The Interest of Great Powers in the Batumi District Prior to World War I

Abstract

    In 1915, the failure of the Russian army was blamed on the local population of Adjara. The Russians declared the locals to be “traitors” and staged a “shameful” trial. They managed to execute several individuals, but due to the strong protests of the Georgian population and the active involvement of influential figures, the chauvinists were unable to carry out their “vile plans” to completion. Nevertheless, the Russian authorities succeeded in deporting a significant portion of the population from Adjara to various locations, primarily within Russian territory. Eventually, under intense public pressure, they withdrew the fabricated charges against the population and “admitted their mistake.” However, this “disgraceful act” by the imperialists remains deeply etched in the memory of the people.