Reflection of Georgian-Abkhaz relations in the works of Georgian writers according to „RukhiBattle“

Abstract

The issue of Georgian-Abkhaz relations and the topic of Abkhazia in ge­neral was clearly reflected in the artistic works and critical-publicist writings of Besarion Gabashvili, Jacob Gogebashvili, Ilia Chavchavadze, Akaki Tsereteli, Niko Nikoladze, Leo Kyacheli, Niko Lortkifanidze, Vasil Barnov, Konstantine Gam­sa­kh­u­rdia, Tedo Sakhokia and others.

     Our main goal is to reflect Rukhi battle or Georgian-Abkhazian relations in the works of Georgian writers. The images of RukhiBattle are given in the his­to­rical poem „RukhiBattle“ by Besarion Gabashvili, a representative of Georgian poetry of the 17th century. Other works have been written on this topic. In pa­r­t­i­cular, Grigol Dadiani under the pseudonym of Ioane Gegechkor „Rukhi battle, or the life of King Solomon the Great“, Davit Dadiani (Nogheli) – „Rukhi war“. In 1913, Ekvtime Takaishvili included in the 2nd volume of the collection „Old Ge­o­rgia“ the examples of oral tradition about RukhiBattle. As is known, the satirical story „Knights“ by Ni­ko Lortkipanidze was written based on this oral folklore.

       In the report, we focus on the historical reasons that led to the bloody conflict be­tween Georgians and Abkhazians. The question is raised as to when the said battle took place, at the end of 1779 or in 1780. We think that this issue requires more accuracy, because one part of the researchers names 1779, and the other part - 1780.

      In the report, as far as possible, the works of those Georgian writers are analyzed and presented, which are related to the mentioned issue - Rukhi battle and its causes.

      As a conclusion, not only the understanding of this historically known event and the authors' national point of view, but also an in-depth judgment-analysis of the processes that befell Georgia in the 90s of the 20th century as a result of the rise of Abkhazian separatism are given.