Ivane Javakhishvili in defense of Georgian University

Abstract

       In 1921, during the sovietization of Georgia, the youth and the professors and teaching staff of Tbilisi State University joined together with others to defend the country against the Soviet Russian troops. In this process, the contribution of Ivane Javakhishvili, the rector of the university, is particularly noteworthy. He addressed the students, expressed his support for the leadership of the Democratic Republic of Georgia and called them to fight for the protection of the motherland. In the paper, we briefly review the position of Ivane Javakhishvili during the invasion of Georgia by Soviet Russia in February 1921. It is also noteworthy whether the school textbooks provide any information to students about Ivane Javakhishvili, in particular, about Javakhishvili’s attitude during the occupation of Georgia and what kind of information this is. The paper analyzes the materials contained in the school textbooks of Georgian and world history. Attention is focused on the volume of material and presented documents. The main facts are highlighted, to which textbook authors pay special attention when discussing this issue.

The study revealed that in the textbooks the focus is made on the contribution of Ivane Javakhishvili to the founding of the university in Georgia, his scientific activities and rectorship. The position of the university, its professors, academic staff, and students during the occupation of Georgia is not mentioned. Some authors also note the attack of the Soviet authorities on Javakhishvili in the 1930s and talk about repressions carried out against him.