Georgian Prince shines in 19th Century British The Times’ news articles

Ancient newspaper clippings describing the history of one of Georgia’s most distinguished noble families has been transferred from Ireland to Georgia.

The National Library of Ireland handed over several articles from 19th Century newspaper The Times to Georgia’s State Museum of Theatre, Cinema, Music and Choreography.

In one clipping, the Constantinople correspondent of The Times wrote: "While so much is heard of the Russian candidate for the Bulgarian throne, it may not be without interest to place before your readers some short biographical notes concerning the Prince of Mingrelia (a historical part of west Georgia) and his family and character.”

Prince Nicolas Dadiani is well bred and has a well cultivated mind. But his general education bears the stamp of that usually acquired by young men in Paris in early life. The Dadiani family having lived there for many years and being allied to the Murat family through the marriage of Prince Nicola’s sister with Prince P. Murat.”

The historic newspaper clipping. Photo by Georgia’s State Museum of Theatre, Cinema, Music and Choreography.

This was only a small excerpt from the articles gifted by Ireland to Georgia.

Head of Georgia’s State Museum of Theatre, Cinema, Music and Choreography Giorgi Kalandia said the collection of articles were of immense importance for Georgia.

This is the unique collection of correspondences describing the history of Georgia’s one of the most distinguished noble family of west Georgia’s Samegrelo region - the Dadiani family,” he said.

Pieces from one of the world famous newspaper The Times concerning the Georgian Prince Nikoloz Dadiani (Nicolas Dadiani) are especially noteworthy and precious.”

Kalandia said more than 100 printed copies of documents were handed over to the Georgian side that covered the time period from 1855 to 1886.

Photo by Georgia’s State Museum of Theatre, Cinema, Music and Choreography.

"I think the documents will be published very soon through cooperation with the Dadiani Palace of Samegrelo,” Kalandia said. 

The first small but significant portion of correspondences were dedicated to Georgia's first chess player Andria Dadiani. Photo by Georgia's State Museum of Theatre, Cinema, Music and Choreography.

The Museum director said negotiations were ongoing with the Irish museum regarding other "very significant pieces”.

The library intends to hand over a crucial copy related to Georgia’s Queen Ketevan,” he said, adding his thanks to the Irish museum for its "immense support”.

Samegrelo has played a major role in the history of Georgia. Since the late Middle Ages it has often been at the centre of Georgia’s political intrigues, military struggles and cultural development.

For centuries Samegrelo was ruled by the powerful Dadiani family. Over time the House of Dadiani has produced noted writers, historians, military leaders, statesmen and other famous personalities.