For the Issue of Research of Christian Monuments in Chakvistskali Valley

Abstract

In the Chakvistskali valley (villages: Gorgadzeebi, Khala, Chakvistavi, Zeda Achkva, Chaysubani) the ruins of many churches have been preserved. The monuments have not been studied archaeologically. However, we don’t exclude that the construction of one part of them is associated with the period of the existence of the episcopate of Petra (6^th-9^th centuries). If we take into account the fact that in the north it borders Petra-Tsikhisdziri, and episcopal jurisdiction extended to the south of Lazeti, then, naturally, the church life of this part of the coastal zone of Ajara could not remain outside the episcopal flock of Petra.

In addition to the remains of Christian religious buildings, there are found toponyms in the Chakvistskali valley, which indicates that the local population preserved elements of Christian culture during the Ottoman rule.

In the 17^th and 18^th centuries, in the village Chakvistavi there were estates of the Monastery of Cross of Jerusalem, which contributed to the financial support of the holy places that belonged to Georgians abroad.