Culture and literature of Georgia

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Alle Themen über Georgien

General information about Georgian culture

Georgian culture is one of the oldest in the world. Today’s Georgia was once part of the Kura-Arxi culture, which flourished from the second half of the 4th millennium BC to the end of the 3rd millennium BC. Later, the so-called Colchis culture emerged in the area of western Georgia. This culture existed from the end of the 2nd millennium BC to the end of the 1st millennium BC and mainly comprised the area of present-day western Georgia on the Black Sea.

This culture was characterised by a knowledge of metallurgy (bronze) and a well-developed metalworking technique. From the 5th to 4th century BC, people also began to work with gold and silver.

The treasure of Vani is proof of the high level of this culture. It is thought that several artisans and artists lived in Vani, creating incredibly fine objects out of gold and silver.

The tradition of goldsmithing was not lost, and precious objects in gold and silver continued to be made in Georgia during the Middle Ages. This activity was now heavily influenced by Christianity, and the gold and silver work from this period was mainly icons and other ecclesiastical objects. Christianity has had a strong influence on Georgian culture, and this influence can be seen in almost all areas of culture.

The production of painted icons and wall paintings is another important part of the culture. The wall paintings are best preserved in Svaneti, where you can admire the absolute beauty of Georgian frescoes in small, tiny chapels. Chapels such as Laghami in Mestia, Lamaria in Ushguli, Sakdari and Chukuli in Lentekhi are fine examples. In addition to the paintings, you can also admire Georgian goldsmithing and icons in these chapels.

Folk songs

Georgian folk music and folk songs are a very important part of the country’s cultural identity. The famous Georgian polyphony has a very old tradition, some of which goes back to pre-Christian times. The diversity of these songs is a real treasure of Georgian culture. Although Georgia is a small country, its wealth of folk songs is enormous. Interestingly, each region has its own songs, which differ greatly from one another.

In Georgia, almost one in three inhabitants seems to be able to sing, and it is considered a great honour to be able to sing well. Singing is an integral part of every Georgian meal, and almost every school has singing groups in which children learn to sing from an early age.

Today, there are several world-famous choirs in Georgia that sing folk songs and give concerts all over the world. Choirs such as Basiani, Erisioni or Rustavi have a long tradition and have become an important part of Georgian identity.

Georgian dance

Georgian folk dance is an important part of the cultural identity of the Georgian people, along with singing. Georgians love to dance and it is an integral part of their lives. Like songs, Georgian dance is very diverse and varies from region to region. Each region has its own dance culture, which is cherished. Like singing, dancing is very popular in Georgian schools and is practised voluntarily by children.

There are various types of dance, including men’s dances, joyful dances and mixed dances in which men and women perform together. Particularly impressive is the dance ‘Kartuli’ or ‘Daisi’, a classic and highlight of Georgian dance culture. Other well-known dances are Mtiuluri, Swanuri, Sindi, Chorumi and many more.

The Sukhishvilebi dance ensemble, founded in the 1950s under the direction of Iliko Sukhishvili, is known worldwide. Together with his wife Nino Ramischwili, who was also a dancer, they helped to make Georgian dance famous throughout the world. They were so talented that they were able to travel the world and present Georgian culture despite the ‘Iron Curtain’ during the Soviet era.

The dance tradition lives on and the grandchildren are successfully continuing this work. The cultivation and development of Georgian folk dance is thus preserved in the present day.

Architecture

The ancient architecture of Georgia, especially the churches and sacred buildings, reflects an important part of Georgian culture and its development. Of the approximately 5,000 known historical buildings, most of which are churches, monasteries and castles, most date from the period between the 5th and 13th centuries.

The development of church architecture is fascinating. An early example is the Church of Zion in Bolnisi, which was built between 462 and 477 and displays clear features from Mesopotamia, such as the cubic construction method. Other early examples of Georgian religious art are the Jvari Church and the Church of Zion in Ateni, which also show Mesopotamian influences with cubic construction and a square floor plan.

From the Middle Ages, an independent Georgian architectural style developed. During this time, the cruciform layout of the churches became more widespread. The churches became larger and more elaborate, with features such as clustered columns, apses, frescoes and side aisles. Examples from this period include the Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi and the cathedral in Sveti Zkhovelin, both from the early 11th century.

In addition to the sacred buildings, the defensive towers and houses in Svaneti are particularly noteworthy. This architecture is unique to the region and includes a residential complex from the 9th to 12th century, consisting of two-storey residential buildings with 10 to 12-metre-high towers. A village with such towers has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The cave city of Vardzia in southern Georgia, dating from the 12th century, plays a prominent role in Georgian architecture. The city, which is carved into the rock, consists of hundreds of living spaces, chapels with paintings and tunnels.

Castles and fortresses such as Khertvisi, Tmogvi, Ujarma, etc. are also impressive examples of the highly developed Georgian art of building. These buildings bear witness to the diversity and architectural skill of Georgia over various epochs.

Soviet architecture in Georgia

During the Soviet era, a distinct architectural style developed in Georgia. The so-called Stalinist architecture influenced various areas such as residential buildings, government offices and public buildings. Monumentality is characteristic of this architecture. Most examples of this architectural style can be found today in Tskaltubo, a former resort near Kutaisi. There you can see numerous hotels and guesthouses from this period. The city is a popular destination for photo trips in Georgia.

Georgian literature

Georgian literature is rich and varied. Its beginnings date back to the 5th century AD. It is an important part of Georgian culture. One of the oldest works is by Jakob Chusesi and tells the story of the martyr Shushanik. These works were strongly influenced by Christianity and had a hagiographic character.

Similar works were written until the Middle Ages, which is not surprising given that the Arabs ruled in Georgia at that time and the Christian religion served as a means of resistance against the Muslims. These literary works had a propagandistic character, such as the work Martyrs of Abo Tbileli from the 8th century, which tells the story of a young Arab who converted to Christianity in Tbilisi and was therefore captured and tortured by the Arabs.

The literary focus changed in the Middle Ages, when chivalry became popular and more epics were created. The highlight of this era and of Georgian literature in general is 12th-century Shota Rustaveli’s ‘The Knight in the Panther’s Skin’.

Georgian literature in the 19th century

Due to the difficult political and social situation in the late Middle Ages, only a few literary works were produced. In the 19th century, a new era of Georgian literature began, which was characterised by the emergence of romanticism. Well-known representatives were Alexander Chavchavadze, Nikolos Baratashvili and Grigol Orbeliani.

The next generation, under Ilia Chavchavadze, which emerged in the second half of the 19th century, fundamentally changed this direction. In their works, the writers sharply criticised society and the government. They also tried to promote patriotic ideas and wage an ideological struggle against the great Russian power.

Works such as ‘Letters from Travellers’ by Ilia Chavchadze, ‘Bashi-Atchuki’ by Akaki Tsereteli and ‘Bachtrioni’ by Vaja Pshavela laid the ideological foundations for the later independence of Georgia at the beginning of the 20th century.

Socialist literature

Difficult times dawned for literature under the Soviet regime. Many intellectuals, including poets and writers, were suppressed by the communists. Important representatives of Georgian literature such as Mikhail Javakhishvili and Titsian Tabidze fell victim to this regime.

Socialist realism also characterised literature, with most works of this period being nothing more than propaganda for the supposedly beautiful life in the Soviet Union. Many poems and stories were dedicated to Stalin personally.

Nevertheless, Georgia had great poets and writers during this time. Famous representatives were Galaktion Tabidze, Giorgi Leonidze, Konstantine Gamsachurdia, Nodar Dumbadze and many others.

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