გერმანელთა და ქართველ მასწავლებელთა საქმეები

Abstract

On July 18, 1916, the Viceroy of the Caucasus instructed the Military Governor of the Batumi District to compile a list of Germans residing in Batumi and to arrange for their immediate deportation. According to the Viceroy, German residents were engaged in subversive activities, spreading rumors about the Russian Army and Navy, and using misleading propaganda to foster anti-Russian sentiments among the local population. He considered their presence in the coastal region unacceptable. In response, the Batumi police prepared a register of Germans living in the district, which included individuals from various professional backgrounds. Each person was described and assessed individually.

The Governor of the Batumi District also initiated what became known as the “Case of Georgian Teachers.” The local administration sought to exert pressure on Christian Georgian educators. The governor’s actions were facilitated by a confidential letter sent by the Viceroy on September 21, 1916. In this communication, the Viceroy instructed the governor to restrict the activities of all Christian Georgians and to deny them the opportunity to work under normal conditions. He was directed to take every possible measure to prevent Georgians from enjoying favorable social and professional circumstances. With regard to those teachers who advocated for an increase in the number of Georgian schools, the authorities were instructed to conduct their policies in such a way that even the local Muslim population would be encouraged to oppose the activities of Georgian educators. This directive created the conditions for an unprecedented attempt to provoke confrontation among Georgians in the region.