Local Self-Government, Education, and Healthcare in the Telavi Mazra in 1918-1921

Abstract

The article examines the villages of the Telavi district during the period of the Democratic Republic of Georgia (1918-1921). Particular attention is given to the analysis of administrative, social, educational, healthcare, agrarian, and infrastructural processes carried out by local self-governments. Based on archival documents and other primary sources, the study analyzes the formation of small territorial units, the administrative apparatus of the district and local authorities, and its reorganization processes. The research demonstrates that the main goal of the district authorities’ activity was to ensure the maximum involvement of the population in the work of local self-governance.

The article pays special attention to the education system. The analysis of archival documents shows that in the villages of the Telavi district, in order to improve the quality of education, additional teachers were assigned to schools, new schools were opened, and the educational network was gradually expanded.

Attention is also given to changes in the healthcare sector: a medical-sanitary network was established, rural hospitals were created, the inpatient and outpatient services were implemented, and the poor people were provided with medicines through pharmacies.

The study also reflects agrarian reforms in the Telavi district villages: an agronomic department was established to oversee harvests, redistribute land, and promote the development of agriculture. District authorities also supervised the planning and organization of rural settlements.

During the same period, the local police were reorganized under the supervision of the territorial units. This reorganization reduced serious crimes in the villages and ensured the maintenance of public order.

The findings confirm that the measures implemented in the villages during the period of the Democratic Republic of Georgia contributed to strengthening local self-government, promoting active participation of the population in governance, advancing socio-economic processes, adapting education and healthcare to the needs of the population, supporting agrarian activities, and reinforcing law and order.