Ilia Chavchavadze

Description

Prince Ilia Chavchavadze (Georgian: ილია ჭავჭავაძე; 27 October 1837 – 12 September 1907) was a Georgian public figure, journalist, publisher, writer and poet who spearheaded the revival of Georgian nationalism during the second half of the 19th century and ensured the survival of the Georgian language, literature, and culture during the last decades of Tsarist rule. He is Georgia’s “most universally revered hero”^[1] and is regarded as the “Father of the Nation.”^[2] His most important literary works were: The Hermit, The Ghost, Otaraant Widow, Kako The Robber, Happy Nation, Letters of a Traveler and Is a man a human?!.

He was a leader of contemporary youth intellectual movement named “Tergdaleulebi”. They spread modern and European liberal ideals in Georgia. Ilia Chavchavadze founded two modern newspapers: Sakartvelos Moambe and Iveria. He played an important role in the creation of the first financial structure in Georgia – Land Bank of Tbilisi, with the aim of protecting Georgian land from being bought by Armenian bourgeoisie. During 30 years he was a chairman of this Bank, through which he financed and promoted most of the cultural, educational, economical and charity events which took place in Georgia.

Continuing the educational work started in Constantinople by Fr. Peter Kharischirashvili and the Servites of the Immaculate Conception, Ilia Chavchavadze also participated in the foundation of “Society for the Spreading of Literacy among Georgians” – an organization that established schools that taught in the Georgian language. This was instrumental in halting the Russification policy of Russian Empire in Georgia.

Inspired by the contemporary liberal and nationalist movements throughout Europe, Chavchavadze directed much of his efforts toward awakening national and liberal ideals among Georgians. Chavchavadze was the author of numerous articles that were published in his newspaper Iveria, as well as in other periodicals that were published in Georgia. In his articles, Chavchavadze discussed literature, education, theater, politics, economics, current affairs. His views on self-government, judicial system, social issues, human rights, women’s rights, and civic activism were ahead of their time and contributed to Georgia’s sense of national identity. He was a devoted protector of the Georgian language and culture from Russification. He coined the phrase “Ena, Mamuli, Sartsmunoeba” (“Language, Homeland, Faith”), which is a widely acknowledged slogan of Georgian nationalism.