Source: Cultural Heritage Preservation Fund, 2000.

Tbilisi as the capital of Georgia, at the same time is an important cultural, religious, educational and commercial centre. Its old town is endowed with a concentration of historic buildings and urban design elements ranging in date from medieval times to the early 20th century. This unique ensemble of buildings is found in great disrepair, many buildings have decayed lacking maintenance and few have collapsed. The Old Tbilisi pilot project, starting with the rehabilitation of Zemo Kala section, is an important component of the Cultural Heritage Project, financed by the Government of Georgia and the World Bank, and supported by the Council of Europe through the technical assistance. The project is administered by the Fund for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage of Georgia (i.e. PIU).

Zemo Kala and other historic areas representing part of one whole structure constitute the core of identity and significance and contribute to the permanent evolution of the capital of Georgia.

Hence, the Tbilisi Pilot Project, and namely rehabilitation of Zemo Kala, is of utmost importance for the Cultural Heritage Project. This Project is supported by the World Bank and the Cultutal Heritage Department of the Council of Europe. Zemo Kala tradiditionally was distinguished as a multicultural and multiethnical district, where the Georgians, Armenians,  Jews and Muslims lived side by side, exchanging and enriching their cultiral traditions.

Zemo Kala and surrounded areas historically have had multiple function. Here important religious buildings have been located, like Sioni Cathedral, the Mosque, the main Synagogue and Armenian Church. The district is still an important focus of religious life. In the past Zemo Kala used to be an important commercial and trade center as well, where many guilds of craftsmen could be found.  This is well known from historical sources, but also evident from the names of streets of this district, such as Silver street, Goldsmith street indicating which guild occupied which street. Trade also flourished in this district - market and "exchange" squares and caravansaries were located there.