Abstract:

Abstract After the annexation of Georgia by Russia in the early 19th century the term “Sakartvelo” (Georgia) disappeared. The country split into two parts: Tbilisi government (eastern Georgia) and Kutaisi government (western Georgia). Unification of the country was a challenge for the Georgians dwelling inside and outside Georgia. The term “Sakartvelo” emerged once again in times of the independent Republic of Georgia (1918-1921). The present paper considers the history of Tbilisi which was traditionally a political, administrative and cultural center of united Georgia, of eastern Georgia, of Caucasus, of the Trans-Caucasian Soviet Federal Socialist Republic (Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia until 1936), of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia (1936- 1991) and Georgia (after proclaiming independence) and reflected all changing political contexts. The following issues are introduced: the process of urbanization, the demographic situation and the migration processes, as well as coexistence in the multicultural and multi-religious milieu. Along with the constructing activities, industrial, cultural and educational achievements within the frames of the USSR, the violation of human rights, restriction of the Georgian language, the Georgian church, purges, reprisals, civil unrest, nepotism, corruption, the protests of opposition and the suppression of these protests, and consequently the bleeding of the nation throughout the 20th century which is still in place, are studied.

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