Giorgi Tsereteli in the Memories of Soprom Mgaloblishvili

Abstract

Giorgi Tsereteli’s persona comes to life interestingly in the memories of the public writer, Soprom Mgaloblishvili. The memoirist knew him well and had both personal and business relationships with him. According to Soprom Mgaloblishvili, Giorgi Tsereteli is one of the prominent representatives of the 60s generation. He was a multifaceted individual, primarily a novelist and publicist.

Soprom Mgaloblishvili highlights Giorgi Tsereteli’s special personal qualities: „He was a great organizer and a time saver“. Tsereteli founded the „Droeba“ newspaper, „Sasoflo Gazeti“, „Krebuli“ magazine, and later the „Kvali“ newspaper. While publishing the „Kvali“ newspaper, he noticed the development of the third movement and paved the way for his newspaper.

According to the memoirist, Giorgi Tsereteli was a very mobile and energetic man. He often visited the newly joined regions of Georgia: Kobuleti, Adjara, Shavsheti... He got close to Muslim Georgians and encouraged others to do the same. He frequently spoke with Bishop Grigol of Guria-Samegrelo and urged him to educate Muslim Georgians about their ancient history and the role their region played in ancient Georgia.

Soprom Mgaloblishvili also noted that Giorgi Tsereteli campaigned against Russification. He asked Bishop Grigol of Guria-Samegrelo to protest the introduction of the Megrelian liturgy in churches. Grigol, who was also against it, addressed the government with an official statement.

Although Giorgi Tsereteli faced many challenges, he continued to fight and „found enjoyment in this fight“, according to the memoirist. Soprom Mgaloblishvili’s appreciation of Tsereteli is evident, and someone is even publishing his works in a volume.

The memoirs provide an interesting description of the business relationship between Soprom Mgaloblishvili and Giorgi Tsereteli, revealing the great figure’s personal qualities: perseverance, courage, and determination. In general, Soprom Mgaloblishvili shares many details about Giorgi Tsereteli that are not found in other memoirs, adding special value to his memories.