Akhalgori


Akhalgori is a town in South Ossetia, Georgia. The name Akhalgori is the original historical name of the town used by the Georgians and officials, whereas Leningori is the name given to the city in the Soviet era and used by the South Ossetians. The town is situated on the banks of the River Ksani, height above sea level - 800 m.

History

The village of Akhalgori was first mentioned in the 18th century by Prince Vakhushti of Kartli in his work The Geographic Description of Georgia. The name derives from the Georgian words meaning "new" and "hill" or "mountain". Before Sovietization of Georgia in 1921, Akhalgori was the residence of Georgian Noble Eristavi Duce. During the Soviet era it was part of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast and was called Leningori after Vladimir Lenin. It was renamed Akhalgori by the Georgian SSR government at the end of 1990.

Control over the town

During the 1991–1992 South Ossetia War the town remained under Georgian jurisdiction after most of South Ossetia broke away from the central government's control. It came under the control of South Ossetian secessionist authorities as a result of the 2008 Russo-Georgian War on August 17, 2008. Subsequently, the government of South Ossetia has renamed the town to Leningor.
Before the conflict, Akhalgori district had a population of 7,700, with approximately 2,000 living in the town itself. The largest villages were Ikorta, Korinta, Qanchaveti, Kvemo Zakhori, Largvisi, Doretkari, and Karchokhi. The population was primarily Georgian and Ossetian with good relations between the two communities. Currently Akhalgori as well as South Ossetia are controlled by Russian forces and South Ossetian militia.

Town's position in administrative subdivision makeup

Akhalgori is home to the Lomisi brewery, owned by the Turkish company Efes Beverage Group, which is the primary employer of the town.

Climate

Notables