Students Pay Tribute to the Memory of Konstantine Abkhazi and the 14 Officers Executed with Him

Students of Georgian Technical University, together with the university administration representatives led by the Chairman (President) of the Supervisory Board, Professor Zurab Gudavadze, Dean of the Faculty of Law and International Relations, Professor Ivane Giorgadze, paid tribute to the memory of Konstantine Abkhazi — nephew of Ilia Chavchavadze, Major General of the Artillery of the National Army of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, member of the National Council of Georgia, chairman of the National Democratic Party, one of the founders of Tbilisi State University, one of the leaders of the national liberation movement of 1921–1923, member of the Independence Committee, head of the Military Center, and National Hero of Georgia — as well as the 14 officers and soldiers executed alongside him.

Students laid wreaths at the memorial in Vake Park dedicated to Major General Konstantine Abkhazi and the 14 members of the Military Center who were executed by the Cheka on May 20, 1923. Among those honored were General Aleksandre Andronikashvili, Major General Varden Tsulukidze; Colonels Giorgi Khimshiashvili, Rostom Muskhelishvili, Alexander Machavariani and Elizbar Gulisashvili; Officers Ivane Kutateladze and Nikoloz Zandukeli; Rotmistrz Simon Bagration-Mukhraneli and Parnaoz Karalashvili; as well as Iason Kereselidze, Levan Klimiashvili, Dimitri Chrdileli, and Simon Chiabrishvili.

As the students noted, 103 years after the execution of these Georgian patriots, the heroism of the 15 Georgians who faced their executioners with courage and dignity remains a moral example for future generations.

According to the Chairman of the GTU Supervisory Board, the history of Georgia is marked by outstanding examples of individuals who fought for national dignity, statehood, and freedom, leaving future generations a legacy of civic responsibility and patriotism.

“Honoring the memory of Major General Konstantine Abkhazi and his comrades is an expression of national memory, civic consciousness, and devotion to the idea of freedom. Kote Abkhazi and the members of the Military Center belonged to a generation that sacrificed their lives to defend the independence and national dignity of Georgia. It is especially important that today’s youth and students become familiar with the heroic pages of our country’s recent history that preserved the idea of Georgian statehood during the most difficult years. It is our great responsibility to share with future generations examples of truth, freedom, and love for the homeland, reflected in the lives and work of Konstantine Abkhazi and his Like-minded people. Their sacrifice continues to remind us that independence requires constant protection, responsibility, and unity.”

  – Professor Zurab Gudavadze

For information, Konstantine Abkhazi and the 14 men executed alongside him were posthumously awarded the Order of National Hero 100 years after their deaths.