The Idea of Independence of Georgia in the Press of 1917-1918

(Newspaper: Sakarte!o"# $Sakha!kho Sak%e"# &!ioni"# 'rto(a")

For the researchers of Georgian journalism, literature and history, the first 20 years of the XX
century are not only the epoch of symbolism, realism or political pluralism. In the period, when
the First World War was raging, when ussian bolshe!ism was threatening one si"th of the
world to #turn it red$, Georgian publicists, writers and public figures were proclaiming the idea
of freedom and were directing their efforts towards reinstatement of independence of Georgia.
%&%'(%&%) was the first period of establishment of democratic republic in Georgia, which ga!e
rise to establishment of the statehood based on democratic principles, pro!ided opportunity of
choice to the Georgian population and set the basis for Georgian parliamentarism.
*his epoch is remar+able for the history of Georgian journalism. ,p to now, a fundamental
research paper dwelling upon the role of democratic periodic press of the %&%'(%&%), or
participation of Georgian publicists and writers in the abo!e referred processes has not been
elaborated. *he press of that period ac-uainted us with the balance of political powers, acti!ities
of different parties, opinion of Georgian public, +ey international players and processes ongoing
in ussian and .urope. In the period of %&%'(%&%) there were published scores of newspapers in
Georgian and ussian languages. *he press was pro!iding co!erage of all political or public
e!ents, and was calling upon the ruling power of that period to uncompromisingly proclaim the
independence of Georgia and find the way out of the mist of re!olution that has en!eloped
Georgian social(democrats.
Georgian writers and publicists were collaborating with different political parties. In their
publications, articles and essays, they comprehensi!ely dwell on those hardships which were
hindering ad!ance of Georgia towards freedom that was largely preconditioned by acti!ities of
political forces and their dissociation. /espite this, three !ery important occurrences too+ place
at that time. 0amely, autocephaly of the Georgian 1hurch was reinstated, the Georgian
uni!ersity was founded, and by the 2ct of 3ay 24, the independent Georgian state was
established.
*he press of the %&%'(%&%) is clearly reflecting the fact that these important e!ents became the
subject of heated debates and had wide co!erage. It becomes e!ident from the pages of the press
of that time how radically different and inconsistent positions of political forces of that time
were, and what major differences were occurring in the principles and strategic objecti!es of
those players. *hese differences were e"tremely ob!ious between the ruling party and the
minority.
5ur objecti!e is to represent four leading newspapers of that period, which were 67a+art!elo$,
#7a+hal+ho 7a+me$, #2lioni$ and #.rtoba$ and dwell upon publicistic directions, professional
standards and tactic approaches, characteristic to the press of that period, as well as try to
identify the trends, that were pre!ailing in the leading Georgian newspapers, what was the focus,
whether the press was characteri8ed by pluralism and whether the society had opportunity of
alternati!e choice. 5ur objecti!e is to trace how the history of political debates was e!ol!ing on
the pages of Georgian press and whether the press was ade-uate to the re-uirements of Georgian
public, what was the role of Georgian publicists and writers in the period of %&%'(%&%).
2long with analysis of the press we decided to focus our attention on the authors of that time, as
analysis of the authors in gi!en conte"t, has ne!er been conducted before. Indepth analysis of
professional standards, analysis and reflections of such authors, as Grigol oba+id8e, *ician
*abid8e, 9onstantine Gamsa+hurdia, 7hal!a 2mirejibi, 7amson :irts+hala!a, ;a+htang
1
9otetish!ili, <eo 9iacheli *aguna and others, published in Georgian press of that period is
e"tremely interesting.
While Georgian historians more or less paid their respect to the historiography and ha!e filled in
the gap of this tabooed period by their research and studies, dedicated to the political history of
that period, researchers of Georgian journalism and literature ha!e not duly studied this
publicistic heritage, which used to be forbidden ground. It is impossible to depict the legacy of
Grigol oba+id8e, 9onstantine Gamsa+hurdia, ;a+htang 9otetish!ili, I!ane Gomarteli, <eo
9iacheli, *aguna and other writers of that period without analysis of their wor+s published in the
press and the 2ct of 3ay 24, %&%). If it was not for the articles of these authors and their
persistent call upon announcement of independence of Georgia, the 1onstituent 2ssembly of
Georgia could not ha!e adopted the /eclaration of Independence of Georgia.
Why did we choose to focus our attention on the abo!e referred four newspapers= *he reason is
simple, as it was due to the rating of the papers and the fact, that all the four newspapers were
published by four major political forces. *hus, 67a+art!elo$ was published by 0ational(
democratic party> #7a+hal+o 7a+me$ ? by 7ocial(federalists> #2lioni$ ? by #2lioni$ group of
7ocial(democrats> and #.rtoba$ by the ruling political force ? the party of 7ocial( democrats.
*he fact that a newspaper is an organ representing interests of a certain party, is in itself
detracting from the idea of freedom of press, but if we !iew that period as a whole, and ta+e into
consideration the fact that all the four newspapers had different perspecti!e, thus co!ering
different political e!ents from different angles, we can proclaim these periodic editions as
representing an important stage of de!elopment of democratic press and !iew them as a standard
of e"pression of freedom, worthy of following the standard, which was initiated by the
Generation of Ilia 1ha!cha!ad8e in the XIX century. 2t that period, inculcation of democratic
!alues was the main objecti!e, which could not ha!e been attained without independent
statehood.
We hope that the history of Georgian journalism shall be enriched with information on one more
interesting and less researched period. 5ur objecti!e is to ensure that there is no gap left in the
history of journalism and we aim to un!eil the period that the communists ha!e bloc+ed and
restricted.
:urpose of present research is to pro!e that 3ay 24, %&%) is not only within the competence of
historians and politicians, but this date is also a result of uncompromised and indefatigable
efforts of Georgian journalists and writers, that Georgian press played a decisi!e role in
elaboration and adoption of /eclaration of Freedom.
It will not be o!erly ambitious if we state that such approach to a gi!en period is a no!elty, and
research of history in gi!en conte"t is the first such attempt in the history of Georgian
journalism.
For the purpose of illustration of the abo!e mentioned we shall try to dwell a little more amply
on the newspaper #7a+art!elo$, which was founded on under the auspices of maga8ine #9lde$.
First issue of the newspaper #7a+art!elo$ was published in 3ay 2@, %&%A under the editorship of
7andro 7hanshiash!ili. *he editorial staff was located in *bilisi, 3oscow 7treet 0o@. *he
newspaper had @(4 pages. In the editorial letter of the first issue of the newspaper, the publishers
were addressing the readers and reflecting on the fact that they had to issue the newspaper in
-uite complicated circumstances. #2t that time Western .urope and Georgia were en!eloped in
the war. *hings, that had seemed ob!ious and beliefs, that were considered as indisputable, were
demolished fundamentally in the onslaught of war and roaring of cannons and gunfire. Former
political and economic powers and along with them e"isting ideals and !alues were demolished,
2
while the substitute for them has not yet established itself clearly. 7uch situation may undermine
e"istence of large nations, and it is true e!en more so in regard to small nations, which do not
ha!e sufficient strength for fighting and defending themsel!es$, ( was stated in the program part
of the newspaper #7a+art!elo$. 3ost probably, the author of this address was the editor 7andro
7hanshiash!ili, as he usually was the author of the editorial columns.
From Banuary %, %&%4 the newspaper #7a+art!elo$ became daily #political, economic and literary
newspaper$. *he touch of censorship is already e!ident on its pages and some empty spaces
indicate to materials that ha!e been restricted from publication. *he newspaper still attempts not
to de!iate from its principles, and each article is permeated with the ideas of freedom and
independence.
From %&%' daily political, economic and literary newspaper #7a+art!elo$ is officially
proclaiming, that the newspaper is of #0ational(democratic$ direction.
*he newspaper had its own correspondents in major towns and !illages, as well as :etrograd and
3oscow. Cy that time the number of staff has increased. 5ne can see names of many
outstanding public figures under the publications in the newspaper. 2mong the editorial staff are
2mbrosi 9helaia, 2. 2satiani, 2. 2+hmeteli, ;. Carno!, .. Gabash!ili, . Gabash!ili, ;. Gunia,
7. /adiani, I. ;artaga!a, G. ;eshapeli, .. *a+aish!ili, :. Ingoro+!a, /. 9asrad8e, bishop
9irion, bishop <eonide, 0. <ort+ipanid8e, 9. 3a+ash!ili, /utu 3egreli, 7. 3gh!imeli, 0.
0i+olad8e, G. oba+id8e, *edo 7a+ho+ia, *. *abid8e, G. 9i+od8eD
In %&%' #7a+art!elo$ was still published under the editorship of 7andro 7hanshiash!ili, but after
&0
th
issue Grigol ;eshapeli became the editor of the newspaper, while starting from %&%) ?
Geronti 9i+od8e was the editor of the paper.
2fter the February e!olution in ussia, in the newspaper appeared a column #Georgians, be
wise, united and sedate$. In the letter, published under this column we see the same aspirations
? freedom and unity of Georgia and a call upon the population for rescuing of the country.
#7a+art!elo$ was welcoming the February e!olution of ussia and proclaiming the idea of
independence of Georgia. *he newspaper belie!ed that free ussia would bring independence to
Georgia. 7piridon 9edia writes on the pages of the newspaperE #In the end of February fell the
regime, which has treated Georgia so !illainously. *he /ynasty, which has !iolated the
agreement, concluded with Georgia and brought bloodshed to the country, was e"iled. *his is an
outstanding act. Freedom of speech, of written word, meeting and conscience, this is what
e!olution brings> uni!ersal suffrage, secret !ote and etc, this is what e!olution proclaims. *he
hierarchy, strengthened and safeguarded through centuries, has been done away with. *here will
be no people, enjoying ad!antage and power from birthD :ersonal dignity, merits, manhood ?
these are new measures of importance and influence of a personDWe are greeting this
re!olution with rapture. 3any long years to the new regime of ussia. CutDand that is where
difference between ussian and us start to re!ealD$ F'&G.
It becomes clear, that prior to the February re!olution, newspaper #7a+art!elo$ was restraining
itself from #re!ealing$ party acti!ities of 0ational(democrats and the organi8ation was acting
illegally. It is true, that 0ational(democratic party conducted constituent assembly later F%%G and
was officially registered, as a political organi8ation, but the nucleus of national(democrats was
formed within the ran+s of social(federalists during the I World War. With their assistance and
efforts the newspaper #7a+art!elo$ was founded, which proclaimed in %&%' that it shared ideas
of national(democratic mo!ement. From the content of the newspaper becomes e!ident, that it
had chosen this direction from the day of its founding. *he newspaper was proclaiming the idea
3
of freedom and ser!ing democratic principles. From the words of 7piridon 9edia it becomes
clear, that after the February re!olution 0ational(democrats started their official political
acti!ities and the newspaper 67a+art!elo$ became their periodic organ.
It is interesting what does 7piridon 9edia imply, when he tal+s about differences between
ussians and Georgians, namely when he says that #here is when differences between ussians
and Georgians start to re!eal. We should reali8e that such differences e"ist. For liberated ussia
these ci!il norms are sufficient to ta+e off, e"press all it !eiled power and creati!ity. For Georgia
this is not sufficient. 1i!il rights are characteristic to free nations. If the nation does not posses
sits own go!ernment, if the law of the nation is not written by the offsprings of the nation, if
go!ernance of the nation is in the hands of an alien and not in the hands of its own +in, all ci!il
rights are !ane. *he soul of the nation shall be confined, its e"istence restricted, the power of
creati!ity wea+ and success is impossible . . . *hat is why to ensure, that it is uniformly
beneficial, todayHs re!olution should first of all bring to Georgia national freedom. e!olution
shall only then be complete, when in free Georgia Georgians shall themsel!es organi8e and
dispose of its own democratic regime of go!ernance. Georgia could not ha!e started reno!ation
through proclaiming of norms of ci!il rights, but should start from restoration of its national
freedom. *his should happen either now or ne!er.$ F'&G
0ewspaper #7a+art!elo$ was the first influential periodic organ, which so clearly,
comprehensi!ely and !alidly posed the issue of independent statehood of Georgia and preference
of democratic ideals and conse-uently, the appeal to proclaim independence of Georgia is
permanently !oiced in the newspaper.
#7a+art!elo$ is impelling the go!ernment of Georgia to proclaim independence, re-uires from
the ruling social(democratic party to se!er connections with the Colshe!i+s and ta+e up sound
national footingE #bolshe!ism in ussia turned into the synonym of hooliganism, raids and
rejection of anything sound. It has degenerated and the socialist idea ga!e rise to barbaric
anarchy, which in combination with wea+nesses of 3enshe!ism destroyed ussia. 2nd at this
!ery time our ruling party is begging this e"ecutioner to come and help us . . . *his party is
imposing on our nation Colshe!i+s . . .they ha!e neither means, nor ability to defend us e!en if
they wanted, but they donHt . . .$ F%%@G
It is absolutely clear, that 67a+art!elo$ was reali8ing the threat that bolshe!ism posed to our
country, and was assessing e!ents realistically. 2lthough it should be stated, that the newspaper
also comprehended clearly that safeguarding of the statehood could be possible only through
relying on some strong power. It saw the way out in .urope. 3ember of staff of the paper *ite
3arg!elash!ili states in his publication #5ur orientation, that Georgia should orient itself on
Germany, as #Germany publicly stated in Crest(<ito!s+, that they shall ac+nowledge
independence of Georgia. 1onducting of truce negotiations in *rap8un is another confirmation
of this. 1onse-uently it is clear that our independence and statehood does not interfere with the
plans of the states of the 3iddle .urope . . . It is of crucial importance for us to enter into
economic cooperation with Germany and establishing of our political independence$. F%%AG
*he author of the article considered, that orientation towards ussia and .ngland would not
bring political independence to Georgia, as France and ussia would not ac+nowledge
independence of small country under the ussian rule, as their acti!ities would be considered as
interference into internal affairs of another state, which from economic standpoint meant further
wea+ening of the nation. 7o, orientation towards Germany was the only option. 2s the author of
the article stated, this would promote political independence of the country and impro!e its
economic position, which is why the newspaper was encouraging proclaiming of independence
of the country without further delay.
4
Free statehood is possible, desirable and beneficial for the nation only when it ensures peaceful
de!elopment of the country, when e-uality and freedom of citi8ens is safeguarded, when the law
and justice and not !iolence and discretion, rules the country> when economic de!elopment of
the nation is promoted. 1ould Georgia alone build jural state= 3ember of staff of the paper 2.
2satiani in his article #:atronage of Germany$ states, that for the purpose of formation of strong
and sound state different resources are necessary ? intellectual, moral, property, political culture,
discipline and etc. #We thought, that we possessed all the abo!e referred in e"cessD which
e"ternal force can we apply for assistance to build our national statehood and adorn our
motherland= *he country, which :oland, ,+raine, <ithuania and Finland ha!e gone to obtain
such help ? is GermanyD*oday our national state is partitioned and disintegrated. *he body of
Georgia is torn into two parts and we donHt +now what pieces shall be torn away from the body
of the country yet . . . *hrough sibbing of German firmness and discipline to our national
-ualities and directing of economic wa!es, reaching us from the West towards the desirable
direction we shall be able to lay the ground for strong Georgia and maybe our future generations
shall witness another Golden 2ge in Georgia$. F%%4G
2s it becomes e!ident Georgia was pinning its hopes on Germany and 0ational(democrats, for
those who represented right(wing opposition it was clear, that the starting point of building of
Georgian statehood was strongly lin+ed to Germany, while 7ocial(democrats were de!eloping
plans for federal organi8ation of Georgia, social(federalists and social(re!olutionaries were
de!eloping plans for establishing of confederation, 0ational(democratic fraction re-uired
separation of Georgia from the *ranscaucasia and proclaiming of Georgia as independent state.
/ay by day, the newspaper was calling on proclaiming of independence of Georgia more
persistently and critici8es those who oppose the independence of Georgia. estoration of
independent statehood and inculcation of democratic !alues are !iewed as synonyms. *he
newspaper places high emphasis on discussion on ad!antages of democratic regime, ci!il rights
and freedoms, free choice, impartial judiciary, free economy. 5utstanding Georgian writers,
publicists and public figures participated in these debates.
,ne"pectedly the army of 5ttomans in!ades Corchalo pro!ince. *ruce negotiations in Catumi
are hampered. 2c+nowledgement of independence of the epublic of *ranscaucasia by leading
states was delayed due to different impediments that arose. 5ttomans and Germany were in no
hurry to promote speedy and successful resolution of negotiations. In such circumstances the
newspaper 67a+art!elo$ starts to !oice its concernE #delays are impossible, those groups, which
brought our country to this state are responsible to ta+e into consideration real demands of life
and direct all their efforts and sal!age for our people and their future what is left to be sal!aged$.
It is e!ident from the pages of newspaper 67a+art!elo$, that se!eral days prior to adoption of the
Independence 2ct, the go!ernment was going with the stream absolutely spontaneously. *he
newspaper puts the blame on the go!ernment for creation of such situation and thin+s that
current go!ernment has contributed more to this situation than the army of 5ttomans and
Colshe!i+s re!olt. *he go!ernment had no power to protect itself and the country. #/ismantling
and disintegration of internal forces, undermining of national integrity on one hand, and failure
to ta+e into consideration the e"ternal forces ? this is what our internal and e"ternal policy is
characteri8ed by during the last year$. F%2@G
#7a+art!elo$ was the irreconcilable opponent of ruling political forces and re-uests all parties to
refuse from pro(ussian policy, as #the ussian threads are bringing the 5ttomanHs army to
Georgia, but the 5ttomans are persecuting ussian policy in the 1aucasus in the same manner,
as they are fighting the ussian army$.
5
*he criti-ue becomes more and more fierce before 3ay 24. It is ob!ious, that the team of people,
united around 67a+art!elo$ were assessing established political situation correctly and were
setting preconditions for proclaiming of independence of Georgia in 3ay 24.
*a+ ,- and $Sakarte!o"
In 3ay 24, %&%) Georgia announced its independence. *he newspaper e"clusi!ely published the
poem of George <eonid8e, dedicated to this day. *his poem was unpublished before, as
communist censorship had suppressed its publication. *his poem of George <eonid8e was
published in the newspaper immediately, when the editorial staff saw it.
In 3ay 2' 67a+art!elo$ publishes the te"t of the 2ct and rapturously welcomes it. In the
editorial column is published an article under the title #Independent Georgia restored, hale to
GeorgiaI$. *he article stated the followingE #From date independence of the Georgian state is
restored. Jale to Georgia and Georgian nationI 2ll parts of Georgia, all layers of Georgian
society, all groups shall re!ere restored independence of Georgia. . . Georgian people, be it a
farmer, wor+er, craftsman, trader or producer, should all unite themsel!es for the purpose of
building of Georgian state. . .$ F%2AG
In the opinion of the newspaper, the go!ernment of independent Georgia should immediately
embar+ on the road of establishing of peaceful relations with the 5ttomans and their allies, as
well as all neighbor nations. *he newspaper does not lose hope, that Germany shall be political
patron of Georgia and shall assist it in regulation of economic and financial problems that
Georgian army shall be strengthened and shall with dignity follow traditions of its celebrated
ancestors, shall stand on the guard of Georgian territory, its freedom and national go!ernment.
*he article ends up with a call upon nationE
#7ons of Georgia, the freedom of Georgia was concei!ed in the internal and e"ternal wars and
raging storms, en!eloping the world. <etHs unite oursel!es around Georgia to protect and
promote its prosperityI Jale to liberated GeorgiaI Jale to Georgian nationI$
2long with rapture, independence of Georgia, proclaimed in 3ay 24 has brought along
numerous concerns. *his fact is considered on the pages of the newspaper as paying tribute to
the Georgian banner, confirmation of the ideas and directions, that public figures and writers of
67a+art!elo$ were reiterating on daily basis. /eclaration of independence of Georgia was
precondition for transfer of Georgia to democratic regime. With adoption of the /eclaration
Georgia has joined the western world and ac+nowledged democratic !alues. Georgian state has
announced permanent neutrality in the sphere of international politics. In those times military(
political alliances, to which Georgia would ha!e aspired to accede, were not yet formed. *he
only political aspiration that appeared in Georgian establishment of that time was to join the
<eague of 0ations, though this aspiration remained a dream and the <eague of 0ations itself did
not last long.
*he newspaper considers that the major objecti!e of the elected :arliament was elaboration of
the 1onstitution and implementation of social reforms. 6*he life has e"hausted the re!olutionary
path now the floor goes to the parliamentary legislation and e!olutionary creati!ity$. F%24G
From that day, the newspaper #7a+art!elo$ had also e"hausted the re!olutionary path, as it has
attained what it was fighting for with written word for years. It is clear, that the road that it had
passed was not easy. Cehind each word, weighted hundred times was huge ris+ and courage.
6
2fter 3ay 24, %&%) 67a+art!elo$ focuses on issues related to building of the statehood and
discussions around the need of elaboration of the supreme law of the country ? the 1onstitution.
What Georgian 1onstitution should be li+e= *he newspaper has initiated this discussion e!en
prior to proclamation of independence and it has dedicated numerous interesting analytical
articles after declaration of independence too.
2rticles of Georgian journalists and writers, who ha!e contributed to introduction of democratic
principles, freedom of press and freedom of e"pression, published on the pages of #7a+art!elo$
are e"tremely interesting. In the newspaper publications, one more important principle is clearly
e!ident. 3o!ement towards the north does not ensure progress and the authors are oriented
towards the West. 2t the same time integration with .urope along with political changes re-uires
huge internal transformation. Is Georgia and each of its citi8en ready to dispose of its fate
independently and underta+e upon himself his share of responsibility= *hey were not only
opponents of the regime of that period, but were representing the positi!e force, which was
trying to form new and attracti!e alternati!es in the form of democracy and free relations and
were initiators of cooperation with .uropean structures.
In %&%'(%&%) Grigo! .o(akid/e was acti!ely collaborating with #7a+art!elo$ and was supporter
of 0ational(democratic mo!ement. 5n the pages of the newspaper he starts passionate
propagation of #.uropeani8ed$ culture and world.
Grigol oba+id8e does not doubt that Georgia shall be liberated, united and integral. /espite the
fact that Georgian are of a rather impulsi!e character than following sense, he still belie!es that
true and deep feelings shall gi!e rise to different creati!ity in Georgia. :romotion of formation of
#truly Georgian style$ is the chief credo of creati!e wor+ of Grigol oba+id8e. etaining of all
that re!eals and strengthens identity for which the country is interesting for the outer world. 2t
the same time de!elopment of new relations, new way of thin+ing and ac+nowledgement of
!alues, that shall unite Georgia with large .uropean family. :olitical transformation, which shall
be e"tremely difficult but necessary, if we want the state to sur!i!e.
Georgia(.urope(2sia ? this is a triangle of oba+id8e and the crossroad of cultures FK4G. ussia,
which is en!eloped by the anarchy of instincts, which has no strength of ideas, beliefs, ideals or
moral. *his bitter reality is closing in on the south, from the north.
*he theme of ussia is -uite widely co!ered in the letters of Grigol oba+id8e. *he author
dwells upon all issues, starting from the re!olt of Colshe!i+s, and ending with the party of
social(re!olutionaries, which can be related to Georgian reality. #7a+art!elo$ co!ers the issues
related to the frame of mind of ussia and political decisions. *hat is why Grigol oba+id8e
along with other Georgian writers depicts the ussia of /ostoe!s+y and 2ndrei Cjel on one
hand, and the ussia in the hands of anarchists on the other hand. *hese two ussias ha!e
always been in conflict with each other and yet supplementing each other.
6ussian by his nature is a Colshe!i+. *his ma"imalism is manifestation of the soul, but yet
ussian nation is strong and gifted. 2nd yet the culture is not only e"pression of the soulE #It is
creati!ity of objects and social characteristics . . . ussian man resembles the man, who rejected
automobile only because he was not offered an airplane and now is dragging on the road in a
cart. I assume this e"ample correctly depicts wea+nesses of ussia in building its statehood.
ussia today is anarchic and by chaotic flapping of wings is flying around the !erge of a brin+. It
is really doubtful whether ussia shall come as a winner out of these hardships.$ F&%G
7
Grigol oba+id8e identifies three factors, characteri8ing ussia of that timeE the cadet
Fbourgeois( democraticG, Colshe!i+ FsocialistG and 3enshe!i+. Je considers that of all the abo!e
listed the strongest element is the Colshe!i+s and he admonishes Georgian societyE 6<etHs not be
following the fantasies that sprung in the fog of :etrograd. We ha!e our own road to follow and
letHs try to collect all our forces not to undermine the idea of national freedom, concei!ed
through re!olution and demolish it by anarchy. # F&2G
For Grigol oba+id8e socialist ideas ha!e false grounds. Je considers national(democratic party
as the force, representing national interests best. Western culture is attracting him, because the
persons 6ego$ is more clearly cut there. In western mentality indi!idualistic approach is
pre!ailing. Indi!idual freedom is the goal of social ideal. In the opinion of Grigol oba+id8e
ruling of state on the platform of psychology of socialism is unacceptable.
Grigol oba+id8e dedicated numerous interesting articles to outstanding public figures, writers
and historic heroes on the pages of newspaper 67a+art!elo$. Jis e"tremely interesting essay
#*amar$ was published in #7a+art!elo$ se!eral days before proclaiming of independence of
Georgia.
Lueen *amar, Cesi+i, 2le+sandre 1ha!cha!ad8e, Giorgi 7har!ashid8e, 2rchil Borjad8e, *ician
*abid8e, 0i+o :irosmani and others are main heroes of creati!e wor+ of Grigol oba+id8e of
that period. Writing about them was ser!ing the main objecti!e ? national idea, idea of
independence, as the main essence of indi!idualism and foundation of the state.
*he period of collaboration with #7a+art!elo$ is the period of shedding of new light on the
disposition and attitude of Grigol oba+id8e. Indi!idual freedom, o!ercoming the hea!y burden
of stereotypes, introducing of criticism, pluralism of ideas and thoughts, analysis of the past not
for the sa+e of being attached to it, but for the purpose of its re!isiting and rethin+ing. 1omplete
reformation and changes. 7uch is Grigol oba+id8e on the pages of the newspaper #7a+art!elo$.
Jis ideas and creati!e wor+ was also contributing to maturing of the idea of independence in the
consciousness of the public.
In that period Tician Ta(id/e was acti!ely collaborating with newspaper #7a+art!elo$. Jis
poems, literary essays and publicistic wor+s were published in newspaper #7a+art!elo$. *ician
was sending his essays and articles specially for #7a+art!elo$ e!en from 3oscow. It is while he
was in 3oscow, that he wrote a !ery interesting article about the February re!olution of ussia,
where he tal+s about monotonousness and ama8ing ability of misrepresentation of historic facts
of ussia. In *icianHs publicistic essays is reflected the search for new and more liberal ussia.
*ician thin+s, that ussia is a pu88le for e!en ussians themsel!es, that they are e"pecting a
catastrophe to happen in ussia in the same way as you e"pect that after each night there is a day
to come. Fragility of the February re!olution is gradually gi!ing birth to the apparition of the
5ctober re!olution of Colshe!i+s. ussia had to stand the test, and the Georgian poet was
an"ious to the depths of his soul, as the processes initiated in 3oscow were impacting Georgia.
Je was obser!ing the birth of ussia with huge interest and was reminiscensing about the days
of French commune.
*ician recall re!olutions of France in his letters on numerous occasions, e!en when he addresses
the Georgian writers with his open letter F)@G and calls upon them to follow the e"ample of
French poets, writers and artists. 5!er three hundred gifted French writers and artists ha!e
sacrificed their li!es to re!olution and in France they ha!e gotten used to the idea, that for A0
years they would face industrial crisis. *ician calls upon Georgian writers towards fight and
protest F4@G. *icianHs call is -uite re!olutionary. Freedom ( this is the goal, towards which all
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Georgian writers should aspire. #*odayHs cruel war has re!ealed, that there is no other word
more sacred and dear, than the word #motherland$ . . .Georgians, who were born and brought up
in sla!ery today ha!e opportunity to repeat the preface, that the chronicler starts 6*he <ife of
9artli$ and which has been pro!ed true by Georgians throughout the long history of the nation$.
( We shall ser!e as sla!e no one e"cept for the God who created us . . .
#Free and happy Georgia shall unite us$ F)AG
In his publicistic assay #*he 1entral 2sia$ *ician dwells upon the choice of Georgia. Je
started thin+ing in this direction after the First 0ational 2ssembly and he started
reminiscencing about the national meeting of the <a8s, which was described by the
Cy8antine writer 2gathiss. *he 9ing 2iet was supporting orientation towards :ersia, but an
old man Fartats re-uested the floor and was substantiating, as to why he would support
orientation towards old allies ? Cy8anty, as they were culturally more de!eloped, than
:ersians and had the same religion. #In this historical etching the power of words and the
orators are ama8ing . . . in this etching you see the history of Georgian nation, permanent
search for new orientation, as there was no hope for sur!i!ing independently. *he last +ing of
Georgia and his chancellor 7olomon <eonid8e were facing this challenge too.$ F&4G
2t the First 0ational 2ssembly of Georgia, 0oe Bordania brought up this issue too. *ician
restrains himself from posing the issue from political angle and is trying to find the way out
from general cultural perspecti!e, which anyway brings him to political decisions. For *ician
*abid8e, the main +not is in confrontation between the West and the .ast. #*hese maniacs of
re!olution are -uite contemporary barbarians and the biggest hallucinatory of our days is
<enin, who in his re!olutionary paro"ysm is -uite close to ussian 9hlysts. . .In ussia the
fate of independence of ussia and .urope has been already sol!ed. *hat #small window$,
that ussia has cut into .urope did not allow for a lot of sunrays to penetrate e!en when it
was wide open. While we were always fed on that surrogate that we imported from ussia$.
*ician clearly sees the threat that ussian processes carry. .!en in 3oscow and ussia they
did not fa!or those, who were considered as the founders of new direction. Freedom is a
strange fruit for them too, and an additional burden. ussia cannot be an e-ual partner for
Georgia and that is why Georgia should find its own way to independence.
*ician *abid8e was a publicist(fighter and poet(symbolist. Je was e"tremely legible in the
assessment of the processes and his articles are characteri8ed by indepth analysis.
5!ercoming of national problem and the need for re!ision of literary life ? this is end in itself
for *ician. /ocumentary assays, literary(publicistic letters and social(political assays of
*ician *abid8e are pierced with ideas of freedom and indi!iduality. #*he blue antlers$ ha!e
entered the Georgian literature in ambitious manner and brought to it their !alues and
indi!idual pathos. *icianHs creati!ity and press publications are ambitious too. *he majority
of his political forecasts ha!e come true.
2nother outstanding author of #7a+art!elo$ was Sha!a &%ire0i(i1 Je was a patriot,
publicist, poet and an outstanding public figure. Je too+ part in the plot of %&2@, due to
which he had to lea!e his motherland and immigrate, where he stayed till his death. 7hal!a
2mirejibi was obser!ing the processes in ussia with suspicion from the !ery beginning and
was assuming, that whate!er ussia plans in regard to the 1aucasus #may drag ussian
population of the 1aucasus into a shady enterprise$. F%0&G
7hal!a 2mirejibi welcomed the autocephaly of the Georgian church, although he had his
own opinion in regard to Georgian clergy.
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7hal!a 2mirejibi considered that the liberation of the Georgian 1hurch from the clerical
dictate of ussia was a major e!ent. Je writes, that Georgian culture, architecture, painting,
icons #as an e"ample of the supreme form of art, as well as any aspect, that Georgian
creati!ity has reflected$ has been liberated from ussian dictate. *he writer poses the
-uestion, as to what would ha!e happened to 3ichelangeloHs, /a ;inciHs, afaelHs
imperishable masterpieces and whole Italian enaissance, #which had found shelter with the
church, if this 1hurch had been ta+en hostage by somebody=I$
7hal!a 2mirejibi considers that free Georgia should be the arena of acti!ities for free people.
2n independent country should be ser!ed by strong, energetic and +nowledgeable people.
*he more that there are strong personalities, the stronger the state is. Je is a supporter of
indi!idualism and thus, promotes .uropean model of transformation. *he state should rest on
strong personalities. Je sees as such ;alerian Gunia, to whom he dedicated a !ery interesting
publicistic essay. 7hal!a 2mirejibiHs !ersatile pen, the gift of a writer and a publicist ma+es
results of his collaboration with newspaper e"tremely interesting. In GuniaHs wor+ and
efforts he sees the !ictory of freedom, while he !iews freedom as the source of inspiration,
which ma+es you attain the impossibleE
6*he old ussia has diedI
*he old Georgia has diedI
5nly freedom is ali!eI
2nd I am haling the freedomI$ F)'G
7hal!a 2mirejibi was respecting indi!idual gift and strong personalities, acti!e people, the
talent of which made them act in their e!eryday life and was feeding their souls. 7uch people
!iew their indi!idual talent not as a museum or an immo!able e"hibit, but apply their talent
to daily life and are the leaders of the society. 5nly such people shall lead Georgia to
independence and freedom.
7hal!a 2mirejibi was calling upon such creati!ity not only to Georgian writers and artists,
but the go!ernment too. *en days before proclaimation of independence he wrote an
e"tremely interesting article under the title 6*he 1onstitution$ F)4G, where he forecasted the
future processes much earlier, than outstanding Georgian politicians. 7hal!a 2mirejibi is
disappointed> the 0ational 1ouncil of Georgia discusses the issue of the basis of the
constitution under compulsion and with lac+ of enthusiasm, and #they are not sei8ed by
courageous ideas, prompted by the desire of elaboration of the 3agna 1arta$. Je has been
waiting for elaboration of the 1arta 3agna by the go!ernment for a long while. Je is not
!ery surprised, as independence of Georgia was proclaimed by those people who did not
aspire for national freedom, conse-uently, 3ay 24 was not the outcome of their struggle and
!ictory, but a compulsory step. While for Georgian artists and writers 3ay 24 was the source
of inspiration. *he ruling party did not e!en fully reali8e the importance of the e!ent.
7hal!a 2mirejibi is e"tremely concerned by those unprepared and unforeseen processes,
which social(democrats imposed on Georgia. *he !oice of authors of #7a+art!elo$ was not
sufficient for awa+ening of Georgian 3enshe!i+s. 7ocial(democrats by their mental and
spiritual state did not agree with declaration of independence of Georgia and that is why they
seemed to be tal+ing different languages.
*hus, newspaper 67a+art!elo$ represented a tribune, on the pages of which the idea of the
independence of Georgia was ripening. *his idea was one which allowed Georgian society to
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dream of freedom and bring political forces to ac+nowledgement of political freedom. *heir
supraliminal aspiration towards freedom was crowned by the /eclaration of 3ay 24.




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