FROM A BATTLE OF IDEAS TO A DUEL - A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ON POLEMICS

Abstract

In Georgia in the 1890s, a duel captured the public's attention. On February 29, 1880, the famous public figure Niko Nikoladze challenged the well-known writer and publicist Ilia Chavchavadze to a duel, following a lengthy controversy. The duel did not take place. As the first biographer of Ilya, Gr. Kipshidze imagines that Simborski, one of Niko Nikoladze's subordinates (the note is ours - K.B., D.Ch.). As a kind-hearted man, tried to reconcile the opponents. When he realized he couldn't do anything, he started complaining. Because none of them were fatal. Whether this was the reason or another circumstance was involved is somewhat unknown, but fortunately, the case ended in reconciliation. Ilia Chavchavadze's financial and banking activities are primarily studied by economists, while Niko Nikoladze's letters are mainly examined by literary researchers. However, the investigation of the reasons behind the duel is portrayed as an initial endeavor.

The paper reviews the highly polemical letters exchanged between former associates, Ilia Chavchavadze and Niko Nikoladze. In addition, the opinions of other individuals involved in the controversy, such as Akaki Tsereteli and Sergey Meskhi, regarding the aforementioned dispute are also presented.

Keywords: „Droeba“; „Obzori”; economy;  bank; controversy; duel.