# Kura River > river in South Caucasus **Wikidata**: [Q156557](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q156557) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kura_(South_Caucasus_river)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kura-river ## Summary The Kura River is a major river in the South Caucasus region, flowing through Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. It is one of the most significant watercourses in the area, playing a vital role in the geography, ecology, and human settlement of the region. ## Key Facts - **Name**: Kura River (also known as Mtkvari in Georgia and Kura Nehri in Turkey) - **Location**: Flows through Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus - **Coordinates**: Latitude 40.833554, Longitude 42.820133 (upper course); Latitude 39.2864, Longitude 49.4278 (lower course) - **Related Entities**: - **Kura–Araxes culture**: An archaeological culture from the Caucasus region, named after the Kura and Araxes rivers - **Turkey**: The river originates in northeastern Turkey, specifically in Ardahan Province - **Georgia**: Flows through several Georgian regions, including Samtskhe–Javakheti, Shida Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kvemo Kartli, as well as the capital city Tbilisi - **Azerbaijan**: The river continues into Azerbaijan, where it is a major watercourse before emptying into the Caspian Sea - **Aliases**: Mtkvari (Georgian name), Kura Nehri (Turkish name) - **Wikidata Description**: River in South Caucasus - **Sitelink Count**: 79 Wikipedia articles across different languages ## FAQs **Where does the Kura River flow?** The Kura River originates in northeastern Turkey, flows through multiple regions of Georgia, including the capital Tbilisi, and continues into Azerbaijan before emptying into the Caspian Sea. **What regions does the Kura River pass through in Georgia?** In Georgia, the Kura River flows through the regions of Samtskhe–Javakheti, Shida Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kvemo Kartli. **What is the significance of the Kura River in archaeology?** The Kura River, along with the Araxes River, lends its name to the Kura–Araxes culture, an important archaeological culture from the Caucasus region dating back to ancient times. **How is the Kura River known in different countries?** In Turkey, it is called Kura Nehri, in Georgia it is known as Mtkvari, and in Azerbaijan, it retains the name Kura. ## Why It Matters The Kura River is a lifeline for the South Caucasus, providing water for agriculture, drinking, and industry across three countries. Its historical significance is underscored by its association with the Kura–Araxes culture, highlighting its role in the development of early civilizations in the region. The river also supports diverse ecosystems and is crucial for biodiversity in the area. Additionally, it serves as a natural border and a vital transportation route, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. ## Notable For - **Transboundary River**: Flows through three countries—Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan—making it a key geographical feature in the South Caucasus. - **Historical Significance**: Associated with the Kura–Araxes culture, one of the most important archaeological cultures in the Caucasus. - **Major Watercourse**: One of the longest and most significant rivers in the South Caucasus, essential for agriculture, industry, and human settlement. - **Cultural and Linguistic Diversity**: Known by different names in each country it flows through, reflecting the linguistic and cultural diversity of the region. - **Ecological Importance**: Supports a wide range of flora and fauna, contributing to the biodiversity of the South Caucasus. ## Body ### Geography and Course The Kura River originates in the northeastern part of Turkey, specifically in Ardahan Province. From there, it flows eastward into Georgia, where it passes through several key regions, including Samtskhe–Javakheti, Shida Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kvemo Kartli. The river also runs through Tbilisi, the capital and largest city of Georgia, before continuing into Azerbaijan. In Azerbaijan, the Kura River is a major watercourse, eventually emptying into the Caspian Sea. The river's coordinates vary along its course, with notable points at Latitude 40.833554, Longitude 42.820133 (upper course) and Latitude 39.2864, Longitude 49.4278 (lower course). ### Historical and Archaeological Significance The Kura River is closely associated with the Kura–Araxes culture, an archaeological culture that flourished in the Caucasus region during the early Bronze Age. This culture, named after the Kura and Araxes rivers, is known for its distinctive pottery, metallurgy, and settlement patterns. The presence of this culture along the Kura River highlights the river's importance in the development of early human civilizations in the South Caucasus. ### Role in Human Settlement and Economy The Kura River has been a vital resource for human settlement and economic activity in the South Caucasus for millennia. In Georgia, the river flows through Tbilisi, the capital city, which has been a major urban center since its founding in the 5th century. The river provides water for agriculture, drinking, and industrial use, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people in the region. In Azerbaijan, the Kura River is equally important, contributing to the country's agricultural and industrial sectors. ### Ecological Importance The Kura River supports a diverse range of ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands. These ecosystems are home to numerous species of plants and animals, some of which are endemic to the South Caucasus. The river's flow and the surrounding habitats are crucial for maintaining the region's biodiversity. Additionally, the Kura River basin is an important area for bird migration, with many species using the river and its tributaries as stopover points during their annual migrations. ### Cultural and Linguistic Diversity The Kura River is known by different names in each of the countries it flows through, reflecting the cultural and linguistic diversity of the South Caucasus. In Turkey, it is called Kura Nehri, in Georgia it is known as Mtkvari, and in Azerbaijan, it is referred to as Kura. These names highlight the river's significance in the local languages and cultures of the region. ### Related Entities and Connections The Kura River is connected to several important entities in the South Caucasus. In Turkey, it is associated with Ardahan Province, where it originates. In Georgia, the river flows through multiple regions, including Samtskhe–Javakheti, Shida Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kvemo Kartli, as well as the capital city Tbilisi. In Azerbaijan, the river is a major watercourse, contributing to the country's geography and economy. The river is also linked to the Kura–Araxes culture, an archaeological culture that played a significant role in the early history of the Caucasus region. ### Technical and Administrative Details The Kura River is well-documented in various databases and resources. It has a sitelink count of 79, indicating its presence in numerous Wikipedia articles across different languages. The river's Wikidata description identifies it as a "river in South Caucasus," and it is known by several aliases, including Mtkvari and Kura Nehri. These technical details underscore the river's importance and recognition in global knowledge bases. ## References 1. OpenStreetMap 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Kura_(Caspian_Sea)-WNPXA)