The city of Rustavi, about ten kilometers to the south of Tbilisi (about 115 000 inhabitants), was out of nothingness in an uninhabited area between 1941 and 1950, as part of Stalin's accelerated industrialization at that time.
massive industrial center, mainly metal, the city was populated by migrant workers throughout Georgia, especially in western Georgia, far more rural, poor and overcrowded. 
Although placed on the route Tbilisi-Baku, it was intended to transform the iron ore delivered to Azerbaijan. Major industrial city in Georgia, contrasting sharply with the ancient city of Tbilisi and close with a country overwhelmingly rural, it still contains fascinating aspect. 
Its center is a prototype of elegant neo-classical Stalinist architecture, built largely by German prisoners of war. The huge theater including is a masterpiece of neo-classicism Soviet. 
The city has grown almost on a road on both sides of the river Kura, staggering in a very visible all models of Soviet architecture from 1941 to 1991.
factories fell into disuse after the collapse of the Soviet Union, notably due to the disintegration of production and distribution of the Union, the 1990s were severe Rustavi. The population increased from 160 000 to 115 000 inhabitants, with over 60% unemployment. 
Since then, the city operates in part as a distant suburb of Tbilisi, the marchroutkas to get there, these taxis are numerous and do not cost that 1 Lari. Many Roustaviens work in the capital and commute, which takes only 1 / 2 hours - 45 minutes, little more than Tbilisi-center to some suburbs. 
The new Georgian regime has since 2006 embarked on a renovation of the main infrastructure of the city by paving streets, repainting the facades of buildings facing the main street and in public buildings decrepit retyping. 
If typical current urban policy, the new painting stopped at the front visible from the road, the initiative has at least restored the necessary and the city seems a little less gray than before. 
( * Photo of Ruby ) Some economic activities were transferred to Tbilisi Rustavi, including the huge car market. In recent years, stores have proliferated.
Rustavi also has one of the most popular folk ensembles in Georgia, "Rustavi", where yet that is the racetrack where Tbilissiens learn to drive and pass their license (indoor, so no experience of urban traffic!). 
Amazing city both old and futuristic, out of the steppes leading to Azerbaijan, the prefecture of Kvemo Kartli provides a visual spectacle strong contrasts. 
And has more of a surprise, as the initiative to build mini-churches (the city did not have much, while the Orthodox church built extensively in Tbilisi), which appeared all more they are surrounded by bonsai towers ... 
And apparently he, along its main street, about 1km at least, brand new, the only bike trail from Georgia ... 
Photos: Nicolas Landru (except *)
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