Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia), Tbilisi

Mother of Georgia (Kartvlis Deda), a monument located in Tbilisi, stands proudly atop Sololaki Hill. Constructed in 1958, during Tbilisi's 1500th-anniversary celebration, the monument was designed by the renowned Georgian sculptor Elguja Amashukeli. Depicting a twenty-meter-tall woman adorned in traditional Georgian attire, the statue serves as a symbol of the Georgian national character.

Mother of Georgia holds significant meaning, with her left hand presenting a bowl of wine to warmly welcome friendly visitors, while her right-hand brandishes a sword, ready to face any potential enemies. This representation embodies the history of Tbilisi, showcasing the city's historical battles against adversaries and its tradition of embracing amicable guests.

Elguja Amashukeli's exceptional work on the sculpture earned him the prestigious Shota Rustaveli State Prize in 1966. Initially referred to as "Capital" by the sculptor, the statue came to be commonly known as the "Mother of Georgia." Originally crafted as a temporary wooden allegorical statue in 1958, it transformed in 1963 when it was coated with aluminum to protect it from environmental damage. In 1997, the original statue was replaced with a new one, ensuring the enduring presence of this iconic monument.