THE ADVENTURE OF JOSEP JEHODA HALEVI CHORNI TO KUTAISI

Abstract

In this article, we paid attention to the ethnographic, historical, and cultural aspects of Jewish community in Kutaisi, their relationship with the local inhabitants described by the Jewish traveler and explorer, Joseph Judah Chorny. The traveler aimed to seek the clues of ten Jewish communities at the Caucasian and Persian regions; he strived to find out historical information about customs, toponymic of the settlements, historical manuscripts, valuable antiquities, artefacts, and other documentary clues about those communities. He was also interested in the Jewish inscriptions, epitaphs, and written monuments (including the oldest samples of The Bible). 

Joseph Judah Chorny visited Kutaisi three times during that voyage. He gave us valuable and sufficient information about Jewish community in Kutaisi. His work tells us not only about the way of life and customs of the Jewish people; he gives the recommendations for his compatriots for how to get rid of the wretched life, how to release from the false beliefs and receive the European education. After visiting Gori, Tskhinvali and Surami, Chorni initially attended Kutaisi on 05 November 1869. Secondly, Chorni visited the city after one year, at the springtime with his companions. At the third time, Chorni intended to visit the village Sachino, near Kutaisi. So, he decided to stay in the city also.

Search keywords: Georgians, Jewish, religion and ethnic identity, diaspora.