy, particularly due to its practice of denying entrance to Russian citizens. This policy has contributed to the club's notoriety. On May 12, 2018, Bassiani was notably raided by police, leading to the arrest of the club's two owners. This incident sparked widespread protests. Despite these challenges, Bassiani remains a globally recognized techno club, drawing visitors from around the world. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the club, and entry is controlled through rigorous face control measures. In addition to its main stage, Bassiani hosts "Horoom," a smaller room dedicated to a series of LGBTQ parties known as "Horoom Nights." The club's name, derived from the 13th-century Battle of Basian between the Kingdom of Georgia and the Sultanate of Rum, translates to "one with the bass." As of 2023, Bassiani boasts 14 resident DJs, including Dito, DVS1, Function, Hamatsuki, Hector Oaks, HVL, Kancheli, Kvanchi, NDRX, Nebbieri, Ninasupsa, Newa, Zitto, Sophie Phare, and ZESKNEL. Thank you for your attention. We now move on to our final stop, the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena, where the journey comes full circle. Please proceed to the next location.

You are now standing before the Central Stadium, a significant multi-purpose venue in Tbilisi, Georgia. Its official designation from 1937 until 1953 was the Beria Dinamo Stadium, named in honor of the influential Soviet politician Lavrentiy Beria. Before its closure, this site served as the home ground for FC Dinamo Tbilisi, one of Georgia's foremost football clubs, until they transitioned to the current Boris Paichadze Stadium in 1976. The Central Stadium was capable of accommodating 35,000 spectators, making it a prominent location for various sporting events and gatherings. Though it no longer serves its original purpose, its historical importance remains notable in the annals of Georgian sports heritage.

You are now standing before the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena. This landmark, known in Georgian as ბორის პაიჭაძის ეროვნული სტადიონი, is one of the hallmark locations in Tbilisi. Initially constructed in 1976 by Georgian architect Gia Kurdiani, this stadium has solidified its place as the largest in Georgia with a capacity of 54,202 seats. The stadium's original name was Vladimir Ilyich Lenin Dinamo Stadium, paying homage to the Russian Communist leader. However, in 1995, it was renamed to honor Boris Paichadze, a renowned Georgian football player. Before its construction, Dinamo Tbilisi's home ground was the Central Stadium, which could accommodate approximately 35,000 spectators. The necessity for a larger venue arose due to Dinamo Tbilisi's impressive performances during the mid-1970s. Upon its inauguration, this stadium was among the largest in the Soviet Union, boasting an initial capacity of 74,354. The first match held here was on September 29, 1976, between Dinamo Tbilisi and Cardiff City, resulting in a 3-0 win for Dinamo. The stadium has witnessed many significant events, including Dinamo Tbilisi's triumphs in 1978 and 1979, and hosted 80,000 fans in 1981 to celebrate the team's victory in the European Cup Winners' Cup. The Dinamo Arena has consistently been used for important national and international matches. The record attendance was in 1979 when 110,000 spectators watched Dinamo defeat Liverpool 3-0 in the European Champion Clubs' Cup quarter-finals. The venue was also pivotal for the USSR national football team and hosted memorable matches for clubs like Spartak Moscow and Dynamo Kiev. In 2006, the Dinamo Arena underwent refurbishment, transitioning to an all-seater stadium which adjusted the capacity to its current 54,549 seats. Notably, on August 11, 2015, the stadium hosted the UEFA Super Cup match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC. The architectural design has evolved significantly over time. The original 1936 stadium designed by Archil Kurdiani included additions in 1956 that expanded capacity. The current structure, inaugurated in 1976, retained elements from the initial design but enhanced its capacity to accommodate over 74,000 spectators thanks to a complex architectural solution involving a console system supported by 58 pylons. These innovations have allowed the Dinamo Arena to stand as an enduring symbol of Georgian sports and architectural prowess.