ETHNIC-DEMOGRAPHIC SITUATION IN SAMTSKHE-JAVAKHETI 20 TH CENTURY IN THE 40 S AND 50 S

Abstract

Samtskhe-Javakheti constantly experienced a high rate of migrations, which affected regions religion and ethnicity. Even when comparing to Georgia’s complex ethnical composition, country’s southern area always had exceptional ethnic and religious diversity.

Research aims to analyze documentation, research papers and other sources to gain better understanding of Samtskhe-Javakheti Demography during 1940-50 period. Starting from 1944, after the Muslim population was deported from the region, government started displacing its own citizens from different regions to Samtskhe-Javakheti villages. Both deportation and displacement of citizens happened with great haste, but also quite operatively.

Based on archives, study shows number of immigrated families, as well as direction of resettlement. Study also indicates the government’s policy during these “immigration operations” and analyzes hardships that followed to these forced resettlements.

Based on the facts and sources studied during the research, it is safe to say that forced migrations during 1940s and 50s greatly changed Samtskhe-Javakheti’s population and ethnic diversity.

Key words: Samtskhe-Javakheti; Population; Migration; Demographics of Georgia;