ALEKSANDRE (ALYOSHA) SVANIDZE (1884-1941)

Abstract

Alexander (Alyosha) Svanidze (1884–1941) - Assyriologist, orientalist, historian, economist, financier, public figure, an extremely educated, aristocratic, intelligent person, whose name has been forgotten for various reasons. Many unknown important deeds are associated with his name: he was Stalin's brother-in-law and an indispensable advisor in making domestic and foreign decisions of the country, and while holding responsible positions, he did a lot for Georgia, to save the Georgian treasury and the Ekvtime Takaishvili library, to support Georgian science and personally, Ivane Javakhishvili, with his zeal the anniversary of Shota Rustaveli was held and Mr. etc.

Aleksandre Svanidze's life is divided into two parts - socio-political and socio-scientific. These two spheres of his life periodically alternated with each other, although if he had concentrated on them, his scientific potential would have brought much more to the country. He wanted to pursue science with all his heart, but unfortunately, as he himself said: "The dream of escaping from the abomination of human society and the extreme personal misery of every person arising from it" and settling in his native village could not be fulfilled for various reasons - he fell victim to repressions.

On November 1 (14), 2024, Aleksandre Svanidze would have turned 140 years old. Hopefully, his biography will raise many new issues in the study of the history of the early 20th century in various directions, and his scientific research will take its rightful place in historiography, which will undoubtedly be a great acquisition for Georgian science.

Keywords: Aleksandre Svanidze; Stali; Ancient Near East; Assyriolog; Hittitology; Hrozny.