Knowra Georgian literature Georgian literature Georgian literature is the body of literary works associated with Georgia, especially works written in the Georgian language. It spans medieval religious writing, classical poetry, and modern prose.
Georgian alphabet : The writing system used for the Georgian language, with three historical scripts: Asomtavruli, Nuskhuri, and Mkhedruli. Its scripts made Georgian literary works possible and preserve evidence of the tradition’s early history.
The Knight in the Panther's Skin : A medieval Georgian epic poem by Shota Rustaveli about friendship, love, loyalty, and the adventures of two heroes. Its poetic form and enduring influence make it the central classic of Georgian literature.
Ilia Chavchavadze : A nineteenth-century Georgian writer, public figure, and national movement leader who was later canonized as a saint. His writing and public work helped define modern Georgian national and literary identity.
Georgian language : A Kartvelian language spoken primarily in Georgia and written in the Georgian script. Language is a key criterion for the tradition, though Georgian literature also crosses linguistic boundaries.
Georgian national revival : A nineteenth-century movement that promoted Georgian language, education, and national consciousness under Russian imperial rule. Writers helped turn literary culture into a central force in the revival.
Georgian Orthodox Church : An autocephalous Eastern Orthodox church and a major religious institution in Georgia. Church institutions fostered manuscript culture and shaped the subjects of early Georgian writing.
The Snake-Eater : A Georgian epic poem by Vazha-Pshavela, published in 1901, about the hunter Mindia and his altered relation to nature. It shows how a modern poet reworked epic form and explored human kinship with nature.
Akaki Tsereteli : A nineteenth-century Georgian poet and writer, known for works including the narrative poem Tornike Eristavi. His poetry helped make literary Georgian a vehicle for popular national expression.
Kartvelian languages : A language family indigenous to the Caucasus that includes Georgian, Mingrelian, Laz, and Svan. The wider family clarifies that Georgian-language literature is distinct from literature in related languages.
Georgian nationalism : A political and cultural movement advocating Georgian national identity and, in some forms, self-determination. Literature supplied shared histories and language that could support national claims.
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