Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia)

Looking out over the capital from the crest of Sololaki ridge, the monumental statue of Kartlis Deda is the defining landmark of the Tbilisi skyline. Commissioned to mark the 1500th anniversary of the city, this colossal aluminum figure has stood watch over the old quarters since the mid-20th century. The monument visually captures the core ethos of Georgian hospitality and resilience, holding a large bowl of wine in her left hand to greet friends, while her right hand rests firmly on a heavy sword meant for attackers.

The Design and Creation by Elguja Amashukeli

The statue is the work of celebrated Georgian sculptor Elguja Amashukeli, who designed the figure to embody the national character of the country. When first erected in 1958, the temporary statue was actually constructed from wood. Due to its popularity and the severe weathering on the exposed ridge, the structure was covered in durable aluminum panels in 1963. Decades later, in 1997, the original statue was completely replaced with the modern aluminum monument seen today. Amashukeli was awarded the prestigious Shota Rustaveli State Prize for this masterpiece, which features clean, sharp allegorical lines designed to be easily read from the city streets far below.

Cultural Symbolism and the Sololaki Ridge

The location on the Sololaki ridge holds historical significance, running alongside the ancient defensive walls of the Narikala complex. Kartlis Deda, which translates directly as Mother of Georgia, reflects classical personifications of the homeland. The duality of the wine bowl and the sword mirrors centuries of historical reality, where local rulers routinely welcomed merchants, diplomats, and travelers while constantly defending the frontier against sweeping empires. Today, the platform surrounding the monument serves as an open geological terrace offering an unobstructed panoramic view of the Mtkvari River, the distinct layout of Old Tbilisi, and the expanding urban districts to the north.