Batumi

Batumi (/bɑːˈtuːmi/; Georgian: ბათუმი pronounced [ˈb̥a'tʰu.mi] ^ⓘ), historically Batum or Batoum, is the second-largest city of Georgia and the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. Located on the eastern shore of the Black Sea, about 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of the Georgia–Turkey border, Batumi lies at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains in a humid subtropical zone. As one of the country’s principal urban centers, it serves as a major seaport, commercial hub, and cultural gateway between Europe and Asia.

The city has played a significant role in the history of the south-eastern Black Sea region due to its deep-water harbor and strategic position along regional trade routes. Over the centuries, Batumi has been ruled by the Kingdom of Georgia, the Ottoman Empire, the Russian Empire, and the Soviet Union, each leaving distinct cultural and architectural imprints. Its economy historically relied on maritime trade and oil transit, particularly following the construction of the Baku–Batumi pipeline in the early 20th century. Today, it remains a key transit point for Caspian energy exports and regional commerce.

Since the early 2000s, Batumi has undergone rapid modernization, with large-scale investments in tourism, high-rise development, and transport infrastructure. It is often referred to as the “Las Vegas of the Black Sea” for its gambling industry, modern hotels, and nightlife, while also being known for restored 19th-century architecture and public spaces. As of 2025, the city has a population of about 187,000 and hosts major cultural events, educational institutions, and one of Georgia’s busiest ports, making it both a leading tourist destination and a vital economic center in the South Caucasus.