Svans

an ethnic group of Georgians, in Mestia and Lentekhi raions in the Georgian SSR. In antiquity, Svanian tribes inhabited a large area on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus and a smaller area on the northern slopes, mainly around the upper Kuban’ River. The Svans, together with the Karts and the Mingrelo-Laz (Chan), made up the ethnic stock from which the Georgian people descended. They speak both Georgian and, at home, Svanetian (Svanian).

The Svans were once noted for their locally distinct culture and way of life, such as their unique forms of tower architecture, their well-developed alpine economy, and survivals from their earlier military democracy.