Bearer of Goodness and Prophet of Free Georgia

Abstract

The paper discusses one of the most difficult periods, which turned the European people towards a new democratic way of thinking and set them on the path to forming a democratic society. Unfortunately, this period became a time of absolute destruction of Georgia's political independence.

In the 1860s, the majority of Georgian students studying at Russian universities already saw the future of not only their own country but also humanity in general in a completely different way. They dreamed of the formation of a future European-type democratic society. Although they took different paths to achieve this, the fact is that in the 1860s, student youth saw their future work in serving the people, and this service was reflected in the democratization of society.

The primary goal of the new generation was to prepare society for the adoption of new thinking, democratic thinking.

The paper discusses the merits of the “Tergdaleulis”, whose contribution can be attributed to raising the national liberation movement in Georgia and the Caucasus in general to new heights and closely linking it with the processes of democratization of society.

The paper highlights a new presentation and understanding of the main aspects of Giorgi Tsereteli’s work.

From a modern perspective, Giorgi Tsereteli can be seen as one of the founders of new democratic thinking, as a political figure, because he actively intervened in the political life of his homeland and the processes taking place in the Caucasus region. He was exposed to national thought from an early age. Ekvtime Tsereteli wrote: “Giorgi’s ideal was Western Europe; he was convinced that our life was going in a European way and spared no effort and talent to awaken people and show them their inclinations.”

Khomleli credited Giorgi Tsereteli with developing Western European literary tendencies in Georgia. In his words, “Giorgi Tsereteli, unlike Ilia Chavchavadze and other writers of Eastern Georgia, was brought up on the traditions of European literature.” He grew up on the novels of Flaubert and Balzac and then traveled to Europe to immerse himself in European literature and culture.

We should consider the work of Giorgi Tsereteli precisely in terms of preparing the next generation for democratic changes, because, first of all, the formation of the first dignity in them and imbuing them with respect for other individuals, as citizens, was the main goal of Giorgi Tsereteli as a teacher. Giorgi Tsereteli had to leave only the aspiration for freedom from the “old directions”. Here, Giorgi Tsereteli’s main value, “national freedom”, a value that does not change over time, was clearly outlined.

The paper concludes by presenting that in the second half of the 19^th century, the foundation for a cultural and educational movement was laid through the efforts of the “Tergdaleulis”, whose work determined not only the development of the 19^th-century literature and public opinion, but also influenced the development of the 20^th-century literature and public opinion. Their views and aspirations towards Europe echo today and are relevant in the 19^th century.

The writer, a bearer of goodness, devoted his entire life to public activity. The writer was valued for his unusual sense of contemporaneity, which makes the writer's work valuable in general.