კვლავ ძველი ქართული მწერლობის პერიოდებისა და მიჯნებისათვის
Towards Periods and Boundaries of Old Georgian Literature

Summary/Abstract: Nowadays, the problem of the periodization of Georgian writings is very actual among literary critics. There arises a question: Is it correct to regard V-XVIII-century writings as Old Georgian literature, or to distinguish it from New and Brand New writings? Should we differentiate between ecclesiastic and secular types in early period? Should we restore the term for ecclesiastic literature that expresses its function? The issue of the periodization of Georgian literature and their naming is quite arguable. The tradition of matching literary processes to social-economical formations was neglected. In return, new literary terms denoting these concepts have emerged: Hellenization period, aesthetic determinations: eidetic, iconic, personally aesthetic and others. The article deals with the above mentioned issues and on the basis of scientific researches the author tries to prove that Old Georgian Literature (V-XVIII centuries) is a whole. Typologically, it belongs to the middle ages, it is medieval, reflectional traditionalism is its main characteristic. The history of the development of the literature naturally means separate stages, periods. I consider that the scheme of periodization, worked out by K. Kekelidze does not inquire further drastic changes. Still, more concreteness can be brought into the determination of each period. Stages corresponding to the processes of European literature can be pointed out, expressed by European terms: proto-renaissance, mannerism, baroque, classicism… This is the way Russian medievalists regard the process of the development of Russian literature (IX-XVII centuries). We should also take into consideration R. Siradze’s conception about the principles of periodization of Ancient Georgian writings. Georgian Medieval literature should traditionally be divided into four periods: I – The period of the emergence and development of sacral writings (IV-XI centuries). Aesthetics of iconic imagining is peculiar for that period. II – Classical period of medieval literature (XII-XIII centuries). From this period we witness the secularization of writings, signs of proto-renaissance are singled out. Artistic aesthetics, “Synthetic Aesthetics” is characteristic of this literature. III – Period of stagnation of medieval writings (IV-XV centuries). Aesthetic innovations are not peculiar for this epoch. IV – Last period of medieval writing (XVI-XVIII centuries). Signs of mannerism, baroque, classicism are spotted. It is implied, that in the nominations of periods only dominant literary tendencies are reflected.

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