Mtkvari (Kura) River

Authorities in Georgia recently recovered a body from the Mtkvari River, believed to be that of a missing Indian medical student, pending DNA confirmation.

Location and Course

The Mtkvari River, also known as the Kura River, is the longest river in the Caucasus region and an important river system of the South Caucasus. It flows through Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

The river originates in eastern Turkey, enters Georgia, and flows eastward through the valley between the Greater Caucasus and Lesser Caucasus mountain ranges before emptying into the Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan.

Length and Tributaries

The Mtkvari River has a total length of 1,515 km, of which 906 km lie in Azerbaijan, 270 km in Georgia, and 174 km in Turkey.

Its largest tributary is the Araxes (Aras) River, which joins the Mtkvari in Azerbaijan.

Major Cities

Tbilisi, the capital and largest city of Georgia, is situated on the banks of the Mtkvari River.

Historical Significance

The Mtkvari River has been a cradle of civilisation for thousands of years, with ancient settlements along its banks dating back to the Bronze Age. Historically, it served as an important trade route, linking the Caucasus region with broader Eurasian commercial networks.