Ekolari Market – where tradition counts, one bead at a time
photo rights reserved by Ben
The Ekolari Market in Stepantsminda, Georgia, is a small, local shop where locals and travelers can buy groceries and traditional Georgian products. In an increasingly digital world, one thing stands out: the woman at the cash register still uses an abacus to calculate amounts. This adds a nostalgic and authentic touch to the shopping experience and reflects how some traditional methods are still used in remote areas. Such markets play an important role in the community, not only as a place of trade but also as a social meeting place. Local products such as fresh bread, cheese, honey and herbs can often be found here, along with basic necessities for daily life.
An abacus, also known as a counting frame, is one of the oldest calculating tools in the world. It consists of rows of beads that can be moved along rods to perform addition, subtraction, and even multiplication and division. While it has been largely replaced by digital calculators and computers in many parts of the world, it is still used in some regions, especially in small markets, traditional shops, and by older generations who grew up using it. In countries like Georgia, Russia, and China, the use of an abacus is still occasionally seen, particularly among small traders who find it faster and more reliable than an electronic cash register. It requires skill and practice, and experienced users can calculate incredibly fast. The fact that a woman in the Ekolari Market in Stepantsminda still uses an abacus offers a charming glimpse into how traditional methods continue to play a role in daily life, even in an increasingly digital world.
De Ekolari Market in Stepantsminda, Georgië, is een kleine, lokale winkel waar inwoners en reizigers terecht kunnen voor dagelijkse boodschappen en traditionele Georgische producten. In een wereld die steeds digitaler wordt, valt hier iets bijzonders op: de vrouw bij de kassa gebruikt nog een telraam om bedragen te berekenen. Dit geeft een nostalgisch en authentiek tintje aan de winkelervaring en weerspiegelt hoe sommige traditionele methoden in afgelegen gebieden nog steeds worden gebruikt. Dergelijke markten spelen een belangrijke rol in de gemeenschap, niet alleen als handelsplek maar ook als sociale ontmoetingsplaats. Lokale producten zoals vers brood, kaas, honing en kruiden zijn hier vaak te vinden, samen met basisbenodigdheden voor het dagelijks leven.
Ekolari Market – where tradition counts, one bead at a time
photo rights reserved by Ben
The Ekolari Market in Stepantsminda, Georgia, is a small, local shop where locals and travelers can buy groceries and traditional Georgian products. In an increasingly digital world, one thing stands out: the woman at the cash register still uses an abacus to calculate amounts. This adds a nostalgic and authentic touch to the shopping experience and reflects how some traditional methods are still used in remote areas. Such markets play an important role in the community, not only as a place of trade but also as a social meeting place. Local products such as fresh bread, cheese, honey and herbs can often be found here, along with basic necessities for daily life.
An abacus, also known as a counting frame, is one of the oldest calculating tools in the world. It consists of rows of beads that can be moved along rods to perform addition, subtraction, and even multiplication and division. While it has been largely replaced by digital calculators and computers in many parts of the world, it is still used in some regions, especially in small markets, traditional shops, and by older generations who grew up using it. In countries like Georgia, Russia, and China, the use of an abacus is still occasionally seen, particularly among small traders who find it faster and more reliable than an electronic cash register. It requires skill and practice, and experienced users can calculate incredibly fast. The fact that a woman in the Ekolari Market in Stepantsminda still uses an abacus offers a charming glimpse into how traditional methods continue to play a role in daily life, even in an increasingly digital world.
De Ekolari Market in Stepantsminda, Georgië, is een kleine, lokale winkel waar inwoners en reizigers terecht kunnen voor dagelijkse boodschappen en traditionele Georgische producten. In een wereld die steeds digitaler wordt, valt hier iets bijzonders op: de vrouw bij de kassa gebruikt nog een telraam om bedragen te berekenen. Dit geeft een nostalgisch en authentiek tintje aan de winkelervaring en weerspiegelt hoe sommige traditionele methoden in afgelegen gebieden nog steeds worden gebruikt. Dergelijke markten spelen een belangrijke rol in de gemeenschap, niet alleen als handelsplek maar ook als sociale ontmoetingsplaats. Lokale producten zoals vers brood, kaas, honing en kruiden zijn hier vaak te vinden, samen met basisbenodigdheden voor het dagelijks leven.