Akaki Tsereteli (1840 – 1915) – Georgian writer, public figure, and benefactor, one of the leaders of the national movement in the late 19th century. Tsereteli was born into a prominent noble family in Imereti and was related to King Solomon I of Imereti.
Educated at Kutaisi Gymnasium, he continued his studies at St. Petersburg University in 1859–1863. Tsereteli began writing poems early on, and upon returning to Georgia, he began publishing his poetry and prose as well as publicist works. He joined forces with Ilia Chavchavadze and campaigned against the older generation of Georgian nobles that refused to accept changes. He sought to revive the Georgian culture and language and published a series of articles in the magazine Tsiskari. He co-founded the Society for the Advancement of Learning among Georgians and the Georgian Drama Society and played an important role in the development of Georgian journalism.
He established and edited several popular magazines, including Akakis tviuri krebuli and Khumara. By the 1900s, Tsereteli, together with Ilia Chavchavadze, had become one of the most important leaders of the national movement, known simply as Akaki, and was crucial in reviving the Georgian national consciousness.
Tsereteli’s reputation as one of the finest Georgian writers is based on the numerous poems and novels he authored throughout his life. Among his major lyrics are Alexandra (1860), Simghera mkis dros, Glekhis aghsareba (1863), Tsitsinatela (1869), Mukhambazi, Aghmart-aghmart, Rom itsode chemi gulis dardebi (1876), Gazapkhuli (1881), Khanjals, Qebata qeba (1882), Amirani (1883), Chaghara(1886), Satrfos, Gantiadi (1892), Tqveni chirime (1905), Momakvdavis fiqrebi (1911). Many of his poems were turned into songs and Suliko (1895) still remains one of the most popular songs in Georgia.
Tsereteli’s epic poems include Bagrat didi (1875), Tornike Eristavi (1883), Tamar Tsbieri (1885), Kikolis Naambobi (1889), Patara Kakhi (1890), Natela (1897), and Gamzrdeli (1898). He proved to be an equally talented writer of prose, authoring Bashi-Achuki (1895–1896) and the insightful autobiographical Chemi tavgadasavali (1894–1908).
Tsereteli’s public prominence was fully revealed in 1908 when his 50th jubilee and trip to Racha-Lechkhumi became a national celebration that was attended by many Georgian writers and public figures and produced the very first Georgian documentary film.