Akhaltsikhe

a town and administrative center of Akhaltsikhe Raion, Georgian SSR, located in an intermon-tane depression, on the Potskhovi-Tskali River (a tributary of the Kura), with a railroad station and with a junction of highways to Batumi, Akhalkalaki, and Borzhomi. Population, 18,000 (1968). Akhaltsikhe is the center of a lignite-mining region which began to be developed in 1940. Industrial enterprises include the Elektrodvigatel’ Electric Motor Plant, a starch factory, a wine-bottling plant, a cannery, a cheese and butter factory, and a meat combine. Building materials are also produced. Akhaltsikhe has an agricultural technicum, medical school, theater, and museum of local lore. The town was founded in the 10th or 11th century. Diatomite and agate are mined nearby. The Abastumani health resort is located 28 km from Akhaltsikhe.