The most important thing that made Georgia stand out throughout the centuries was its diversity, acceptance and hospitality. And how did Georgians and Kists coexist for centuries?

As history tells us, social and cultural relations between Georgians and Kists, their brotherhood, marriage, invitations to baptism and other celebrations were common. Muslim Kists, like Christians, did not eat meat while fasting. They, like Georgians, pursued vine cultivation and drank wine.

There were many religious or socio-cultural traditions and rituals that Georgians and Kists performed in the same manner or even in the same space.  Alaverdoba (Eelurd) was a great holiday for the Kists. On this day the Kists took hats for sale and they also took the sick and prayed for God to cure them. Until the 1950s, Kists, Muslims and Christians living in the village of Duisi used to pray to Maistala icon. The Kists asked the icon for a child to be born, for good health, good weather and so on.

This tradition no longer exists today and it is only remembered by the elders, however the culture of respect towards other religions (Christians) still lives on.  "We are Muslims now, but we do not hate the faith in Christ. They are our brothers. Most importantly, God is one – Allah is one. Our forefathers shared all three faiths adopted in the Caucasus" - say the local elders.

Photo credit: Photojournalist of the National Library