Introduction
Georgian poetry is an incredibly ancient form of poetry which emerged from the South Caucasus country of Georgia. It has a long and distinguished history, which is steeped in the culture and traditions of the Georgian people. Much of Georgian poetry is centred around Georgian folk culture and the oral tradition of storytelling, making it a unique form of literary art. This article dives into the topic of georgian poetry and its many aspects such as history, characteristics and prominent figures.
History of Georgian Poetry
The origins of Georgian poetry can be traced as far back as the 12th century. This form of poetry developed out of the old Georgian oral tradition, and later was shaped into a distinct form by the creative geniuses of the Middle Ages. Georgian poetry is characterized by its presentation in strict free verse, and it is heavily redacted to attain a sense of rhythm and artistry. All of the poems in this form are composed using three different types of metre: dumadi, stanzaic and calendric. Notable figures of Georgian poetry include Shota Rustaveli, an 11th century poet whose work forms much of the backbone of Georgian poetic tradition.
Characteristics of Georgian Poetry
One of the main characteristics of Georgian poetry is the presence of metaphor and similes. Oftentimes the poem relies heavily on poetic devices such as comparisons, imagery and hyperbole in order to communicate a message or express a feeling. In addition, the lyrics of Georgian poetry are characterized by their lyrical structure and rhythm. This enables the poet to structure their lines in a way that creates a sense of harmony and beauty. The themes of Georgian poetry often draws upon various aspects of Georgian culture, such as history and tradition, a sense of longing for dear ones who are away and the inescapable reality of mortality.
Prominent Figures
Throughout Georgian poetry’s long history, there have been numerous figures who have made an indelible impact upon the form. A few such individuals include Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani, a notable poet and scholar of the 17th century; Grigol Robakidze, the 20th century modernist poet who revived the tradition of Georgian poetry; Zviad Gamsakhurdia, a former president of Georgia and poet; and of course, the great Shota Rustaveli himself. Each of these individuals and their works continue to be beloved by both leaders and laypeople in Georgia; they also form some of the most important references within Georgian poetry as a whole.
Supporting Materials
Traditional Georgian poetry is strongly tied to culture and tradition, and often relies heavily on musicality and improvisation. As such, there is a number of supporting materials, such as musical instruments, traditional dances and clothing, which are often used by poets when performing their works. These materials can help to increase the atmosphere of the poem and its performance, as well as helping the poet to engage with their audience.
Contemporary Georgian Poetry
Modern Georgian poetry is a different beast when compared to its traditional predecessor. As such, many contemporary Georgian poets are experimenting with different forms, including haiku and spoken word. This allows for a wider variety of styles and perspectives within the genre, making it a much more vibrant and exciting form of literature. Notable contemporary Georgian poets include Nana Revishvili, a feminist poet whose work often draws upon themes of female empowerment and self-discovery; and Elene Tevdoradze, an experimental poet whose works often focus on the complexities of the modern world.
Industry Trends
Due to the rise of technological advancements, there is no denying that the industry of Georgian poetry is adapting and rapidly evolving. With the introduction of platforms such as youtube and digital media as a whole, there has been an increased demand for poets who are able to create digital content or perform their work over the internet. This has led to an increased interest in the genre and greater opportunities for poets to share their work with a wider audience.
Publishers
Publishers play a key role in the success of Georgian poets and their works. In Georgia, there are a number of well-known publishers, such as Beryoza, Sakartvelos Tmebi, and Iunost, who regularly produce new works by both experienced and emerging Georgian poets. They also promote their poets through various channels and provide platforms for them to share their work with the public.
Bookstores
Books stores are an indispensable resource for both readers and writers alike, and fortunately, there are quite a few in Georgia that specialise in Georgian poetry and literature. Namely, Palitra, Book House and Narika are home to some of the best collections of Georgian poetry and other related works. These stores also provide readers with the opportunity to discover new authors and explore the many facets of Georgian poetry.
Festivals
There are a number of festivals dedicated to Georgian poetry throughout the year. These festivals often bring together renowned Georgian poets, scholars, and literature enthusiasts to celebrate the art of Georgian poetry. A few such festivals include Tbilisi’s Poetry Festival, Batumi’s Shota Rustaveli Festival and the Gurjaani Poetry Festival. These events provide a great platform for Georgian poets to showcase their works and connect with like-minded individuals.
Presentations and Lectures
In addition to festivals, many presenters organise lectures and presentations on the topic of Georgian poetry. These talks are often held in universities, community centres, and libraries, and they provide a great opportunity for poets and scholars to discuss their work, share their perspectives and teach each other about the beauty and intricacy of Georgian poetry.
Education
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the importance of Georgian poetry in educational institutions. Not only is the teaching of Georgian poetry compulsory in many schools in Georgia, but there are also now a number of universities which offer courses in Georgian literature and poetry. These courses provide students with an in-depth look into the intricacies of the genre and create a great environment for those looking to discover and understand the beauty of Georgian poetry.
Media
In addition to live performances and books, a great number of Georgian poets are now represented in various forms of media, such as movies, television shows and radio programs. This is an invaluable opportunity for Georgian poets to express their work on a global scale and capture the attention of a much larger audience.
Online Resources
The internet is a powerful tool when it comes to exploring the beauty of Georgian poetry. People from all over the world can access websites, blogs and social media accounts dedicated to Georgian poetry, as well as discover new authors and keep up to date with the latest works. These online resources are invaluable for poets who are looking to share their work with a wider audience and gain recognition for their works.
