Who Are the Svans?
The Svans (Svanetians) are a subethnic group of Georgians numbering approximately 15,000-30,000 inhabiting Svaneti region in northwestern Georgia's Caucasus Mountains. The Svans speak Svan language, one of four Kartvelian languages, unintelligible to Georgian speakers. Svaneti is famous for distinctive medieval defensive stone towers (koshkebi) up to 25 meters tall, built by families for protection during invasions and blood feuds. Traditional Svan culture combined mountain agriculture, livestock herding, and warrior traditions. Villages feature clusters of towers creating distinctive skyline. Upper Svaneti is UNESCO World Heritage Site. Modern Svans maintain language and traditions while facing challenges from isolation, depopulation, and economic hardship, though tourism brings renewed interest in cultural heritage.