Tbilisi: Crossroads of the Caucasus – Maximilian Hess
A kaleidoscopic portrait of Tbilisi, one of the most distinctive and dynamic cities at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
Located between East and West, Tbilisi has long been shaped by successive empires, diverse cultures and competing political influences. Today, its layered urban fabric brings together medieval churches, nineteenth-century merchant houses, Soviet-era interventions and ambitious contemporary architecture, creating one of the most fascinating cityscapes in the Caucasus.
In this engaging account, Maximilian Hess traces the transformation of Georgia’s capital since 1989, exploring how the city’s streets, neighbourhoods and public spaces have been shaped by dramatic political, economic and social change. Through themes ranging from architecture and urban development to art, music, protest and national identity, he reveals how Tbilisi has continually reinvented itself while retaining its distinctive character.
The book also examines the city’s pivotal role in the post-Soviet world. From the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of market reforms to growing tensions with Russia and the wider geopolitical significance of the Caucasus, Tbilisi provides a unique lens through which to understand many of the defining events of the past four decades.
Richly observed and deeply researched, this is both a portrait of a remarkable city and an exploration of how architecture, culture and politics intersect in the making of place. An ideal read for those interested in urban history, architectural heritage and the evolving cities of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.
Key Features
- Explores Tbilisi’s rich architectural heritage, from historic districts and vernacular buildings to Soviet and contemporary developments.
- Examines the transformation of the city since 1989 through the lens of urban, cultural and political change.
- Reveals how Tbilisi’s built environment reflects its position between Europe and Asia.
- By the award-winning author of Economic War: Ukraine and the Global Conflict Between Russia and the West.
- Essential reading for enthusiasts of architecture, urbanism, history and the cities of the former Soviet world.
‘Through Tbilisi’s streets, institutions, landmarks and characters, Hess illuminates Georgia’s contested past, resilient society and turbulent political present. Weaving intricate personal experience with historical insight and nuance, this is a compelling, vivid and deeply informed portrait of a city—and country—in perpetual transformation.’ - Natia Seskuria, author of Georgia’s Silent War
Author: Maximilian Hess
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
Format: Paperback
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9781805265764
Publication date: October 2026