Batumi

Batumi, city in south-western Georgia, capital of Ajaria autonomous region, a port on the Black Sea near Turkey. Batumi is a transport base for petroleum from Baku, Azerbaijan, with which it is linked by rail and pipeline. Industries include oil refining, shipbuilding, and food processing. With a subtropical climate, beaches, and scenic countryside, the city is also a popular health resort. Batumi was the site of an ancient Greek settlement. It was held by the Ottoman Turks from the 16th century until 1878, when it passed to Russia following the Russo-Turkish War. Population 124,100 (2002 estimate).