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The Decline of Kazreti: A Once-Thriving Community in Georgia
Explore the poignant story of Kazreti, a once-thriving community in Georgia, as we delve into the factors behind its decline, the impact on its residents, and the cultural legacy it leaves behind.
The Decline of Kazreti: A Glimpse into a Once-Thriving Community
The town of Kazreti, nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Georgia near the Armenian border, was once a vibrant hub of culture and community life. It proudly featured a cinema, a bustling bank, enchanting musical fountains, two schools, and a kindergarten, all contributing to its charm. Dance ensembles and volleyball teams from across the Soviet Union would frequently visit to perform and compete, creating a lively atmosphere. Residents enjoyed the luxury of free central heating and electricity, elevating their quality of life.
“It was a true Communist oasis, a place where community and culture flourished,” reminisces Davit Jakeli, 52, who served as a carpenter in a state-run vocational school in this town of approximately 5,500 people, located about 50 miles southwest of the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s marked a turning point, plunging Kazreti into despair. The town’s once-thriving gold and copper mines, as well as an enrichment plant, fell victim to the shift away from the Soviet command economy, leading to their closure and the loss of hundreds of jobs.
Years later, these facilities reopened under private ownership, but on a significantly smaller scale, unable to restore the town’s former glory. Today, Kazreti is left with only one school, while the once-bustling cinema and bank have closed their doors permanently. The central square, once adorned with beautiful fountains, now stands empty and silent. Stray dogs wander the potholed roads, flanked by crumbling apartment buildings that tell the story of neglect and decay.
“It is a huge injustice what happened here,” laments Mr. Jakeli, who now scrapes by reselling scrap metal from the courtyard of his home, a far cry from his previous life filled with purpose and community engagement.
In contrast, the nearby town of Chiatura, known for its manganese processing plant, also reflects the broader struggles faced by these once-thriving communities. The remnants of a prosperous past serve as a poignant reminder of how quickly fortunes can change.