To understand Georgia better, it helps to read a little Georgian literature. Poetry is part of everyday life here: classic lines are quoted in toasts, streets and theatres are named after poets, and the country's great epic has been kept in every home for centuries. Here are the key authors and where to feel literary Tbilisi.

"The Knight in the Panther's Skin"

"The Knight in the Panther's Skin" (Vepkhistkaosani) is the masterpiece of Georgian literature. It was written by the poet Shota Rustaveli at the turn of the 12th–13th centuries, in the era of Queen Tamar, to whom it is dedicated.

What it's about

It's an epic of love, friendship, loyalty and nobility. At its heart are:

  • Avtandil, a knight in love with princess Tinatin;
  • Tariel, the mysterious knight in a panther's skin, grieving for his beloved Nestan-Darejan;
  • the search for the abducted Nestan and the trials the heroes face.

The poem celebrates chivalrous friendship, courage, generosity and respect for women. One of its famous ideas — that a lion's cubs are equal, whether son or daughter — is often recalled in connection with Queen Tamar's reign.

Form

The poem is written in shairi — quatrains of 16-syllable lines, all four rhyming. It runs to more than 1,500 stanzas.

Significance

  • Traditionally, a copy was given to a bride as part of her dowry.
  • Many Georgians know dozens of stanzas by heart.
  • It has been translated into many of the world's languages.
  • Tbilisi's main avenue, a theatre, awards and much more are named after Rustaveli.

Ilia Chavchavadze

Ilia Chavchavadze (1837–1907) was a writer, poet, journalist and public figure, one of the key leaders of the 19th-century national movement, often called "the uncrowned king of Georgia". The Georgian Orthodox Church canonised him as Saint Ilia the Righteous.

What to read: stories and poems about the lives of Georgian peasants and nobility, and his essays.

Akaki Tsereteli

Akaki Tsereteli (1840–1915) was a poet who wrote many lyrical and patriotic poems. His poem "Suliko" became the basis of a famous song known far beyond Georgia.

Vazha-Pshavela

Vazha-Pshavela (1861–1915) was a poet from the mountain region of Pshavi. His epics — "Aluda Ketelauri", "Host and Guest", "The Snake-Eater" — tell of highland life, codes of honour and hospitality, and humanity's relationship with nature. If you're heading to Khevsureti, Pshavi or Tusheti, Vazha-Pshavela is the best literary guide.

Galaktion Tabidze

Galaktion Tabidze (1891–1959) was one of the greatest Georgian poets of the 20th century, a master of symbolism and musical lyricism, writing complex, image-rich verse.

Nodar Dumbadze

Nodar Dumbadze (1928–1984) wrote novels and stories full of humour, warmth and sadness: "Me, Grandma, Iliko and Illarion", "I See the Sun", "White Flags", "The Law of Eternity". Readers especially love him for his humanity and light touch.

Otar Chiladze

Otar Chiladze (1933–2009) was a poet and novelist known for profound philosophical novels such as "A Man Was Going Down the Road", weaving myth and modernity together.

Contemporary literature

Georgian literature is thriving today, with many contemporary authors translated into English, German and other languages. In 2018 Georgia was Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair, which spurred new translations.

Literary Tbilisi

  • Rustaveli Avenue — the city's main street, named after the poet, with a statue of Rustaveli.
  • The Mtatsminda Pantheon — the burial place of many writers and poets, including Ilia Chavchavadze, Akaki Tsereteli, Vazha-Pshavela and Galaktion Tabidze, with views over the city.
  • The Writers' House (Sarajishvili mansion) in Sololaki — a literary centre with exhibitions and events.
  • The Literature Museum — manuscripts, photographs and objects connected with Georgian writers.
  • Bookshops and second-hand stalls — look for illustrated editions of "The Knight in the Panther's Skin".

What to read before your trip

  • "The Knight in the Panther's Skin" — at least extracts in a good translation.
  • Vazha-Pshavela — if you're going to the mountains.
  • Nodar Dumbadze — for a warm introduction to Georgian character and humour.
  • Ilia Chavchavadze — to understand the 19th century and the national revival.
  • Anthologies of Georgian poetry in translation.

A gift from Georgia

An illustrated edition of "The Knight in the Panther's Skin" is one of the most beautiful and meaningful gifts from Georgia. Look for gift editions with miniatures or illustrations by Georgian artists.

In short

Georgian literature means, above all, Shota Rustaveli's "The Knight in the Panther's Skin", an epic of love, friendship and loyalty kept in every home. It also means Ilia Chavchavadze, Akaki Tsereteli and "Suliko", Vazha-Pshavela's highland epics, Galaktion Tabidze, Nodar Dumbadze and Otar Chiladze. Stroll Rustaveli Avenue, climb to the Mtatsminda Pantheon and take a good book on your journey — Georgia will open up more deeply.