The Native Georgian Name for Georgia: Sakartvelo and Its Historical Context

The native name for the country of Georgia is Sakartvelo, which first appeared on the map in 1918. This name carries deep historical and cultural significance, reflecting the complex evolution of Georgian national identity over the centuries.

The Emergence of Sakartvelo

Before 1918, the term Sakartvelo was not used as a country name but rather as a collective term for the territories inhabited by the Kartvelians, an ancient ethnic group in the region now known as Georgia. During this period, the term was often referenced in poetry and used nostalgically by Georgians living abroad. It had no official status in the political or administrative context of the time.

It was during the Russian Menshevik party's rule period in 1918, driven by pro-Raissian sentiments, that Sakartvelo began to take on a new significance. The pro-Russia faction, known as the Democratic Republic of Sakartvelo, attempted to align the newly formed Georgian state with Russia. However, this did not materialize into a formal union, as the country ultimately fell under Soviet influence.

After the Sovietization, the name Sakartvelo was officially adopted as Saqartvelos Sabtchota Sotsialisturi Republika, the Soviet Socialist Republic of Sakartvelo. This marked a turning point in the use and recognition of Sakartvelo as a country name.

Pre-1918 Usage and Terminology

Before the emergence of Sakartvelo as a country name, Georgia had various names that reflected its historical and cultural identities. These included:

Guria: One of the earliest known names associated with Georgia. Iberia: A name used extensively by the Georgian Church to refer to the land of the Iberians, the ancient term for the Georgians. Kartli: Another early term that reflected the identity of the Georgians.

The last royal dynasty of Georgia, the Bagrationis, which was abolished by the Russian Empire in 1801, officially referred to themselves as the Kings of Iberia. This further underscores the historical use of Iberia as a symbol of Georgian identity, rather than Sakartvelo.

The Significance of the Name Georgia

The name Georgia itself, often used by foreigners, is not arbitrary. It is believed to be derived from the name Jorjia, which is equivalent to the modern-day name Georgi. The prevalence of such surnames like Jorjiashvili and Jorjikia in Georgia indicates that the term was widely used internally, suggesting that it was not an exonym imposed by outside influences.

The name Georgia also has roots in ancient Greek tradition. It is believed that the Greeks, during their exploration and subsequent interactions with the region, adapted the name from the local languages, thus solidifying its place in the cultural and historical lexicon.

Conclusion

The journey from Sakartvelo to Georgia, or Jorjia, is a journey of cultural evolution and political transformation. Whether it is used in its original Kartvelian form or the more familiar English name, the essence of this land and its people remains rooted in its rich and diverse heritage.

Understanding the native name Sakartvelo provides a deeper appreciation for the history and culture of Georgia, highlighting its unique identity and the various influences that have shaped it over the centuries. The country's official name, as well as its historical and cultural nomenclature, continue to be significant markers of identity and heritage.