Georgian Independence Day - Geopolitical freedom

On Thursday May 26, Georgians celebrate Independence Day.

An article in April-May “Modi to Georgia” describes the geopolitical peculiarity that throughout the 2,500 years of Georgian statehood, there was hardly a decade in which Georgia was not invaded. Georgia is probably the most frequently invaded country in the world. The periods of independence are so short that they barely exceed the length of the reign of a single monarch.

In the beginning, internal conflict dominated with nobility fighting for the throne, influence and power. Then there were Arabian, Mongol, Iranian, Turk and neighbouring countries invaded Georgia. By the end of the 18th century, the article states, the Russian Empire absorbed Georgia. Although a treaty signed in 1783 secured the status of an independent state for Georgia, it was not put into effect. In 1801 the Georgian Kingdom was abolished and transformed into the Gubernia province.

In the 20th century Georgia gained independence twice. The First Republic, declared on May 26, 1918, lasted only 3 years when it was annexed by Bolshevik Russia in 1921.

The Second Republic, the second attempt at independence, occurred on April 9, 1991 and has lasted until the present day.

Georgians actually celebrate Independence Day twice a year. Although April 9 is the official date of Declaration, the main celebrations occur on May 26.

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