Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

19 October 2024

3-minute read

With just a little over 3.5 million people, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, lies the tiny country of Georgia. Georgia, formerly part of the Soviet Union, is a country bounded on the north by Russia, on the east by Azerbaijan, on the south by Armenia and Turkey, and on the west by the Black Sea. Although not a common destination for most people, according to Dr Muhammad Akoojee, who completed his medical studies in Georgia, the astounding natural beauty of the country makes it a destination that should definitely be considered for anyone travelling to the Eastern European countries.

The easiest route for those wanting to travel to Georgia would be to fly to the UAE or one of the other Gulf countries and then catch a connecting 2-3hour flight onwards. For South Africans, there is the added advantage that there are no visa requirements so one could just book a flight without the schlepp of extra paperwork.

Georgia is situated in the Northern Hemisphere so they experience very cold winters in December and their summers in June tend to get extremely hot, with most people moving to the coastal region to escape the heat. Travel around Georgia is quite simple with minivans being the easiest and cheapest form of public transport. Tourists can do sightseeing in the old city of Tbilisi for architectural marvels and history; in Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin where there is a museum that captures his life story and the history of the Soviet Union, and in Batumi, the scenic area. For adventure seekers, there are numerous hiking trails across mountains that boast beautiful glacier lakes and breathtaking waterfalls.

The country only gained independence in 1991, and up until recently in 2008, Georgia underwent a war with Russia resulting in approximately 20% of the country being occupied by Russia. Georgia has a rich and diverse history. A mostly Orthodox Christian population, Georgians are a very warm and friendly people with a hospitable nature and good values ingrained within them. Historically, Islam reached Georgia in the 6^th or 7^th century when an army deputed by Hadhrat ‘Uthman RA arrived on the shores, and subsequently the capital city of Tbilisi was under Muslim rule for centuries. There is also a strong Muslim influence in the country with around 10% of Georgians following Islam. Muslims are concentrated in the North near Chechnya and Dagestan and in the East along the Turkish border. However, because of the Soviet Union, many masaajid were destroyed and Islam had to be practiced secretly for a long time. Halal food is relatively easy to find because of the Turkish influence and people in the country.

Doctor Muhammad lived in Georgia for a while to complete his studies in medicine and was inspired by the experiences he had at the university in Tbilisi. He says that although he did not know what to expect when he got there, he was relieved that the course work at the university he chose was in English, as the Georgian language is a very difficult one to learn. With great, educated professors making groundbreaking discoveries, the standard of education in Georgia is high. Many nationalities from around the world come to study there, and he learnt to interact with others, adapt to a different place, and gain a deeper understanding of people from all over.

Dr Muhammad said that visiting Georgia is a “worthwhile experience” and he would recommend Georgia as a family holiday destination for the incredible history, the amazing culture, and the awesome natural beauty the country has to offer, as well as it’s affordability in comparison with other European countries.

Listen to the full interview on The Weekend Breakfast Program with Ml Muhammad Kara.