შალვა ახალციხელის ისტორიულ-მხატვრული სახე გრ. აბაშიძის რომანებში
SHALVA AKHALTSIKHELI’S HISTORICAL-ARTISTIC FACE IN GRIGOL ABASHIDZE’S NOVELS

Summary/Abstract: Shalva Akhaltsikheli, a famous Georgian commander and military-state figure of the XII-XIII centuries, is a leading hero during the reigns of King Tamar and Lasha-Giorgi, he is a completely distinguished person with his dedicated and patriotic spirit, his contribution to the history of the country. Scarce but remarkable material about his life and work is preserved in Georgian historical sources. The face of Shalva Akhaltsikheli is also important in Georgian literature. In particular Akhaltsikheli is portrayed as a military and political figure at the same time in the Gr. Abashidze's novels. Based on the chronicle, Georgian famous historical novelist Grigol Abashidze’s novels "Lasharela" and "Big Night" tell us about the life and work of this great chieftain. "Life of Kartli" and Gr. Abashidze's novels are important and rare sources that provide readers and persons interested in history with valuable information on Akhaltsikhe's combat strategy and tactics. According to the mentioned sources, Shalva Akhaltsikheli was a contemporary military-state figure of King Tamar and Lasha-Giorgi, his name is associated with the success of the Georgian army in the battles of Basian and Shamkor. At the same time, the same material allows us to learn about his death and the fatal defeat of the Georgian army in the battle of Garni against Jalal al-Din. Ivane Atabeg’s treacherous action before the country and the nation is reflected against the background of the life of Akhaltsikhe, who doomed Shalva Akhaltsikheli and 4000 Meskhetians with his vague or deliberate action, which was followed by disorganization and disintegration of the king's army, according to this fact it becomes clear that Shalva Akhaltsikheli’s advanced detachment composed of 4000 Meskhetians was a decisive force in the battle. The death of this detachment was followed by the collapse of the political and military structure of the country. Thus, it is very important to study and scientifically research the historical-literary type of Shalva Akhaltsikheli. The "Life of Kartli" gives a general picture of Shalva Akhaltsikheli, discusses the historical facts toward the person according to the mercy of the Lord, and shows the individual ability of the hero, combat training, the spiritual condition of the army, the influence of the commander-in-chief on it; it does not show martial art and equipment of the army. Writer Gr. Abashidze, despite following the chronicle, still fills the face of the hero with an artistic invention, reflects his personal dignity and personal contribution to the success of the Georgian army. With this method he completes the history and creates the artistic type of the hero.

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