CRITICAL CONCERNS IN ILIA CHAVCHAVADZE’S JOURNALISTIC WORK (A FEW ASPECTS)
Keywords:
19th-century Georgian literature, Ilia Chavchavadze, journalistic work, national problems, articlesAbstract
In the 1860s, Ilia Chavchavadze emerged as a prominent figure in the national movement. Through his publicist pieces, such as Life and Law, What Can I Tell You, How Can I Cheer You up, Equality of Ranks, and Our People and Education, the author delves into sociological, political, cultural, national, and socioeconomic issues of his contemporary society. In the process, he becomes a problem solver, immersing himself in the boiling anguish of his times. One of Ilia Chavchavadze’s great slogans was, ‘Let us dauntlessly spread genuine words among the people.’ However, it was the integrity of a truth-seeker that eventually led to his downfall. The qualities of a leader are evident in Ilia’s publicist pieces, portraying him as a compelling and impactful figure, who influences the audience through emotional communication. In his publicistic works, Ilia exposed the harsh realities of life for the Georgian people and their country in the 19th century. Ilia laid the groundwork for a democratic state by initiating and overseeing the Georgian language reform, the establishment of the Estate Bank, and the Society for Spreading Literacy among Georgians, among numerous other endeavors, all dedicated to serving Georgia and its people. The state governance model introduced by Ilia, along with the method of appointing government and self-government through elections, represents a true democracy model. Many of the problems he addressed are not only still urgent today but also require the application of the insight and courage envisioned by this great patriot nearly two centuries ago.