Founded in the 5th century around the healing waters of warm water springs, Tbilisi has long lured visitors. Some come here with the sole intention of enjoying the famed Georgian hospitality, a heady combination when mixed with the fabulous Georgian cuisine and fine Georgian wines.

Others, and the history of this city is littered with instances of this, came to exploit, loot, plunder and rule. As in the past when Tbilisi was home to the Persians, Byzantines, Arabs, Turks, and briefly even to the Mongols and Timur, it is even today home to mixed population. This ‘warm’ or tbili city lively with activities of politics, commerce and culture embraces Azerbaijanis, Armenians, Russians as well as native Georgians with equal magnanimity. It extends the same warm welcome to those who chose to visit it, quite like Mother Georgia as she stands over the Narikala Fortress, with a cup of wine in one hand for those who come in goodwill.