Mushthaid Garden: Tbilisi's Historic Green Escape

Mushthaid Garden, one of Tbilisi's oldest gardens, provides a green oasis in the city. Founded in the early 19th century by Mir Feteaga Seyid Tavriz, a Shiite religious leader who fled from Iran, the garden's origins are rooted in a love story; legend says he chose Tbilisi because of his Georgian wife. Her burial site became the initial grounds for the garden. Transferred to the State Treasury in 1853, it transformed into a public recreation center by 1858, hosting walks, exhibitions, and performances. In 1887, the Caucasus Silkworm Station was established within the garden, now the Silk Museum, showcasing a collection of silkworms from around the globe. In 1935, the garden became home to one of the world's first children's railways, a narrow-gauge line operated by schoolchildren. Today, visitors can still enjoy this unique attraction, along with an amphitheater, playgrounds, and cafes. The garden also features a collection of relict Zelkova trees. While some reviewers note that parts of the park are rundown, it remains a cherished place for relaxation and family fun.