The Story of “Daira”

A Georgian real-estate development company, Biograpi Living, is launching its sixth residential project, "Daira". As with earlier developments, the branding is closely tied to the identity of the location.

The Story of the Place

"Daira" will rise in Ortachala, on Gorgasali Street. The choice of site is far from accidental. Before the Mtkvari River was walled in during the 20th century, several islands dotted Tbilisi and its surroundings. The last one to survive was Ortachala Island.

The Oasis of Tbilisi

The word Ortachala consists of two parts: “Orta,” meaning “middle” in Turkish, and “chala,” or “valley.” Ortachala was literally the “middle valley,” an island embraced by two branches of the river. Its lush gardens were separated by narrow streets, forming a green refuge in the heart of the city.

When summer heat blanketed Tbilisi, locals escaped here to rest in the shade of trees. People feasted, raised heartfelt toasts, and welcomed each other with open arms.

As poet Ioseb Grishashvili recalled, there were only two true leisure destinations just outside old Tbilisi: the gardens of Ortachala and Mushtaidi, where Biograpi Living’s Chantan project is now being built.

A Meeting Place for Artists

Ortachala’s gardens were a gathering point for artists. The district embodied the charm of old Tbilisi, alive with "Karachogheli" dancers, "Kinto" traders, bustling markets, and endless feasts. Grigol Orbeliani even captured its atmosphere in his poem "Mukhamazi".

In the early 20th century, the gardens hosted spirited literary debates. Galaktion Tabidze, Titsian Tabidze, and Paolo Iashvili often argued and dreamed here.

It wasn’t just poets who loved Ortachala. Niko Pirosmani painted taverns and wine cellars nearby, leaving his art as part of the area’s memory. Even the project’s color palette is based on Pirosmani’s paintings.

Brand Philosophy and Symbolism

The visual identity of "Daira" is inspired by the works of Niko Pirosmani. The very name comes from his painting "Georgian Woman with a Tambourine".

The branding draws on three main symbols:

• Tambourine: an oriental drum, as seen in Pirosmani’s painting, Georgian Woman with a Daira

• Hand fan: inspired by Pirosmani’s Beauty of Ortachala with a Fan

• Jug: a symbol of Ortachala itself, trade, wine, and celebration