Dumatskhovi — A Village in the Heart of the Cheratkhevi Valley

Geography and Nature

The village of Dumatskhovi is located in the Shida Kartli region, within the Khashuri Municipality, at an elevation of 780 meters above sea level. It is situated on the Doghlauri Plain, on the left bank of the Cheratkhevi River. The village is 20 kilometers away from Khashuri and belongs to the Ali community. Historically, the Cheratkhevi Valley, where Dumatskhovi is nestled, was a crucial geographical point, serving as a transit route connecting the regions of Kartli and Imereti. The valley's terrain and climate are favorable for agriculture, particularly for growing beans, corn, and various fruit trees.

History and Etymology of the Name

The toponym "Dumatskhovi" is quite interesting and unique. According to historical sources, the original name of the village was "Dumatskho." The name consists of two parts: "Duma" (the fatty tail of a sheep) and "Tskho" (derived from the old Georgian word for sheep — "Tskhovari"). Consequently, the village's name is directly linked to sheep farming. It is noteworthy that the suffix "ov" was added in the 19th century during the Russian administration; before that, in the maps of Vakhushti Bagrationi and other documents, the village was referred to as "Dumatskho."

Historical Past

Dumatskhovi first appears in written sources in the 15th century. It is mentioned in the charter of Kutsna Amirejibi, through which he donated two households from the village to the Ulumba Church of the Mother of God. Later, in 1451, King George VIII renewed this charter in favor of the Gabelidze-Amirejibi family. For centuries, the village was the ancestral estate of the Kherkheulidze family, who still reside in the area today. According to the 1715 census of the Ruisi Diocese, 26 households lived in the village, which was considered a significant settlement for that time.

Architectural Heritage

The main pride of the village is the Church of Saint Cyricus and Julitta (St. Kvirike and Ivlita), dating back to the 9th-10th centuries. It is a small hall-type structure that, due to its proportions, has a tower-like appearance. The church stands in the village cemetery and remains the primary place of worship for the local population.

Another important historical site is "Samkviralo," located about 2 kilometers from the village. This is a high mountain plateau from which the entire valley is visible. The name originates from the practice of using horns (shouting/signaling) to warn neighboring valleys of enemy invasions. Today, the small Church of St. George of Samkviralo stands there.

Local Life and Traditions

A special place in the life of Dumatskhovi is held by "Kvirikoba," celebrated every year on July 28th. This is a folk festival that brings together villagers and guests. According to old traditions, people would circle the church three times, offer a sacrifice, and hold a large feast with singing and dancing.

The village is divided into neighborhoods, often named after surnames or family elders (e.g., Dvalashvili neighborhood, Paataanti, etc.). Today, 110 people live in the village. Locals are mainly engaged in agriculture — growing beans, corn, and various varieties of plums. Although the village is small, it retains the warmth and hospitality characteristic of this beautiful corner of Shida Kartli.