Upper Imereti and Akaki and Giorgi Tsereteli

Abstract

Two prominent representatives of 19th-century Georgian literature from Imereti belong to the group of Georgian patriots who emerged in the 1860s and profoundly impacted Georgian public and literary life.

Representatives of Upper Imereti, Akaki and Giorgi Tsereteli, actively participated in public and literary life, addressing and solving the crucial issues of their time. Their civic beliefs were shaped by the ideals of the national-liberal movement. They epitomize the intellectuals of the 1860s, distinguished by their broad education and diverse activities.

As is well known, Giorgi Tsereteli, along with Ilia Chavchavadze and Akaki Tsereteli, carried the weighty and honorable duty of artist and educator of the nation from youth until death. Under this burden, he upheld the name of Georgian literature and public service with unwavering dignity, characteristic of a respected national figure.

The warm friendship between Akaki Tsereteli and Giorgi Tsereteli, which began in Kutaisi Gymnasium and grew stronger during Akaki’s collaboration in the „Krebuli“ magazine, is noteworthy.

It is crucial to consider how the public received the emergence of each writer in Georgian literature, what aspects Georgian critics noted in their works, and which moments they emphasized.

Akaki Tsereteli’s opinion on Giorgi Tsereteli›s work is particularly intriguing. While Akaki did not extensively publish letters discussing Giorgi’s work in detail, his insights are pivotal in characterizing Giorgi Tsereteli. In essence, Akaki emphasizes Giorgi Tsereteli›s remarkable productivity and industriousness, which sometimes results in unevenness in his writing. While he produces prolifically, only certain pieces exhibit true talent, with others appearing rushed and fatigued.

Thus, Akaki Tsereteli’s positive assessment of Giorgi Tsereteli’s creative output is both intriguing and significant.