Georgian literature

Georgian literature (Georgian: ქართული ლიტერატურა) refers to a long literary heritage, with some of the oldest surviving texts in Georgian language dating back to the 5th century. A golden age of Georgian literature flourished under the unified kingdom of David IV in the 11th century. However, political fragmentation and foreign invasions following a peak in literary tradition during the reign of Queen Tamar (1184-1213 CE) led to a cultural decline.

The earliest known Georgian literary work, The Martyrdom of the Holy Shushanik by Iakob Tsurtaveli, was composed between 476 and 484 CE.^[1] It belongs to the literary genre of hagiographies.^[2]

The ninth and tenth centuries witnessed a flourishing of Christian theological literature, intertwined with a growing sense of Georgian national identity. This is exemplified in Praise and Glory to the Georgian Tongue by 10th-century monk Ioane-Zosime.^[1]

David IV's unification of Georgia in the 11th century ushered in a golden age for culture. Christian literature thrived, heavily influenced by Byzantine traditions. Numerous Byzantine works were translated into Georgian, and philosophy and historical writing flourished.^[1]

This era also saw the birth of secular literature, drawing inspiration from Georgian folklore as well as Persian and Arabic literary traditions.^[1] Heroic epics, tales of chivalrous love, and knightly adventures became prominent, with poetry reigning as the dominant literary genre.^[1]

The reign of Queen Tamar (AD 1184-1213) marked the pinnacle of medieval Georgian literature. This period witnessed a flourishing of literary production, with Shota Rustaveli's epic poem, "The Knight in the Panther's Skin" (Vepkhistqaosani), emerging as a masterpiece.^[1] Considered one of the most significant works of Georgian literature,^[3] the poem narrates the adventures of Avtandil, a knight sent by Queen Tinatin on a quest to find another mysterious knight. The story unfolds with twists, culminating in a double wedding.^[1]

Following Queen Tamar's reign, Georgia's political fragmentation and foreign invasions led to a decline in literary output.^[1]

The 17th and 18th centuries saw a resurgence in literary activity. Kings like Teimuraz I and Archil II contributed to the field. This period produced notable works like The Book of Wisdom and Lies by Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani, alongside works by David Guramishvili and Bessarion Gabashvili. Themes of a suffering homeland and grief resonated during this era. Despite Persian oppression, Georgian authors often displayed admiration for Persian language and poetry.^[1]

The 19th century marked a shift towards Western influence as Georgia gradually joined the Russian Empire. Romanticism became the dominant style, with leading poets like Alexander Chavchavadze, Grigol Orbeliani, and Nikoloz Baratashvili shaping the era.^[1]

The next generation saw a rise in nationalism and a growing focus on social issues. The "Tergdaleulebi" movement, advocating education and reform, led by Russian-educated Georgians, heavily influenced literature. Realism gained prominence, with writers like Ilia Chavchavadze, Akaki Tsereteli, Alexandre Kazbegi, and Vazha-Pshavela drawing inspiration from both Russian and Western European literature.^[1]

The early 20th century witnessed a flourishing of literary styles and authors. This vibrancy continued until the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, which tragically silenced many writers unwilling to conform to socialist realism.^[1]

In the early 20th century, the city of Kutaisi became an avant-garde literary hub, with the literary, symbolist group "Blue Horns" featuring prominent figures like Titian and Galaktion Tabidze, Paolo Iashvili, and Grigol Robakidze.^[1][4]

Mikheil Javakhishvili, Konstantine Gamsakhurdia, and Nodar Dumbadze are considered the 20th century's most influential prose writers.^[1]

• The Literature of Georgia: A History

• Baramidze, A.; Radiani, Sh.; Zgenti, V. (1952). История грузинской литературы [History of Georgian Literature] (in Russian). Moscow: Uchpedgiz.
• Baramidze, A. G. (1984). "Грузинская литература [V—XIII вв.]" [Georgian Literature of the 5th-13th Centuries]. История всемирной литературы [History of World Literature] (in Russian). Vol. 2. Moscow: Gorky Institute of World Literature. pp. 308–319.
• Baramidze, A. G. (1985). "Грузинская литература [XIII—XVI вв.]" [Georgian Literature of the 13th-17th Centuries]. История всемирной литературы [History of World Literature] (in Russian). Vol. 3. Moscow: Gorky Institute of World Literature. pp. 536–538.
• Baramidze, A. G. (1987). "Грузинская литература [XVII в.]" [Georgian Literature of the 17th Century]. История всемирной литературы [History of World Literature] (in Russian). Vol. 4. Moscow: Gorky Institute of World Literature. pp. 429–435.
• Baramidze, A. G. (1988). "Грузинская литература [XVIII в.]" [Georgian Literature of the 18th Century]. История всемирной литературы [History of World Literature] (in Russian). Vol. 5. Moscow: Gorky Institute of World Literature. pp. 505–513.
• Asatiani, G. L.; Abashidze, G. E. (1989). "Грузинская литература [первой половины XIX в.]" [Georgian Literature of the 1st half of the 19th Century]. История всемирной литературы [History of World Literature] (in Russian). Vol. 6. Moscow: Gorky Institute of World Literature. pp. 438–447.
• Khutsishvili, S. G. (1991). "Грузинская литература [второй половины XIX в.]" [Georgian Literature of the 2nd half of the 19th Century]. История всемирной литературы [History of World Literature] (in Russian). Vol. 7. Moscow: Gorky Institute of World Literature. pp. 202–208.
• Merkviladze, G. I. (1994). "Грузинская литература [на рубеже XIX и ХХ веков]" [Georgian Literature at the edge of the 19th and 20th Centuries]. История всемирной литературы [History of World Literature] (in Russian). Vol. 8. Moscow: Gorky Institute of World Literature. pp. 167–173.