Darbazi

Keghoshvili Darbazi

Along with the well-known designation of Darbazi, there is another term in common circulation to describe variants of earthen covered houses–the Oda House. Known by some as Azrukhi, the oda in this region also designates an earthen covered house with slight variation in the wooden roof structure as well as differences is social or family life. Rather than an elaborate Gvirgvini (wooden crown structure) the oda is characterized by a more linear, stepped roof structure or a less-centralized perimeter roof. Socially, the Oda houses were typical communal housing types in Samtskhe-Javakheti housing a slightly smaller number of family members than would be found in a darbazi. After centuries of defeating families and their livestock from invasions of enemies these houses continue serving locals - keeping livestock and goods maintained over almost six months long cold winters and hot summers.

Keghoshvili Oda is a Meskhetian Darbazi-like system of six rooms. Interconnected with hallway, the house includes: a Furne (ფურნე)–a kitchen/bakery with a typical Meskhetian oven; an Akhori (ახორი)--a room for livestock; an Oda (ოდა)--a winter living room with an opening located at the point where the roof and wall meets and lights a fireplace; a Marani (მარანი)--a storage room; and a relatively new room addition built in 1935. The lintel and sill of the Furne carry the initials of its constructor, as well as carvings of the dates “1929” and “1973”. The new addition has a separated entrance and window facing a street, with “1935” carved into the keystone of the window arch and an unusual relief of a Supra table carved into the lintel of the door.

The Keghoshvili is an exceptional case in the village–with care and attention evident even in its historical state. Its wide, wooden door, oriented toward the intersection of a dirt road, presents an almost formal presence for a such house types. And while this darbazi no longer houses a family, sees guests, or hosts dinners, it is still actively used for canning, fermentation, and glass storage.