Standing tall at 8 meters (26 feet), the dynamic steel artwork titled “Man and Woman” graces Batumi, Georgia’s coastal landscape. Crafted by the skilled hands of Georgian sculptor Tamara Kvesitadze, this magnificent sculpture narrates the poignant love saga of Ali, a Muslim youth, and Nino, a Georgian princess. Inspired by the compelling 1937 novel penned by Azerbaijani author Kurban Said, the pseudonym itself embodies the theme of a cherished lineage sacrificed for love. Although the true identity of the novel’s creator remains shrouded, the narrative resonates with the real impact of the Soviet Russia invasion, reflecting the potential reality of the depicted heartache.
Every day, as the clock strikes 7 p.m., the statues come to life, embarking on a mesmerizing journey. The two colossal figures, representing Ali and Nino, delicately merge in a poignant embrace before their paths diverge once again. The enthralling performance unfolds over a span of 10 minutes, encapsulating the essence of their ill-fated affection. Originally conceived in 2007, the love sculpture found its permanent home in 2010 and was rechristened “Ali and Nino” to honor the characters’ enduring legacy. Kurban Said’s literary masterpiece, translated into 30 languages, including English available on platforms like Amazon, continues to enchant hearts across the globe.
Located in Batumi, Georgia, the tragic lovers begin to move every night at 7 p.m.
The statues are inspired by a love story between a Muslim boy and a Georgian princess who come from different religious backgrounds
Briefly, “Ali and Nino” embrace, before passing through each other
Their movement symbolizes the tragic separation of Ali and Nino after the Soviet Invasion
The mysterious Kurban Said wrote the novel in 1937
To this day, nobody knows the true identity of the author
Nevertheless, this powerful love story has been translated into more than 30 languages
You can watch a video the statues moving below:
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