13 May 2003, 03:39
"Tergdaleulebi"
( Literally - one who drank water of Terek, that is who visited Russia), a democratic public - ideological tendency of 1860-70s in Georgia, its substantive provisions were shared by the representatives of the advanced Georgian intelligency who received higher education mainly in Russia, the so-called Georgian "shestidesjatniki". Main figures of "Tergdaleulebi" - I.Chavchavadze, A.Tsereteli, G.Tsereteli, N.Nikoladze, etc. "Tergdaleulebi" expressed interests of the Georgian peasantry and city petty bourgeoisie. Opposed the feudal-serfdom formation, came for social and national clearing of Georgian people. In 1860-70s participants of "Tergdaleulebi" considered freedom the realisible by restoration of the independent Georgian state by means of organization of general popular uprising. Later, taking into account a positive influence of advanced public life of Russia on the Georgian society, "Tergdaleulebi" supported expansion of political rights of Georgian people within the Russian empire. Preached principles of materialistic philosophy and a realistic aesthetics. Promoted the statement of a new Georgian literary language. Opinions of the "Tergdaleulebi" were formed under influence of ideologists of Russian revolutionary democracy - V.G.Belinsky, N.G.Chernyshevsky, N.A.Dobroljubov, and also the European utopian socialists. To 2nd part of 1870s "Tergdaleulebi" as a common trend collapsed. In 1880-90s the so-called late "Tergdaleulebi" as well called the nation to a consensus, equality and unity.
