Didgoroba (August 12) in the Politics of Modern Georgian Memory

Abstract

The Battle of Didgori holds special significance in Georgian history. It has come to represent the country's unification, strength, and victory. This battle is commemorated by the memorial complex built inDidgoriValleyduring the Soviet period by the famous Georgian sculptor Merab Berdzenishvili. Didgori Day has been observed annually on August 12 since the erection of the Didgori monument. However, due to the country's difficult sociopolitical processes since the early 1990s, Didgori was forgotten at the state level, but the Georgian man's memory and political thought preserved its historical and national significance. As a result, the Didgori holiday was constantly observed on its initiative by the populace.

During the country's most difficult period, when state institutions were effectively overthrown, society was depressed and aggravated by events in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region, and the country's difficult socioeconomic situation was significant. Because the Battle of Didgori in Georgian history was a symbol of the country's unity, solidarity, devotion, and victory, which led toGeorgia's transformation into a strong state, the Kvemo Kartli region began actively working to restore Didgori Day at the state level. The first event was held in 1997, and since then it has grown in size and taken on the form of a public celebration.

Didgoroba is examined in the report in the context of modern Georgia's memory policy from the 1990s to the present. The research was based on an examination of internet media and in-depth interviews with public officials directly involved in the restoration of the Didgori holiday.