# Gurjaani

> town in Georgia

**Wikidata**: [Q1011047](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1011047)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurjaani)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gurjaani

## Summary
Gurjaani is a town in Georgia, serving as the administrative center of Gurjaani Municipality in the Kakheti region. With a population of 7,426 as of 2023, it is situated in the Alazani Valley and has historical significance dating back to its establishment as a city in 1934. The town is known for landmarks like the Kvelatsminda Church and its football club, FC Alazani Gurjaani.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Gurjaani is located in Georgia, specifically in the Kakheti region and Gurjaani Municipality, within the Alazani Valley.
- **Population**: 
  - 7,426 (2023 estimate)
  - 10,954 (1989 census)
  - 7,535 (2021 estimate)
  - Historical lows of 4,553 (1939) and peaks of 12,872 (1989)
- **Establishment**: Recognized as a city since 1934.
- **Time Zone**: UTC+04:00.
- **Elevation**: 415 meters above sea level.
- **Language**: Official language is Georgian.
- **Twinned Cities**: Haradok, Pakruojis, Dnipro, Vinnytsia, Uggiate-Trevano, Považská Bystrica, Piaseczno, Laguardia, Kuusalu Rural Municipality, Dilijan.
- **Postal Code**: 1500.
- **Notable Landmarks**: Kvelatsminda Church (established 7th or 8th century).
- **Sports**: Home to FC Alazani Gurjaani, founded in 1964.
- **Administrative History**: Part of Signakh Uyezd from 1801 to 1929.

## FAQs
- **Where is Gurjaani located?** Gurjaani is in the Kakheti region of Georgia, within the Alazani Valley, and serves as the capital of Gurjaani Municipality.
- **What are Gurjaani's key historical population figures?** The population peaked at 12,872 in 1989, dropped to 7,923 by 2016, and was estimated at 7,426 in 2023.
- **What are Gurjaani's notable twin cities?** Gurjaani is twinned with cities like Dnipro, Vinnytsia, and Pakruojis, among others, fostering international relations.
- **What is Gurjaani known for?** It is recognized for the historic Kvelatsminda Church, its football club, and its role in Georgia's administrative and cultural landscape.
- **When was Gurjaani established as a city?** Gurjaani gained city status in 1934, though its history extends back to earlier administrative divisions like the Signakh Uyezd.

## Why It Matters
Gurjaani holds significance as a historical and administrative hub in eastern Georgia. Its location in the fertile Alazani Valley underscores its agricultural importance, while its status as a municipality capital and twin city relationships highlight its role in regional governance and international cooperation. The town's landmarks, such as the Kvelatsminda Church, contribute to Georgia's cultural heritage, and its football club adds to local identity and sports culture.

## Notable For
- **Historic Church**: The Kvelatsminda Church, dating to the 7th or 8th century, is a cultural heritage monument.
- **Administrative Role**: Serves as the capital of Gurjaani Municipality since 1934.
- **Football Tradition**: Home to FC Alazani Gurjaani, established in 1964.
- **Geographic Significance**: Situated in the Alazani Valley, a key agricultural and historical region.
- **International Relations**: Maintains twin city partnerships across Europe and Asia, promoting cultural and economic ties.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Gurjaani is nestled in the Alazani Valley within Georgia's Kakheti region, at coordinates 41.7444° N, 45.7942° E, and an elevation of 415 meters. This geographic position places it in a historically and agriculturally significant area.

### Demographics
As of 2023, the town's population is estimated at 7,426, reflecting a gradual decline from its peak of 12,872 in 1989. Historical census data shows fluctuations, with notable figures including 10,954 in 1979 and 7,535 in 2021. The population has been documented since 1939, when it stood at 4,553.

### History and Administration
Gurjaani's history is marked by administrative changes, including its incorporation into the Signakh Uyezd from 1801 to 1929. It was officially recognized as a city in 1934 and currently serves as the administrative center of Gurjaani Municipality. The town's postal code is 1500, and it operates in the UTC+04:00 time zone.

### Culture and Landmarks
A prominent cultural landmark is the Kvelatsminda Church, established between the 7th and 8th centuries. The town's official language is Georgian, and it maintains a rich sporting tradition through FC Alazani Gurjaani, founded in 1964.

### International Relations
Gurjaani engages in international cooperation through twin city agreements with municipalities such as Haradok, Pakruojis, Dnipro, and Vinnytsia, among others. These relationships, formalized through memoranda, enhance cultural and economic exchanges.

### Infrastructure and Identification
The town is identified by the UN/LOCODE GEGUR and has a GeoNames ID of 614351. Its freebase ID is /m/03c4k8q, and it is categorized under the Wikidata item . Gurjaani's official name and native label is გურჯაანი (Gurjaani).

### Economic and Regional Significance
As part of the Kakheti region, Gurjaani contributes to the area's economic and administrative framework. Its location in the Alazani Valley supports agricultural activities, while its municipal role ensures its relevance in local governance. The town's historical sites and cultural events, such as wine festivals, further solidify its place in Georgia's national identity.

## References

1. [Source](https://gurjaani.gov.ge/ge/damegobrebuli-kalakebi)
2. [Source](http://oblrada.dp.gov.ua/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/%D0%98%D0%BD%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%86%D1%96%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B9-%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%82-%D0%94%D0%BD%D1%96%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D1%8C%D0%BA%D0%BE%D1%97-%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D1%96_08-08-min.pdf)
3. [Source](https://gurjaani.gov.ge/sites/default/files/gurjaanis_2024-2027w_sashualo_vadiani_samokmedo_gegma_2024-2027_clebi.docx)
4. [Source](https://reginfo.ge/politics/item/17128-gvinis-pestivalze-gurjaansa-da-laguardias-munizipalitetebs-shoris-memorandumi-gapormda)
5. [Source](https://gurjaani.gov.ge/en/node/2867)
6. Georgian Post
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. [Source](http://pop-stat.mashke.org/georgia-cities.htm)
9. [Source](https://www.geostat.ge/en/modules/categories/41/population)
10. GeoNames
11. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ge.htm)