Monk Iakime΄'s Account of Georgian Manuscript Books Preserved in Abkhazia (Insights from Archival Materials of 1934)

Abstract

The personal fund of Academician Akaki Shanidze is preserved in the National Archives of Georgia, housing a collection of various archival documents concerning Abkhazia. Notably, among these documents, is the letter sent by Monk Iakime from the village of Tsarche in Achigvara to Ak. Shanidze on December 29, 1934, stands out, along with the previously unknown descriptions of Georgian manuscript books held in Abkhazia.

Ak. Shanidze acknowledges receiving information about these manuscripts from Akaki Dzidziguri, the brother of Academician Shota Dzidziguri. Monk Iakime’s letter explicitly suggests that Ak. Shanidze was offered the opportunity to acquire these books for Tbilisi State University. Within the letter, the monk further informs Ak. Shanidze that the Georgian books he had purchased were tragically consumed by fire on August 29, 1924. Fearfully, the monk entrusted the surviving books to an undisclosed person. Following Ak. Shanidze’s written response, the monk embarked on a journey on foot through the mountains of Abkhazia to locate the hidden books and provide the scientist with detailed information about them. Accompanying the letter, Monk Iakime included separate sheets containing descriptions of five Georgian handwritten books preserved in Abkhazia, which he sent to Professor Ak. Shanidze.

Thus, according to Monk Iakime’s account, four of the books in his possession were written in the Khutsuri script, the medieval Georgian alphabet, while two were written in Mkhedruli, the modern-day Georgian alphabet. Taking into consideration that the seventh book was inscribed on leather, it can be presumed that it too was written in Khutsuri. Out of the seven handwritten books, four were ecclesiastical, while two were secular. The manuscripts depict biblical figures, Georgian and Greek clerics, as well as notable Georgian laypeople.

In exchange for the transfer of these books, Monk Iakime requested that Prof. Ak. Shanidze advocates for the restoration of the then-destroyed Bedia and Bagrati Cathedrals, thereby exemplifying his profound love for his homeland, religion, and cultural heritage monuments.

Regrettably, no further information regarding Monk Iakime of Tsarche is currently available. Future research endeavors hold promise for unveiling his biography and contributions to the Georgian church and cultural domain.