TRENDS IN THE DECLINE OF ARMENIAN PARTICIPATION IN THE POLITICAL LIFE OF TIFLIS (1918–1921)

Abstract

The article examines the involvement of the Armenian community of Tbilisi in the political life of the Democratic Republic of Georgia (1918-1921) and the reasons for the decline of this influence.

Despite the establishment of democratic principles and the policy of ensuring legal equality for national minorities, as reflected in the Declaration of Independence, the decline of the political role of the Armenian community was influenced by both the national strategy of the state and internal and regional factors. The study indicates that the national policies and legislative regulations adopted by the Georgian authorities hindered the participation of Armenians in the state administration system. Specifically, civil and linguistic restrictions reduced the political influence of the Armenian community. The newly formed state's national strategy aimed to limit non-Georgian communities' involvement in state and local governance structures.

The analysis of the Tbilisi City Council elections shows that although Armenians had previously played a significant role in municipal self-governance processes, the priorities of the newly established state reduced their influence.

The study is based on analyzing legislative documents, contemporary press, and certain archival data to reveal how Georgian national policy was shaped and implemented. It also highlights the efforts of the Armenian community of Tbilisi to overcome restrictions on political activity. However, internal organizational challenges and external political developments hindered their participation in the political life of Tbilisi.

The study reveals that the decline in the political activity of the Armenian community may have been linked to nationalist approaches within the political elite of Georgia, which influenced decision-making processes and restricted the Armenian community’s involvement in state and political affairs. Additionally, internal issues within the Armenian community also contributed to this decline.

The study indicates that the decline in the Armenian community's political activity may have been linked to nationalist tendencies within Georgia's political elite. These tendencies influenced decision-making processes and limited the Armenian community's participation in state and political affairs. Additionally, internal issues within the Armenian community contributed to this decline.