Tamaz Beradze Institute of Georgian Studies, University of Georgia
Senior Research Fellow
Source Studies
Doctor of History
Tbilisi, Georgia
bxorava@yahoo.com
Abstract
A state is divided into administrative-territorial units to facilitate and maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the state mechanism across its entire territory. The system of local government and administration is established in accordance with this administrative-territorial division. When determining administrative-territorial boundaries, various factors are typically considered, including physical-geographical conditions, as well as economic, political, historical, cultural, and linguistic elements. Socio-economic characteristics must also be taken into account: the nature, level, and prospects of economic development; the potential utilization of local natural resources; the layout of communication networks; population size and density; and the compact settlement of ethnic groups, among others. Following the conquest of Georgia by the Russian Empire, an administrative-territorial structure characteristic of the empire was established in the country. Guberniyas (Provinces), Oblasts (regions), and Okrugs (districts) were created, which were further subdivided into Uyezds (counties). These counties, in turn, were partitioned into smaller administrative-territorial units known as police sectors (Uchastoks). During the period within the Russian Empire, the borders of Georgia’s administrative-territorial units and the names of inhabited settlements underwent frequent changes. The alteration of administrative boundaries was sometimes driven not only by administrative needs but also by political motives, aiming to weaken the "Georgian factor." Local geographical names were replaced with those of members of the imperial family, Russian civil and military officials, or Russified religious names. As a result of migration processes, historical Georgian toponyms were either translated or supplanted by foreign-language designations.
Keywords: Georgia; Russian Empire; nineteenth–twentieth centuries; administrative-territorial division.