Poti (ფოთი) - and a port city in Georgia, to the west of the country, in the region of Samegrelo - Zemo Svaneti in the mouth of the Rioni River, the Black Sea coast. Poti was built on the site of the ancient Greek colony of Phasis. The city became one of the top three seaports of Georgia in the XX century. In 2008, the city lived 53,400 people [1].Flag flag of the city is divided in half, left on a yellow background blue cross on the right on a blue background golden fleece . On portolane Pietro Veskonte dating from 1320/21 year [1] , at the mouth of the Rioni River above the municipality Fasso ( Phasis ) shows three-pointed yellow banner with blue cross (shown . ) , So the left side of this city flag symbolizes the historical continuity medieval Phasis and the present city of Poti , built in its place . The right side of the banner - with the image of the Golden Fleece , reminds us of the myth of the Argonauts , who according to legend landed just at the mouth of the Rioni and is located where the current Poti.coat of arms
At the heart of the modern emblem of the city , the project is the city emblem in 1858 (shown ). "In silver field wavy azure belt, under which the scarlet tower with an open gate . In the freestyle portion of the shield of arms Kutaisi province . " Shield was supposed to marry a silver crown , and placed behind the shield anchors connected Alexander ribbon . Project has not been officially approved . Tower in the emblem symbolizes one of the few surviving medieval buildings in the city. Golden Fleece , as mentioned above - the myth of the Argonauts . Anchors symbolize that Poti - a port city .
The city's origins
Poti
Cathedral of St. Andrew
Phasis ( Phasis ) , Poti is in place in ancient times - one of the oldest cities in the Middle East and the world. The Greek geographer Strabo pointed out that the city was located between the river Rioni , Sea and Lake Paleostomi Ponto ( Black Sea). Phasis was founded by the inhabitants of Miletus for trading purposes , as a fortified colony and stowage . In times of Ammianus there was still a garrison of 400 elite troops . The city was a temple of Cybele . Phasis was the most easterly town in Pontus . Birds Pheasants got its name from this city ; according to legend, the Argonauts have brought them with him to Europe.
In the IV century in Phasis existed Colchis Academy , also called 'Higher school of rhetoric . " It studied Georgians and Greeks taught in two languages - Georgian and Greek. It studied : rhetoric , philosophy, physics , mathematics, logic and other sciences . In Colchis Academy educated renowned Georgian philosopher Ioane Lazi , which together with a Georgian scholar Zachary accompanied his pupil to Constantinople , later renowned philosopher Peter Iber .
In historical sources the name of Poti first began to be referred to the 7th century . [1]
origin of name
Phasis , 19th century
Despite the unconditional relationship between the modern and the ancient name of the river Phasis ( now Rioni ) , the origin of the place name is a matter of debate. First mentioned in the river Phasis Hesiod's Theogony , however, meant the river, and not the city . The first who questioned the Greek origins of the city was Eric Diehl in 1938. Since then there have been several variants of origin of the toponym - Zan from Poti , Svan and Pasid Semitic word designating a golden river. [1]
The modern history of the city
Main Square
During the first Russian Revolution , Poti became the arena of workers' strikes and barricades in December 1905 . [2] In 1992, the Georgian civil war broke out between Zviadists and authorities in Tbilisi. October 2 Loti Kobalia troops stormed the Poti and captured it , but here to help opponents came Zviadist Russia . October 25th Marines landed in Poti Black Sea Fleet and knocked from Zviad Gamsakhurdia supporters . Soon, with the support of the Russian Army almost the entire territory of Western Georgia was occupied by troops loyal to Shevardnadze .
In August 2008, during the Russian-Georgian armed conflict port was captured by Russian troops. Georgian troops before it left the city without a fight. 6 decommissioned Georgian military moored boats were sunk at moorings . According to satellite images of the destruction in the city was not . [3] August 14 the city was occupied by Russian troops , and shortly after the announcement of the completion of the war , was returned to the Georgian authorities.Poti today considered one of the major economically important regions of Georgia. Poti port - one of the largest ports in the Black Sea basin . Poti in corridor Europe - Asia has been assigned an important function . In April 2008, Georgia sold a 51 % stake in the port of Poti Arabian Investment Authority of the UAE "S Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), to develop a free industrial zone ( SIZ ) and build a new port terminal . April 15, 2008 Presentation of free industrial area of the city . "Opening a free economic zone , the new wave and the word in the development of Georgian economy" - said the president of Georgia. This day was called the gold . Poti development Plan provides global projects . planned to block the river Rioni and create new waters .
culture
Georgian State Drama Theatre named after Valerijans Gunia.
Attractions
In the city - a theater and museum. In the vicinity of the city is Lake Paliastomi as part of the reserve of Colchis on the reserve is a relic unique flora and fauna. Near Poti is a health resort Maltakva. Bathing season - from May to October.industry
Machinery (shipbuilding, ship repair, etc.), food industry.