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The Svan towers are fortified stone dwellings found in the historical region of Svaneti, particularly in Ushguli — a highland province made up of four settlements: Chvibiani, Zhibiani, Chazhashi, and Murkmeli. Perched in the Caucasus Mountains along Georgia’s northern frontier, these towers stand as enduring symbols of Svan culture and resilience.

The Svan are an indigenous Georgian subgroup who speak the Svan language, a branch of the Kartvelian family that preserves archaic features dating back as far as 1900 BC. Their society was shaped by medieval feudal traditions and clan-based codes of honor, including the practice of litsvri — blood revenge. This custom required families to avenge grave insults or killings, often fueling cycles of retribution that could last for generations.

To safeguard themselves in times of invasion or family feuds, the Svan built hundreds of defensive towers, known locally as koshi or koshki. Constructed between the 8th and 18th centuries, these towers typically rise three to five stories, tapering upward to heights of up to 25 meters. They are crowned with battlements and fitted with narrow embrasures for defense. Entrances were set several meters above ground level, accessible only by ladders or removable staircases — a practical measure in case of attack.

Most towers were attached to two-storey stone houses called machubi, which served as living quarters for families and their livestock. In some cases, extended family groups of 30 to 100 people lived together in fortified compounds containing multiple towers and dwellings, giving the settlements the appearance of medieval fortresses.

Though designed for defense, the towers also became status symbols, reflecting the wealth and prominence of the families who built them. Today, they are regarded as one of Georgia’s most distinctive architectural traditions, many still standing after centuries of conflict and harsh mountain winters.

With Georgia’s incorporation into the Soviet Union in the 20th century, the practice of blood feuding diminished, and in recent decades has largely disappeared as state law enforcement and modern governance took hold. The towers, however, remain — silent witnesses to a turbulent past and a resilient mountain culture that has endured for over a millennium.