Author and reporter
Oliko Tsiskarishvili
translated by Tinatin Bujiashvili
Dartlo and Kvavlo, on the ridge of its mountain, are one of the most beautiful villages in whole Tusheti. Dartlo is situated at 2000 meters above sea level in the gorge of Alazani which is on the Southern slope of Pirikiti ridge.
Several inhabitants live in Dartlo and there is a hotel for tourists too.
Tush traditional architecture is still seen in Dartlo. You will meet ruins of fortress-houses and towers. In the center of the village there are two main towers with pyramid-shaped roof. In Gaghma of Didkhevi there are ruins of two pagan-Christian (syncretic) buildings. There you will notice a stony roof and in the east wall there are windows and a shelter for clergy and other building for religious rituals. Below the vaults and in the entrance of the village there is a graveyard. Graves are covered with stones.
In the entrance of the village there is a church built in the XIX century by Russians. It was built on a very place of Salotsavi (Pilgrim’s hut). Locals had destroyed the church. Still today no women are allowed to enter there.
Dartlo sabcho was a traditional court. Imagine, twelve elder people of the village sitting on a semi circular stone chairs, a kneeled judge, a witness and the accused nearby on their places. There is a crowd of people nearby. The ritual of oath starts. There is a special oath stone A hair of participants’ moustache is placed under it. The court starts…
In the end of XVII century a tribal justice-maker was a daughter of famous Tush public hero Devdri Anta. She was known for her wisdom.
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