How has Georgian writing evolved over time?
At the dawn of civilization, the emergence of writing was undoubtedly one of humanity’s most significant advances. Among the multiple writing systems, that of Georgia stands out for its uniqueness and fascinating evolution. From the ancient Asomtavruli alphabet to the modern curves of the mkhedruli, our journey through time reveals how each calligraphic change reflects the historical, cultural and political influences of the region. By diving into this graphic heritage, we discover not only the secrets of a language, but also the imprints of a nation which was shaped to the rhythm of its writing. This article reveals the evolution of Georgian writing, a linguistic treasure as complex as it is enchanting.
Origins of Georgian writing
There Georgia, this Caucasian country of thousand-year-old traditions and histories, carries within it a cultural heritage of great richness. Among the gems of its culture is a unique writing system, a testimony to its historical and linguistic heritage. The origin of theGeorgian writing dates back centuries and remains full of fascinating mysteries.
According to legends and some historical studies, Georgian writing was created in the first half of the IVe century. It was initially intended to transcribe the language spoken by the inhabitants of ancient Georgia in order to write religious and literary texts. This initiative would have been closely linked to Georgia’s conversion to Christianity and the need to access sacred texts in the vernacular language.
Georgian writing, in its beginnings, would have been strongly inspired by the alphabets used by neighboring peoples, and would have gradually evolved to be distinguished into three main forms: aspissi, nushkhuri and mhedruli. These three scripts reflect different eras and social customs – from religious to secular.
The role of writing in Georgian society is easily seen through the preservation of their oldest texts and literature. This is evidenced by the recent scientific discovery of a new chapter of the Bible, further illuminating the rich literary and religious heritage of this country.
Various personalities have been interested in the history of writing and in Georgia in general, such asHélène Carrère d’Encausse, an illustrious French intellectual of Georgian origin, who led a remarkable career until becoming the first woman at the head of the French Academy.
Emmanuel Carrère, also of Georgian ancestry, addressed the delicate connection to his roots in his works, emphasizing that the “Georgian side of the family had little place”. Nevertheless, interest in the country and its culture has been expressed in events such as “A Weekend in the East with Emmanuel Carrère” at the end of November 2023, highlighting cultural and literary links.
Cultural events such as Europalia Georgia allowed to highlight the cultural wealth of Georgia, thus affirming its nickname: “the country which had everything to be happy”. These events are opportunities for linguistics enthusiasts to examine the evolution of the Georgian alphabet and Daukalic languages, contributing to the preservation and promotion of this heritage.
The enthusiasm for preserving the Georgian language and writing is not limited to an intellectual elite. The director Elene Naveriani, known for her work “Blackbird, Blackberry”, or the author Elena Botchorichvili are figures that reflect the continuity and liveliness of this culture. For example, a Georgian writer launches her second book at age 89, sending a powerful message about her country’s writing tradition.
Through these personalities and events, Georgia perpetuates its written legacy, proving that “Writing – Some signs become vital”, far from being a simple adage, is an incarnate reality. A hymn that echoes throughout the work “ We love each other “, an ode to family and to Georgia, highlighting once again the centrality of writing in the hearts of its people.
Answer the call of the origins ofGeorgian writing is therefore a journey through time, where each letter and word tells a story, a belief, a dream shaped by a nation. Each piece of this writing is not only vital to understanding Georgian identity but also constitutes a star in the vast sky of global linguistic diversity.