Abi

Abi is a historical settlement with a rich past, currently bearing the status of an abandoned village (nasoplari). Located in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, just 2 kilometers away from the regional center of Akhaltsikhe, the area preserves significant historical and cultural memories of southern Georgia.

Geography and Environment

• Location: The settlement is situated at an elevation of 1,240 meters above sea level.
• Landscape: The territory features the characteristic mountainous terrain of the Meskheti region, experiencing moderately cold winters and warm summers. Its close proximity to Akhaltsikhe highlights its historical strategic importance.

Historical Background

Historical references to Abi date back to the late 16th century:

• Ottoman Censuses: The village was first mentioned in the "Great Defter of the Gurjistan Vilayet" in 1595.
• 16th Century Population: According to the Ottoman census, 10 households of Georgian peasants lived in the village during this period. The registry notes that they paid the "ispenje" tax (levied on non-Muslims), confirming their identity as Christian Georgians. The historical document records traditional Georgian names among the heads of households, such as Vardzel, Ivane, Kakala, Revaza, and Shota.
• 19th Century: According to the 1886 Transcaucasian family lists, Abi was part of the Tiflis Governorate, Akhaltsikhe Uyezd (Uraveli precinct), and the Vale rural community.

Modern Status

Today, Abi is depopulated and classified as an abandoned village. In recent decades, part of the local population migrated and resettled in the nearby city of Akhaltsikhe, specifically in the Mardi neighborhood. Although it lacks a permanent population, the territory of Abi remains a fascinating fragment of Samtskhe-Javakheti's rich historical past.