Ilia Chavchavadze, Georgian poet, journalist, and lawyer (b. 1837)
Prince Ilia Chavchavadze (Georgian: ილია ჭავჭავაძე; 8 November 1837 – 12 September 1907) was a Georgian public figure, journalist, publisher, writer and poet who spearheaded the revival of the Georgian national liberation movement in the second half of the 19th century and played a major role in the creation of Georgian civil society during the Russian rule in Georgia. He is Georgia's "most universally revered hero" and is regarded as the "Father of the Nation."He was a leader of contemporary youth intellectual movement named "Tergdaleulebi". They spread modern and European liberal ideals in Georgia. Ilia Chavchavadze founded two modern newspapers: Sakartvelos Moambe and Iveria. He played an important role in the creation of the first financial structure in Georgia – Land Bank of Tbilisi. During 30 years he was a chairman of this Bank, which financed and promoted most of the cultural, educational, economical and charity events which took place in Georgia. Ilia Chavchavadze also participated in the foundation of "Society for the Spreading of Literacy among Georgians" – the first NGO-type organization that established a number of schools all around Georgia, where education was provided in the Georgian language. This was helpful in halting the Russification policy of Russian Empire in Georgia.
Inspired by the contemporary liberal movements in Europe and Russia, as a writer and a public figure, Chavchavadze directed much of his efforts toward awakening national and liberal ideals among Georgians. Chavchavadze was the author of numerous articles that were published in his newspaper Iveria, as well as in other periodicals that were published in Georgia. In his articles, Chavchavadze discussed a number of topics, among them: national issues, literature, education, theater, politics, economics, current issues and events happening not just in Georgia, but around the world and especially in Europe. He communicated European values and ideas through these articles to Georgian society. His views about self-government, judicial system, social issues, human rights, women rights, economics, education and civic activism were modern and contributed much to the creation of Georgian sense of national identity, formation of civil society and also to social and political discussions of his time. He was a devoted protector of the Georgian language and culture from Russification. He is considered the main contributor of Georgian cultural and civic nationalism.During the 1905 Russian Revolution Chavchavadze was elected as a representative of Georgian nobles to the imperial State Council. However, he stated that he would represent the whole nation, not just one particular group of it. He advocated against capital punishment and lobbied for Georgian autonomy.
His most important literary works were: The Hermit, The Ghost, Otaraant Widow, Kako The Robber, Happy Nation, Letters of a Traveler and Is a man a human?!.
Chavchavadze was killed in Tsitsamuri, outside Mtskheta, by a gang of assassins. Details of his murder are still matter of debate. His legacy earned him the broad admiration of the Georgian people. In 1987 he was canonized as Saint Ilia the Righteous (წმინდა ილია მართალი, tsminda ilia martali) by the Georgian Orthodox Church. Today, Georgians revere Chavchavadze as The Uncrowned King (უგვირგვინო მეფე, ugvirgvino mepe) and the "Father of the Nation."