Adzhars

The Adzhars, or the Adzhareli, are Georgians who live in the Adzhar Autonomous Republic; they do not differ from the rest of the Georgian population. During the time of Turkish dominion from the second half of the sixteenth century until 1978, they were forced to accept the Islamic faith; before that time, they were Christian.

In spite of the Turkish policy, the Adzhar people preserved their national self-awareness, native language, original culture, and mode of life. One way this was by the continued rememberance of their highly developed folklore. The two or three-story houses are built of stones and bricks; sometimes wood prevails in their architecture. The main occupation of the Adzhars is the growing of tea and citrus plants; however, many Adzhar people work in the industries as well.