SOME ISSUES OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE IN DEMOCRATIC GEORGIA (1918-1921)

Abstract

The present essay contends that the years of 1918-1921 were virtually spiritually and creatively fruitful. Despite the many difficulties (political and economic) in this short period, much important work was done in science, literature, and almost every field of art. It should also be noted that all that wasdone in the fields of science, literature, and art during Georgia’s independence was a continuation of previous years’ creative work; Active creative work continued and in fact helped lay the groundwork for independence in the spiritual life.
The article describes the humanitarian situation (in science, culture, and education) of Georgia in the first two decades of the 20th century, emphasizing the level of development in specific areas. The humanitarian disciplines (history, archeology, and study and collection of antiquities) progressed a lot; The Church Museum was established; and various societies, including the Society for the Spreading of Literacy, continued to work (the Society existed until the establishment of Soviet power in 1921). The Historical-Ethnographic Society of Georgia, with its diversified program, continued to be active and was instrumental
in the establishment of Tbilisi University.
The diversified creative activities of Georgian creative intelligentsia of this period formed an important basis for the continuous cultural development of Georgia and satisfaction of spiritual needs of the nation.