Feast of the Karachogelians
Group of Karachogelians gathered around a festive table in Tiflis.
This photograph depicts a group of Karachogelians — distinctive urban figures of old Tiflis — gathered around a festive table with traditional food, wine, and musical instruments. Some members are playing traditional instruments while others participate in the feast.
Karachogelians were representatives of the working urban class of 19th-century Tiflis. Known for their courage, dignity, and strong moral code, they often acted as informal defenders of the poor and disadvantaged. Within the social fabric of the city, they occupied a unique role — combining elements of craftsmen, local guardians, and charismatic public figures. Their reputation has often been compared to a “Robin Hood”-like archetype within Georgian urban folklore.
The photograph is an important ethnographic document reflecting traditional dress, social rituals, and the cultural identity of old Tbilisi.
