RUSSO-OTTOMAN WAR (1877-1878) AND GEORGIAN IDENTITY

Abstract

The research analyzes the significance of the Russo-Ottoman war of 1877-1878 for the history of Georgian identity according to printed media materials. The analyzes of the issue is presented by observing public perceptions and values, the attitude of Georgians towards the Russo-Ottoman war is also shown: it is explained what caused Georgia’s involvement in the war. Being a part of the empire, Georgians perceived participation in the war as a way to regain historical territory.

The Russo-Ottoman war of 1877-1878 ended with incorporation of some Georgian territories within the Russian Empire. Georgian intelligentsia faced the problem of cultural integration of the population of these lands:  a large part of the Georgians lived in Ottoman Empire were already Muslims. The process of reconciliation between Christian and Muslim Georgians was greatly facilitated by shared historical memory. The Georgian print media played a special role in this process. The Georgian intelligentsia intensively published reports and papers in order to develop sympathy in the Christian Georgian society towards the Muslim   Georgians and forge national unity.