First Democratic Republic - 1918-1921
The October Revolution of 1917 brought about the collapse of the Russian Empire. On May 26, 1918, at a session of the National Council in Tiflis, Georgia was proclaimed a sovereign democratic republic. Noe Zhordania, leader of the Social Democratic Party, became head of the government.
The newly established state faced severe economic difficulties, as well as internal instability and constant external threats. At the same time, a strong sense of national enthusiasm mobilized the country’s most active social and political forces, helping to stabilize public life. Georgia sought international recognition and pursued independent development under continuous pressure from neighboring powers.
In 1920, the Bolsheviks consolidated power in Russia and began restoring the borders of the former empire. Soviet rule was established in Armenia and Azerbaijan. Despite diplomatic and military efforts to resist aggression, Georgia’s fate was sealed. On February 25, 1921, the Red Army entered Tiflis. One of the organizers of the intervention, Sergo Ordzhonikidze, informed Vladimir Lenin that the red banner had been raised over the city—a symbol that would dominate Georgia for the next seventy years.
Photographs documenting this period, created by E. Klar, B. Kozak, V. Grinevich, and others, are largely static in character, as studio photographers were not yet accustomed to reportage. Nevertheless, these images remain crucial visual documents of a decisive historical era.
— Giorgi Gersamia
Photographs preserved in the State Cinema-Photo Archive
Curated by: Giorgi Gersamia
