Cultural and Educational Policy of Democratic Republic of Georgia in Abkhazia

Abstract

The article discusses the cultural and educational policy of the Democratic Republic of Georgia in Abkhazia.  Drawing on a cyclical study of the legal acts of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, the press from 1918-1921, archival documents, statesmen’s memoirs, and other historical sources, this analysis explores the reforms implemented by the government of the First Republic in the fields of education and culture. The government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, right from the declaration of independence, on May 26, 1918, initiated reforms throughout Georgia, including Abkhazia. It laid the foundation for the establishment of a modern educational system and a new type of educational relations. For the first time, all educational institutions came under state institutional subordination, with the educational process being ‘nationalized’ and regulated. The government supported and financed the professional development of teachers and paid great attention to the educational rights of national minorities, especially Abkhazians. Additionally, it created several higher primary schools in Sokhumi, Gagra, Ochamchire, and Samurzakano, and transformed the Sokhumi teacher’s seminary into an educational institute. At this time, the first professional unions of teachers were formed in Abkhazia. Simultaneously, at Tbilisi State University, the foundation for the scientific study and research of the Abkhazian language was laid for first time in the history of the Abkhaz people. As a result of the policies implemented by the government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia from 1918 to 1921, the first musical and theatrical societies were established in Abkhazia by professional staff sent from Tbilisi. This initiative laid the foundation for the subsequent institutional development of professional musical and theatrical collectives in the region. In democratic Georgia, the acclaimed Abkhazian writer and public figure, Dimitri Gulia, with the support from his friends in Tbilisi, successfully established the first Abkhazian-language newspaper. Unfortunately, this achievement was later undone by the Bolshevik government.