One summer day in Telavi, Georgia – Speaking Turkish with Georgian Azeris

On our way to Tblisi from Sighnaghi, we reached Telavi around noon time. We found a spot to park and walked around. However, the touristic points of attractions were closed – the reason of which we didn’t know. We couldn’t enter the fort, hence we just drove further into the city. It was time for the local bazaar and we went into it to find some stuff to eat. The fruits were a great hit among us. We were able to find several Georgian Azeris and talked with them in Turkish, that was a great experience. Telavi looked like a peaceful town with decent amount of historical points. Unfortunately, we didn’t stay much as we needed to reach Tblisi for the dinner and continue from there on to Kutaisi. Maybe one day, we will come back to spend more time in it. Until then, we have this video for the records (as well the next one on Telavi bazaar exclusively).

Well, on the hindsight, this was one of the highlights of our trip. We spent maybe maximum of 1 hour in this town but we were able to experience the local bazaar thanks to excessive desire to taste the fruits of Georgia by our travel mate. We found a parking spot and started walking in the bazaar immediately stumbling upon an Azeri lady and we started talking to her in Turkish. She was happy to see us traveling and started talking about her products. Then we continued over and saw some other Azeri ladies selling their products and we chatted with them as well. The town and bazaar were definitely not touristic and showed a glimpse over the daily life of Telavians. Prices were very affordable, fruits we have bought tasted great. After finishing our tour of the bazaar, we hit the road to Tblisi.

Telavi is a city located in the eastern region of Georgia. It is the administrative center of the Kakheti region and has a population of around 25,000 people. Telavi is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, and is home to many important historical landmarks, such as the Telavi Castle and the Alaverdi Monastery. The city is also known for its production of wine, and the surrounding area is home to many vineyards and wineries. Telavi is a popular destination for tourists, who come to experience its history, culture, and natural beauty.

There are many things to do in Telavi, Georgia, including visiting historical landmarks, exploring the surrounding countryside, and enjoying local cuisine and wine. Some popular activities in Telavi include:

  • Visiting the Telavi Castle, which was built in the 17th century and offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside
  • Touring the Alaverdi Monastery, which is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Georgia
  • Strolling through the city’s old town, which is home to many charming shops, restaurants, and cafes
  • Visiting the Tsinandali Estate, which was the summer home of the Georgian nobleman Alexander Chavchavadze and is now a museum and park
  • Tasting the traditional Georgian dishes, such as khinkali and khachapuri, at one of Telavi’s many restaurants

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