First Abkhazian Family in Kutaisi in the 19th Century

Abstract

The present article delves into the hitherto unexamined topic of the settlement of the first Abkhazian individual, Taku (Simon) Shkhvatsabaya, in Kutaisi. Born in the 1830s, Taku was brought up by Ioba Chi-burdanidze, a resident of Kvitiri, who hailed from the village of Tkhina in Abkhazia. Upon reaching adult-hood, Taku decided to embrace the Orthodox Christian faith and establish himself in Imereti. His godfather, Simon Abashidze, was the grandson of King Solomon I. After his baptism, Taku (Simon) Shkhvatsabaya set-tled in the vicinity of present-day Lado Asatiani Street, Kutaisi, which was later renamed Abkhazia Street in honor of his ethnicity in 1885. Subsequently, the family relocated to Levashov Street, presently known as Merab Kostava Street, where their ancestral house still stands, featuring a commemorative plaque. This family played a pivotal role in bringing up several prominent public figures, scientists, and artists, including profes-sors Konstantine and Giorgi Shkhvatsabaia, Igor Shkhvatsabaia, Zurab Shkhvatsabaia, acclaimed sculptor Giorgi Shkhvatsabaia, and others. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the initial settlement of the first Abkhazian, Taku (Simon) Shkhvatsabaya, in Kutaisi, shedding light on the history behind the naming of his family and residential street. It discusses the circumstances surrounding Taku›s relocation from the village of Tkhina in Abkhazia to be raised by Ioba Chiburdanidze in Kvitiri during the 1830s. Further-more, it explores his subsequent conversion to Christianity and establishment in Kutaisi.