Georgian culture has always reverberated with the sounds of democracy, from ancient mountainside councils, to the bold graffiti that decorates modern city walls. Georgian society, renowned for its unique blends of Eastern and Western influences has always pushed for justice, equality and freedom of speech. This article explores how the history and culture of democracy are woven into Georgian art and the society. It shows how democratic values have evolved throughout the ages and influenced the nation’s resilience.
Ancient Roots: the Khevisberi Council of Elders and the Khevisberi
Early forms of participatory government emerged in rural and mountainous Georgian communities. The Khevisberi, an elder who guided moral and social decisions in the community, and the Council of Elders are two prominent examples.
These structures were the foundation of local self-governance. They promoted principles of justice and equality, as well as communal responsibility. Their influence continues to shape aspects of Georgian culture and governance.
The Khevisberi (meaning “elder” or “sage” in Georgian) was more than just a leader of the community. They were seen as a wise, impartial figure who was trusted to maintain moral order and local customs. They did not rule by imposing authority, but instead mediated conflicts, provided guidance, and upheld community values. The Council of Elders was often made up of family heads, so each household had its own voice. This assembly would meet to discuss important issues such as land disputes, local trade regulations and security concerns, using consensus-based decision-making methods. These councils were concerned primarily with maintaining social harmony and promoting the collective welfare of a village. In practice, these councils exemplified a form of early democratic governance where all voices were heard and decisions were made through dialogue and compromise.
Historians and anthropologists have studied the highland Caucasus regions, and they have highlighted the importance of this governance system. According to Georgian historian Simon Janashia’s documentation, these traditional assemblies played a key role in shaping Georgian culture and identity, providing a model of communal governance that was resistant to external feudal and imperial control. In modern times, Georgia’s longstanding commitment to values of justice, respect, and community responsibility has led to the romanticization of the Khevisberi. These early practices may not be in line with modern democratic structures, but the councils’ decision-making frameworks and inclusiveness reflect democratic ideals. These institutions provided a unique form of governance that blended tradition with a form democracy that placed a priority on collective well-being rather than hierarchical authority.
Golden Age Democracy: Shota Rastaveli and his Enduring Influence
Georgia’s Golden Age, which spanned the 11th and 13th centuries, was marked by intellectual progress, cultural flourishing, and national unification. Shota Rustaveli’s literary masterpiece The Knight in the Panther’s Skin, a work that reflects democratic ideals such as equality, loyalty and justice, is central to this period. Rustaveli’s poetic explorations of virtue and social harmony embody principles of justice and fairness which resonate with democratic values.
The Knight in the Panther’s Skin is a story about noble warriors who embark upon quests of challenges and self-discovery. It was completed around 1200. Rustaveli’s protagonists are devoted to virtue, loyalty and justice. They transcend social status and embody values of equality. Rustaveli, for example, often portrays characters from different social and cultural backgrounds as equals united in their quest to achieve the common good. This humanistic approach, which was revolutionary at the time, subtly promoted equality and respect despite social hierarchies. Rustaveli’s works also emphasize the importance of mutual respect between characters, a value that is central to democratic thought. His portrayal of loyalty and friendship emphasizes a sense of shared responsibility and fairness. This reflects ideals that later became the foundation of modern democratic systems. Rustaveli’s worldview is based on these relationships and promotes collective wellbeing, a hallmark in democratic societies.
Queen Tamar was one of Georgia’s most revered monarchs during this golden age. She is celebrated for both her leadership and her progressive approach to government. Georgia experienced a significant expansion in culture and territory under her rule. She also emphasized justice and welfare of all citizens. Queen Tamar convened the Darbazi (royal Council) comprised of nobles, military figures, and religious leaders. Tamar’s participation in the council was a reflection of her commitment to consultative government and the voice the people.
Georgian literature from this period also stressed the ideals and welfare of the people. The themes of sacrifice and justice are explored in epic tales such as Abdulmesiani, which portrays leaders as moral figures that protect the people and uphold righteousness. This narrative tradition stressed the idea that leaders must be accountable to their people, a concept that is similar to democratic ideals. Georgian literature, through Abdulmesiani and other folklore and tales, reinforced the idea that power should be used in the interests of the people and that leaders who abuse their authority are morally corrupt. This literary focus on a just ruler resonated well with Georgians expectations of fairness and integrity. It created a framework that supported accountability.
The Orthodox Church: A Force for Social Justice
In 326 CE, when Christianity became the state religion in Georgia, it brought with it Christian ideals such as compassion, humility and universal equality before God. St. Nino is not only revered as a saint, but also as a symbol for social equality and compassion. Her role emphasized the idea that each individual–regardless of status or background–held inherent worth, a concept that paralleled early forms of social justice. In a society dominated by hierarchical structures, the Church’s emphasis of equality was transformative. It promoted a sense collective responsibility and respect for everyone in society.
Georgian monasteries were vital centers of education and charity in the Middle Ages. They further engrained social justice into Georgian culture. Monastic communities such as those at Gelati or Iqalto provided education to people of all social classes and made knowledge accessible to everyone. These monasteries provided food, shelter, and medical care for the poor and sick, embodying Christian teachings about charity and mercy.
Georgian Christianity is based on the principle of social responsibility. During times of political strife or foreign invasions the Georgian Orthodox church played a crucial role in protecting vulnerable groups like the poor, widows and orphans. Clergy often acted as mediators, advocating fairness and justice between rulers and citizens. In the 16th-17th centuries, Georgia was frequently invaded. The Church provided refuge and rallied the communities to preserve Georgian language and culture under foreign dominance.
Georgian literature and art are also influenced by Christian themes, which reinforce social justice. Georgian hagiographies–biographies of saints–often emphasized moral values of humility, sacrifice, and compassion. The Martyrdom Of Queen Ketevan is a 17th century hagiographical text that recounts the queen’s devotion to her faith and country in the face foreign oppression. It exemplifies the virtue of self sacrifice for the greater good. These stories were used as cultural tools to inspire social responsibility and solidarity. Georgian iconography from this time period and church frescoes depicted scenes of community care, including saints helping the sick and poor. These visual representations served to remind people of the values that the Church upholds, and encouraged them to practice charity in their daily lives.
Rise of Nationalism in the 19th and Early 20th Century
In the 19th century and the early 20th century, Georgia experienced a cultural revival that intertwined a growing sense of Georgian national identity with the fight for democratic freedom. During this time, Georgia was under Russian imperial rule. Artists, writers, intellectuals, and others channeled their nationalist sentiments through literature, art, public discourse and other means, laying the foundation for democratic aspirations. This cultural movement preserved Georgian identity and promoted democratic ideals by promoting freedom, independence, and national unity.
The Georgian Romantic Movement, led by writers such as Alexander Chavchavadze or Nikoloz Battaashvili, was one of the first waves of cultural resistance against Russian dominance. These writers sought to revive Georgian language, history, and customs by embedding democratic ideas of freedom and self determination in their works. Chavchavadze (also known as “the father of Georgian Romanticism”) used poetry to emphasize themes of national pride, individual liberty and importance. His works are representative of the push for a culture-rooted democracy that respected Georgian sovereignty and identity. Merani, Baratashvili’s famous poem, embodies this spirit of resistance and freedom. The poem’s call to action against oppression resonated strongly with Georgians’ desire of independence, making it an important cultural symbol for self-determination.
Georgian intellectuals in the late 19th century used journalism to criticize autocratic rule, and advocate for democratic reform. Iveria was founded by Ilia Chavchavadze – a prominent writer and public figure – to give the Georgians a voice. Chavchavadze fought for social reforms, the protection and promotion of Georgian culture and language, and a future in which Georgians would be able to govern themselves. His vision for a democratic society emphasized civic engagement, social responsibility, education, and his slogan “Language, Fatherland, faith” symbolizing the pillars Georgian identity.
Visual arts and theater also played a crucial role in advancing democratic ideals. The Georgian National Theater, founded in 1850 by Giorgi Erismavi, became a place where themes of social injustice and national pride were explored publicly. The productions depicted the struggles and resilience of ordinary Georgians. They also promoted a vision of equality. Artists such as Gigo Gabashvili produced works that celebrated Georgian Culture and highlighted the lives ordinary citizens. Artists, by focusing on Georgian people’s shared struggles and their resilience, subtly advocated a society that valued all individuals, contributing to the call for democratic reform.
In 1918, after the Russian Revolution, the First Georgian Republic was established. This culmination of cultural expressions and democratic ideas was evident. This brief period was a testament to the impact of decades’ worth of cultural work, and advocacy for self governance. The newly-established democratic republic adopted a constitutional guaranteeing freedom of speech, equality rights, and social security, embodying the hopes of Georgian writers, artists, and intellectuals of the previous century.
Soviet Suppression and Artistic Resistance
During the Soviet period, Georgia was subject to strict political and culture control by Moscow. Georgian intellectuals, artists, and writers mounted a powerful form of resistance despite Soviet-imposed censorship. They used art, literature and film to express their desire for independence and preserve Georgian identity.
Georgian literature was a vital space for dissent during the Soviet era, and it preserved Georgian identity. Galaktion Tabidze is often called the “King Georgian Poetry” and he used metaphors and symbolic language to express complex feelings and criticize Soviet restrictions. Tabidze was often scrutinized by Soviet authorities. However, his poetry subtly expressed a desire for freedom both personally and nationally, which became deeply influential among Georgians. His poems, which were filled with images of Georgian landscapes, historical references and other imagery, became coded messages that expressed defiance and pride for Georgian culture.
Georgian cinema and theater also became important forms of artistic opposition. Repentance, directed by Tengiz Abuladze in 1984, is a landmark of Soviet era dissent. Repentance, despite being filmed in a time of censorship and a fictional portrayal a tyrannical leader, critiques totalitarianism. The film uses allegory in order to discuss the horrors of dictatorship. It resonated with audiences who understood the commentary on the Stalinist heritage. It was initially banned but later released during the perestroika era, which sparked a significant discussion about freedom, justice and the national trauma suffered under Soviet rule.
Music played a subtly influential role in Georgian cultural resistance. Georgian folkmusic, for example, became a way of preserving culture and resiliency. Georgian polyphonic singing, a unique art form, was celebrated and performed, despite Soviet attempts to homogenize culture across the republics. Groups such as the Rustavi ensemble maintained and popularized Georgian songs, subtly reaffirming their unique heritage while fostering a feeling of unity and pride. This music was not only a form of entertainment, but also a symbol of resilience and identity, allowing Georgians, despite Soviet pressures to conform, to remain connected to their cultural roots.
Georgian artists also subtly resisted Soviet narratives in the visual arts. Many painters and sculptures incorporated Georgian folklore and landscapes into their work, reinforcing the pride in Georgian culture. Artists such as Elene Akhvlediani who is known for her unique portrayals of Georgian village and urban life, conveyed Georgian beauty without directly confronting Soviet ideologies. Her art celebrated Georgian cultural heritage and became a treasured reminder of what was at risk under Soviet control.
The Post-Soviet Era – A Surge in Democratic Expression
The collapse of the Soviet Union marked a turning-point for Georgia. It was a time when the country had to face the dual challenges of establishing a democratic system and rediscovering their cultural identity. During this time, Georgian intellectuals and artists played a major role in shaping the discourse on democracy and freedom. They used their work to express hopes, frustrations and aspirations for a society in flux.
After Georgia gained independence, writers and poets in Georgia addressed the complexity of the transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic one. Besik Khranauli, for example, used metaphors and symbolism in his poetry to express the pain and hope that came with a newfound freedom. His works, which are filled with existential and introspective themes, speak to the Georgian experience, which is one of loss, survival and resilience amidst political uncertainty.
Kharanauli’s poetry, which is often introspective, reflects the complex history of Georgia and captures the tumultuous feelings associated with national change, as well as the personal costs of transition. His work is representative of a post Soviet generation that celebrates independence while also grappling with its challenges.
Georgian artists of the post-Soviet era explored themes such as identity, nationhood and social change. Irakli Gamrekeli is an installation and painter who uses mixed media to explore the realities of post-Soviet societies. His works question the effects of Soviet rule as well as the rapid transformations that have occurred in Georgian society. His art, which addressed issues such as alienation, consumerism, cultural displacement, and the costs of sudden change, became a platform to examine the costs. Maka Batiashvili is another example. She captured the Georgian spirit through her photographs of everyday life. Her focus on Georgian landscapes and ordinary people allowed her to document the changing social fabric of the country.
In post-Soviet Georgia, theater and film became powerful tools for social commentary. Filmmakers such as Otar Iosseliani, Nana Ekvtimishvili, and others created films that reflect the cultural and social complexity of post-Soviet Georgian society. In Bloom (2013), Ekvtimishvili’s acclaimed film, is a notable example. It focuses on the lives two teenage girls who are navigating the challenges of growing up in a newly independent yet chaotic Georgia in the 1990s. Ekvtimishvili explores themes of resilience, friendship and the struggle for freedom in a society that is recovering from conflict through nuanced storytelling. Playwrights such as Lasha Bugadze explored intersections between politics, identity and freedom in the theater. His plays, which are often laced in satire and question authority, highlight the contradictions in Georgian society. His work contributed to a larger discourse about democratic ideals and individualism in post-Soviet society, using theater to challenge societal norms.
Georgian music of the post-Soviet period reflected a mixture of traditional and contemporary influences, signaling an assertion of national pride. Folk ensembles such as the Rustavi choir continued to perform traditional Georgian Polyphony, preserving Georgia’s unique music heritage and celebrating it as a source for national pride. Modern musicians blended traditional elements and contemporary styles to create a sound that resonated well with younger generations who were trying to define what it meant for them to be Georgians in a post Soviet world. Modern musicians, such as Niaz Diasamidze (lead singer of popular band 33a), incorporated folk themes, Georgian themes, social messages, and other elements into their music. Their works often reflect themes such as freedom, resilience and identity, which speak directly to the post Soviet experience and the complicated journey towards democracy.
Contemporary Reflections on Art and Democracy in Georgia Today
In recent years, Georgia’s dynamic art scene and its evolving democracy have become intertwined. Young artists, musicians, activists, and other creatives use their creativity to explore and critique social and political issues. Contemporary Georgian art reflects the nation’s democratic aspirations. From street art and music festivals to societal norms, it challenges societal norms, and sparks important conversations. Emerging artists are redefining Georgia’s cultural identity, using art to create social change, and are inspired by the country’s past and current struggles.
Tbilisi has seen a rise in street art, which has transformed public spaces into places of expression and protest. Artists such as Tamoonz, Gagosh, and others have pioneered political graffiti that criticizes issues like corruption, inequality, or environmental neglect. Their bold, colorful works are often located in prominent urban areas. This makes them highly visible to the public. Tamoonz has created murals which comment on women’s issues and social inequality. This encourages dialogue on these important subjects.
Young Georgian filmmakers and photographers have started using their lenses to capture reality in Georgian society. They are focusing on themes such as poverty, displacement and the LGBTQ+ Community.
Dina Oganova’s projects, for instance, offer an intimate look at the lives of those who are often overlooked. Her photo series, “I Am Georgia”, features portraits of diverse people from different backgrounds. It highlights the complex social landscape of Georgia and challenges stereotypes. Rati Tsiteladze, a young director from Georgia, is gaining international recognition for his explorations of Georgian culture. His award-winning film Prisoner of society (2018) tells the story of a Georgian transgender woman, exploring themes of acceptance, family conflict, and isolation in the face social prejudice. Tsiteladze’s work highlights the role of art in promoting empathy and understanding in a democratic society by addressing taboo topics.
Georgia’s electronic music movement, centered on iconic venues such as Bassiani has become a cultural and a political movement. Bassiani, since its founding in 2003, has been a symbol for resistance, especially against government restrictions and police crackdowns. In 2018, a government raid sparked a massive protest known as the “Rave Revolution.” This protest was a significant moment in Georgia’s history, when youth rallied to demand greater freedoms and a stop to state repression. The club continues to be a place for free expression and community building among Georgia’s progressive young people. Tbilisi Open Air and other music festivals play a crucial role in fostering democratic values. The festival, which brings together local and international artists, promotes messages of peace and tolerance, allowing youth to explore their identity and connect with global movements. These events create temporary spaces that celebrate freedom of expression and encourage young Georgians think critically about social issues.
Young Georgian artists are tackling issues of sexuality and gender with a growing focus on feminism. Platforms such as Open Space and Haraki produce multimedia art, performances and installations that tackle issues like patriarchy and gender norms. Their work often sparks controversy, revealing the deep divisions in Georgian society.
Art as a catalyst for social transformation
Georgia’s cultural journey, from ancient tribal councils to modern protest art, reflects a steadfast pursuit of democracy. Georgians have always fought for freedom, equality, and justice through literature, religious teachings and nationalist movements. These democratic ideals, which are woven into Georgian identity and continue to inspire every generation in their quest for a fairer society, are deeply rooted in the culture of Georgia. Georgia’s art, culture and history preserves history in this way but also shapes the future of democracy.
Art has become a vital medium in Georgia today for expressing democratic values, and driving social changes. Young Georgian artists use diverse forms of expression in order to explore and critique social issues, breaking down walls and encouraging dialogue. They are actively shaping Georgia’s culture through street art, photography and music. They also demonstrate that art can be powerful in the pursuit of a democracy and inclusive society. These creative movements demonstrate the importance of freedom in a Georgia that is rapidly changing, where art can be both a reflection and catalyst for change.
By Ivan Nechaev
Tags: democracy in Georgian artdemocracy in Georgian filmGeorgian democracyGeorgian traditionsGolden Age GeorgiaIvan NachaevKing TamarSoviet Georgiavillage chiefs
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