The Ali and Nino Statue is an impressive work of art symbolizing love, located in the city of Batumi on the Black Sea coast of Georgia. Inspired by the 1937 novel “Ali and Nino” written by Azerbaijani author Kurban Said, the statue was designed by Georgian artist Tamara Kvesitadze. The novel tells the story of the love between two young people from different cultures (Ali, a Muslim Azerbaijani, and Nino, a Christian Georgian) and the tragedy they experience under the shadow of war. The statue is 8 meters high and made of stainless steel.
The most striking feature of the statue is that the two figures move at specific times each day. The figures approach each other, merge, and then pass through one another before separating. This cycle symbolizes the unattainable love of Ali and Nino and the obstacles created by cultural differences. Installed on Batumi Boulevard in 2010, the statue has become one of the most recognized landmarks of the city and an important work of art that attracts the attention of tourists visiting Batumi.
Where is the Ali and Nino Statue located?
The Ali and Nino Statue is located in the city of Batumi on the Black Sea coast of Georgia, along the Batumi Boulevard that stretches along the shoreline. The statue has become one of Batumi’s symbols and is one of the city’s most visited tourist attractions. Nearby, there are other important structures such as the Batumi Lighthouse, the Alphabet Tower, and a Ferris wheel.
The statue was designed by Georgian artist Tamara Kvesitadze, inspired by the Azerbaijani author Kurban Said’s 1937 novel “Ali and Nino.” This kinetic statue, which stands 8 meters tall and weighs 7 tons, begins to move every evening at 7:00 PM. The two figures approach each other, merge, and then pass through one another before separating. This cycle symbolizes the unattainable love of Ali and Nino and the merging of different cultures.
For visitors to Batumi, the Ali and Nino Statue is an important work to see, both for its artistic value and the meaning it carries.
What is the story of the statue?
The story of the Ali and Nino Statue is based on the famous novel “Ali and Nino,” written by Azerbaijani author Kurban Said in 1937. The novel tells a love story set in Baku at the beginning of the 20th century. The love between Ali Khan Shirvanshir, a Muslim Azerbaijani youth, and Nino Kipiani, a Christian Georgian princess, blossoms amid different cultures, religions, and political turmoil. However, due to wars, occupations, and societal pressures, the two young lovers cannot fully unite despite their deep love.
The statue in Batumi was inspired by this tragic love story. The two figures in the statue move towards each other at specific times every day, merge briefly, and then pass through one another before separating. This movement symbolizes the love of Ali and Nino, who could not truly unite but were never truly separated. The statue is considered a powerful work of art that represents the endurance of love against time, space, and cultural differences.
Who is the designer of the statue?
The designer of the Ali and Nino Statue is Georgian artist and sculptor Tamara Kvesitadze. Born in 1968, Kvesitadze is especially known for her kinetic sculptures. She designed the “Ali and Nino” statue in 2007, and the work was installed on the coastal boulevard of Batumi, Georgia, in 2010. The statue was inspired by the 1937 novel Ali and Nino by Azerbaijani author Kurban Said.
This 8-meter-tall kinetic sculpture consists of two figures made of steel: one male and one female. Starting at 7:00 PM each evening, the figures slowly move toward each other, merge, and then pass through one another before separating. This cycle symbolizes the unattainable love of two lovers from different cultures and the cultural barriers between them. The statue has become one of Batumi’s symbols and an important artwork that attracts the attention of tourists visiting the city.
What are the features of the statue?
The features of the Ali and Nino Statue are as follows:
- Height and Material: The statue is approximately 8 meters tall and made of stainless steel.
- Kinetic Structure: The statue has a moving structure. The two figures approach each other at specific times, merge, and then pass through one another before separating.
- Movement Cycle: This movement cycle lasts about 10 minutes and takes place every day, especially in the evening hours (usually starting at 7:00 PM).
- Meaning: The statue represents the unattainable love of two lovers from different cultures and the overcoming of cultural boundaries.
- Inspiration Source: Its design was inspired by the novel Ali and Nino written by Kurban Said.
- Location: It is located on Batumi Boulevard by the seaside in the city of Batumi, Georgia.
- Designer: It was designed by Georgian artist Tamara Kvesitadze in 2007 and installed in Batumi in 2010.
What does the movement of the statue symbolize?
The movement of the Ali and Nino Statue symbolizes the love between two people from different cultures, their desire to unite, and at the same time, the obstacles standing in the way of that love.
The figures in the statue approach each other at a specific time every day, merge briefly, and then pass through one another before separating.
This movement represents the deep but unattainable love between Ali and Nino.
It also conveys how cultural, religious, and societal differences can affect love and the difficult boundaries that must be overcome.
In short, the movement of the statue symbolizes the struggle of love to exist despite time and differences, and the fragile nature of human relationships.
When was the statue made?
The Ali and Nino Statue was designed by Georgian artist Tamara Kvesitadze in 2007 and was later installed on Batumi Boulevard in the city of Batumi, Georgia, in 2010.
In other words, the concept and design of the statue were completed in 2007, and its public unveiling and official exhibition took place in 2010.
Is the story of Ali and Nino real?
The story of Ali and Nino is adapted from a novel written under the pseudonym Kurban Said and is not a true story.
The novel tells a fictional love story set in Baku at the beginning of the 20th century.
This love story between Ali, a Muslim Azerbaijani youth, and Nino, a Christian Georgian princess, unfolds under the shadow of cultural and political differences.
Although the characters and events appear to be based on historical realities, it has not been proven that Ali and Nino were real individuals.
Therefore, the story is considered a work of literary fiction.
Nevertheless, because the novel successfully reflects the social and political atmosphere of the Caucasus region during that period, it is also regarded as a kind of historical document.
What is the other name of the statue?
The other name of the Ali and Nino Statue is known as “Man and Woman.”
When the statue was first designed, it was referred to by this name. Later, it became more widely recognized as the “Ali and Nino Statue,” in association with the novel Ali and Nino that inspired it.
Especially at its location in Batumi and in tourist promotions, the name “Ali and Nino” has been emphasized.
When does the movement of the statue start?
The movement of the Ali and Nino Statue begins every day, especially in the evening, usually at 7:00 PM.
From that time, the two figures in the statue slowly move toward each other, merge, and then pass through one another before separating.
The movement cycle lasts approximately 8–10 minutes and visually expresses the theme of unattainable love during this process.
What does the statue represent?
The Ali and Nino Statue represents the power of love, the need to overcome cultural and religious differences, and the universality of love.
The approach, merging, and separation of the figures in the statue symbolize:
- The love between two people from different backgrounds,
- The obstacles created by society, war, and traditions,
- The timeless and universal nature of love.
In short, the statue expresses the beauty and tragedy of intercultural love in a symbolic language.