Gogieti

Geography and Location

Gogieti is a picturesque village situated in the Ozurgeti Municipality of the Guria region, Georgia. Located at an elevation of 280 meters above sea level, the village is part of the Makvaneti community. It is characterized by the lush, rolling hills typical of the Guria foothills, offering a serene environment and moderate climate.

Historical Context

The village has a rich local history that reflects the traditional lifestyle of the region:

• Lime Production: Historically, Gogieti was known for lime extraction. This legacy is preserved in the local toponym "Nakirevi," which refers to the former lime-mining sites.
• Noble Heritage: The village was once the estate of the Yorashvili noble family (aznauri).
• Sacred Sites: A wooden church once stood in the village, but it was dismantled in the 1930s during the Soviet era to provide materials for a local school. Today, only the stone foundation, parts of the altar, and ancient stone crosses remain as silent witnesses to its past.

The Falconers' Hill (Bazieri Hill)

One of the most unique features of Gogieti is its connection to the ancient Georgian tradition of falconry (bazieroba). The village is home to "Bazieri Hill," where a dedicated memorial stands. This spot serves as a traditional gathering place for falconers from across Guria, who meet here annually to celebrate the opening of the hunting season.

Unfinished Projects

In the mid-1960s, an ambitious infrastructure project was initiated to build a cable car connecting Gogieti with the neighboring village of Makvaneti. Although construction began, the project was never completed, leaving behind an interesting footnote in the village's modern history.