Migrations of Khizabavres in Kartli (Akhalkhiza - Bethlehem)

Abstract

Migration is a companion occasion in the history of Mankind because of social, political, or economic conditions. People were trying to find better living conditions and settle down. Thus, in 1907, 13 families moved from the village of Khizabavri, Aspindza Municipality to the Village of Akhalkhiza, Gori Municipality (now the Village of Bethlehem).

The population has come a severe way over the years. As the research showed, they took the name of the village Khiza and renamed the Village Akhalkhiza. The surnames are still unchanged, and we find such surnames that are still common to the inhabitants of the village Khizabavri: Muradashvili, Mugasashvili, Mamukashvili, Baliashvili, Tarkhnishvili, Sheshaberidze, Khutsishvili, Datashvili, Sadaterashvili, Baliashvili, Maziashvili, Sepiashvili, Mazmishvili, Taturashvili, Kazaishvili, Kalaijishvili, Chonishvili, and others.

In the village of Akhalkhiza, we find the production of surname lines typical for the anthroponymy of Samtskhe-Javakheti. The suffixes derived from nicknames produce the suffixes -ian / -iant / -ant / -at:

For example:
Two branches of the Mamukashvilis, Kachiani (Katariani) and Kakaanti as well as two branches of the Baliashvilis, Kegoanti, and Balati. One household of the Chonishvilis named Gochashvili, the Muradashvilis named Sadaterashvili, and the Mugasashvili family named Sheshaberidze from Vargavi. Because of this, they are still called Vargaveli. In both Khizabavra and Akhalkhiza, there is no family without nicknames. The following nicknames are found in the village:Firia, Polada, Ghrina, Tsutsuna, Kvlepa, Dzagria, Tiga, Bidila, Khio, Gugula, Atso, Chachkvi, Lizard, Ako, Rukha, Chupa, Jomana, Salakhana, Stuze, Tseti,
Jorikona, Khinkala, Koncho, Gnozlo Memisha, Neka, Khatali, Tskheno, Gigisha,
Kintora, Pirgia, Adjara …

The following toponyms can be found in the village: Napudzari, Mchedligora, Kariani, Vake, Khodabunebi, Kalo, Gaghma Chalebi, Kvakatsa, Mokhveuli, Nabaghari, Mtsvane Eklesia, Bneleti. Currently, about 100 households are living in the village.

We drafted our article at the period when the name of the Village Akhalkhiza was the subject of discussion. Currently, the village of Bethlehem in the Gori Municipality is mentioned in all documents or social networks.