Retrospective mapping of the XVI century Samtskhe-Javakheti viticulture and fruit farming

Abstract

The presented work deals with the spread of viticulture and fruit farming in the Middle Ages in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region in Georgia. The current state of the farming sectors mentioned and those pivotal moments in Georgian history that had an influence on agriculture are also considered in the article. The changes that determined the viticulture geography from the second part of the 16th century up to the present day are also discussed. The study is mainly based on the census document created in 1574. The article represents the geographic distribution patterns of vineyards and orchards, as well as wine production capacity and the fruit harvest. Retrospective mapping made it possible to restore the distribution of farms and gardens of the mentioned period and to analyse the importance of viticulture and fruit farming in the 16th century. The maps represented show spatial patterns of vineyards, gardens, and main terroirs.

Landscapes, Settlements and Traditional Housing in Samtskhe-Javakheti, Georgia

“…The village population accounts for 65.94% of the total population. There are five types of natural landscape, nine subtypes, 15 genera and 120 facets (Maisuradze et al 2020).…”

Historical geography of the pastoral system in Samtskhe-Javakheti, Georgia

“…The document prepared by the officials of the Ottoman Empire dates back to 1595. The census had its political and economic preconditions and was carried out to collect taxes related to the expansion of the Ottoman Empire towards the Caucasus (Maisuradze et al 2020). This description is the earliest and most well-documented source that has reached the present day.…”