Heroes of my city and their stories

 Natia Mekokokishvili

                                                           Vasil Gulisashvili

 Vasil was born in Giorgitsminda, Sagarejo district. His father was Zaqaria Gulisashvili, a celebrated public figure and educational specialist, a leading representative of Georgian National Movement.

Vasil Gulisashvili was a great investigator and intimate of Georgian nature. Georgian press had named  him as ,,Mindia of Georgia” (Mindia was Georgian epic conjurer hero, who understood language  of nature, animals and plants.)

And this is true that Vasil Gulisashvili named after “Mindia of Georgia” did know pains and sorrows of trees and nature of Georgia as well. Thats why he was always its great supporter and struggled as knight with unsheathed sword for its preservation and protection until the downhill of his life.

The fact that Georgian mountain forests were saved from total cutting down as one of the many contributions of Vasil Gulisashvili. As soon as he had heard of chopping down of a single oak he would make very loud objections. It was very often that he said “georgian oak is a symbol of georgian power. Our nature will never forgive us if ne neglect him.”

Indeed the prophecy of the wise man became true, when in 1987-89 nature took its revenge in Svaneti. Also in 1996-1998 there were many natural disasters with floods, windstorms, drought in Georgia by spontaneous cutting down of forests. As a consequence, more than 212 million Lari damage was caused by an incomplete estimations.

Vasil Gulisashvili got his professional education in a Forestry Technical Academy in Saint-Petersburg. He graduated from the faculty of forestry in 1926 and then from faculty of chemical technology of wood in 1930.

Vasil Gulisashvili came back in georgia in 30s and served for protection and investigation of georgian nature during all his life. In 1935-36 he was an acting director of Transcaucasian scientific-research institute of forestry. From 1935 until 1945 he was a head of department of ecology in institute of botanics. In 1937-1939 he works at forestry technical institute as a deputy director. In 1937-1960 he was a head of the general forestry department in georgian agricultural institute. From 1944 till 1952 he also works as a director of the botanical gardens of georgia.

Vasil Gulisashvili is a founder of mountain forestry as a science as well as founder of powerful school of georgian forestry scientists.

powerful school of georgian forestry scientists.

Vasil Gulisashvili has written many fundamental scientific articles, 23 monographs. Among them is to be noticed "General Forestry" in two-volumes issued repeatedly several times and "Mountain Forestry"(1956), which became a main manual not only for Caucasian forests, but also for Crimea and Carpathian mountain forests as well and for mountain forests in general. This is why this book got world- wide recognition and was published in Chinese in 1959.

Forestry Institute has issued about 30 volumes of scientific works under leadership of Vasil Gulisashvili, where matters of soil science, social-ecological functions of forests, wood plants acclimatization and introinduction, bioecological, anatomical-physiological, wood science and conducting of economy in mountain forests are discussed. A six-volume issue "Dendroflora of Caucasus" made under his direction is of a great interest of scientists.

 "Plant Ecology" (1960) and "Basics of Conservancy of Nature" (1973, 1983) by V. Gulisashvili were the first manuals for academy students in Georgian. They played a major role in ecological education of students and of Georgian population on the whole.

  Vasil Gulisashvili was a tireless traveller and explorer of nature. He had traveled over the forests of Caucasian mountains. The results of his explorations are reflected in his monograph "Historical Districts and Natural Zones in Caucasus" (1964), in which separation of Caucasus forests in 14 natural-historical districts is thoroughly substantiated. in 1944 he was elected a corresponding member of georgian academy of sciences and in 1946 a member of georgian academy of sciences. Today, th mountain forestry institute of georgia academy of sciences is named after him.

  Contributions of V. Gulisashvili as a public figure are priceless. He was an initiator of many state arrangements on the subject of preservation of Georgian nature.

Contributions of V. Gulisashvili as a public figure are priceless. He was an initiator of many state arrangements on the subject of preservation of Georgian nature.

In October 1979, at fall of the leaves, a patriarch of the Georgian forests, great explorer, guardian and supporter of Georgian nature passed away. The day he was buried was rainy, as if the nature itself mourned for its devoted guardian.

                                 Levan Tediashvili

   Levan Tediashvili was born on March 15, 1948 in Sagarejo, a Georgian and Soviet athlete, he is a freestyle wrestler. Honored Master of Sports of the Soviet Union. Knight of the Order of Vakhtang Gorgasli II degree, International Olympic Committee, Phila, Orders of Honor. In 1973, he was named the best athlete of the Soviet Union

    Karkadan is a Persian mythological character, a huge rhinoceros. Its size and strength struck fear into the people of Persia, Arabia, and some African countries. According to myths, he had a horn so big that it could bite even an elephant. Just like Karkadan, Tediashvili first dressed freestyle wrestlers as elephants, and then sambi wrestlers.

 That day is written in golden letters in history, and in Iran, Levan with unearthly physical data was remembered for a long time, who won the heart of the Shah himself with his brilliant speech

2-time Olympic Games champion (1972, 1976) in freestyle wrestling, 4-time world (1971, 1973, 1974, 1975) and 3-time European champion (1974, 1976, 1978). Winner of the World Cup (1973). World Sambo Champion (1973)

   Levan Tediashvili is the only wrestler who won the title of champion in three different weight categories: he won the Olympic and World Championships in 82 and 90 kg weights, and he won the European champion title in 100 kg weight category.

This is interesting*

    Karkadan is a Persian mythological character, a huge rhinoceros. Its size and strength struck fear into the people of Persia, Arabia, and some African countries. According to myths, he had a horn so big that it could bite even an elephant. Just like Karkadan, Tediashvili first dressed freestyle wrestlers as elephants, and then sambi wrestlers.

 That day is written in golden letters in history, and in Iran, Levan with unearthly physical data was remembered for a long time, who won the heart of the Shah himself with his brilliant speech.

                                      Medea Mezvrishvili

     A woman-figure, a selfless and dedicated child of her native area, a true patriot and a worthy citizen, standing by her side in times of trouble or drought, a supporter of people and a cheerleader, tough at first glance, but in the end she has a gentle nature and warm, extraordinary human qualities.

It was similar to Georgian oak with its iron durability, unbreakability and durability.

She did Georgian work every day... Not even a newspaper format, not even a book can fit the list of things done by Mrs. Medico. she felt and experienced all the problems of Georgia. In particular, she thought about the survival of the Georgian countryside. she did everything to stop migration from mountain villages. It created proper conditions for the mountaineers not to leave their homes. she knew very well that every empty house was inhabited.

   If it wasn't for Medico Mezvrishvili, the ancient Georgian civilization would not have appeared in the desert of Davit Gareji in BC. year Proto-city names of XII-X centuries. she first found for archaeologists the difficult-to-accept right to decipher aerial photographs, and to study the archaeological monuments discovered as a result of these works, he built a brilliantly equipped base in the desert, for which he built an access road, electricity and water supply for dozens of kilometers.

If it was not for Medico Mezvrishvili, the villages of Sagarejo district-Giorgitsminda, Ninotsminda and Mariamjvar would have different names today, which she tried to prevent more than once.

If it wasn't for Medico Mezvrishvili, a Georgian person would hardly have passed through the Davit Gareji desert today. she saved this whole area of our country.

If it wasn't for Medico Mezvrishvili, the historical-archaeological museum of the desert, whose exposition was organized at the level of European standards, would not have been built in the well-equipped Georgian village of the desert.

If it wasn't for Medico Mezvrishvili, the plan could not have started in the desert - moderate international archeological works, which made the biggest contribution to the research of the ancient past of our country.

 If it was not not for Medico Mezvrishvili, Chailuri and Manavi prisons and others would not have been restored in compliance with all the laws on the protection of monuments. If it wasn't for Medico Mezvrishvili, the session of the UNESCO Pre- and Pro-History Commission on the problems of the ancient past of the Caucasus would not have been organized in Sagarejo, which had a great international response.

Medico - a lover of people, unfaithful, grateful for friendship, the savior of the hungry, the comforter of the inconsolable, the forgiving of personal enemies, the head of the estate's enemies.

The woman who overcame the ancient barrier and erected a monument to King Erekles II, left a number of cultural and sports facilities to her descendants as a spiritual journey. she built the village "Udabno", preserved and revived "Davit Gareji", "Shuamti" and "Alaverdi" monastic complexes. The final gift of "Saint Nino" to the city of Telavi.

                           Panteleimon Shioshvili

 Panteleimon Shioshvili was born in Ninotsminda, Sagarejo district.He was major and general of Georgian army.
He ran from from home,when he was 18 and started learning in Georgian school of commanders.He was a really successful student and soon got high ranks as a soldier.

Panteleimon along with other Georgian soldiers went in war and returned with great success.He took a big part in war and was rewarded with many medals and orders.He was a hero of our city and even after war he didn’t stop working for his people,he read lectures and educated next soldiers.Sadly,he passed away in 2001.

Mikheil Winwaradze

Another great hero from our city is Mikheil Winwaradze.He was born in Patardzeuli,Sagarejo district.When he grew up he got education in university and then he started learning at military and navy organisations.He became a successful marine soldier.

When the war started he was serving Black Sea fleet.He completed many important missions and saved many of his people.After the war ended he was rewarded with many medals.When he got old he started helping raise future heroes.Unfortunately,he passed away in 1981.

Giorgi Bilanishvili

Giorgi Bilanishvili was a great person,who fought for his country and people.He was born in Patardzeuli,Sagarejo district in 1917.He got education in Tbilisi and also continued learning after finishing university.He also studied at military school,which he finished in 1939 as a lieutenant .

Besides,serving his country,he also helped save Ukraine in 1941.He was a person,who would fight for freedom and help others.After war,he returned as a hero of not only his people.He was rewarded with many rewards and orders.People still acknowledge his braveness and heroic deeds.Sadly,he passed away in 1969,at the age of 53.

Abkhazian heroes of our city

Badri    Kuzanashvili

Badri Kuzanashvili was a great hero from Sagarejo.When Badri was young he got education in Tbilisi.He finished school succesfully and went to university.After that he went in army and started working there.Badri was a respected person by all.He created a family in Sagarejo and lived happily.

Everyone appreciated Badri and said he was a good person. Sadly,that happiness didn’t last for a long time.After having 2 children with his wife war started and Badri went to save his country by his own choice.He fought alongside his friends.Unfortunately,he died in war,at the age of 26.

Badri was buried with great honor.

Vaja Qitiashvili

Vaja Qitaishvili was born in Manavi,Sagarajo district.He went to school there and after graduating he studied at university.It must be said that he was really successful at his own profession.When the war started he wanted to pariticipate as a volunteer in a special forces called “White Eagle”.

While serving in “White Eagle” he was promoted as a sniper.As soon as war started he went to defend his own country and save innocent civilians.As we know he was shot in shoulder.Unfortunately doctors couldn’t save him and Vaja passed away only at the age of 20.

He will be remembered as a true hero,who fought for his country.

Tamaz (Ramaz) Chikartadze

Ramaz Chikartadze was an ordinary boy, he also loved life, lived like thousands of his peers. His relatives treated him as a child, but he was already a man, he had already found his way, he just had to live as a man.

When he revealed his desire to his relatives and told them that he should go to Abkhazia as a volunteer, they tried to persuade the inexperienced young man to change his decision, but he firmly stated: "Boys are dying there, they are my equal to Arya, my place is there" and left without saying goodbye to his family members.

He made the choice himself, he demanded to be sent directly to the front. Ramaz fought with Tamish. The young man from Sagarejo sacrificed the most precious thing of his homeland - his life.

                                 Vakhtang Tediashvili

    He was a self-taught artist. He created and left us many interesting canvases. He was the son of good parents: the son of the legendary Levan Tediashvili and candidate of medical sciences Nanuli Mchedlishvili. In the family environment, he received  qualities, kindness, kindness, humor. He was well versed in weapons. Tediashvili considered the pain of Georgia to be the pain of their own family. Therefore, the family was not surprised by Vakhtang's decision to go to fight in the war in Abkhazia. Mr. Levan Tediashvili of the Ministry of Defense gave a helicopter bought with his own funds. Father and son Tediashvili flew to Sukhumi together and enlisted together in the ranks of the "Avaza" battalion.

     Vakhtang Tediashvili was wounded in front of his father, the bleeding could not be stopped. Undefeated Palavan - L. Tediashvili carried his son in his arms. The son died in his father's arms.On November 25, 1998, Vakhtang Tediashvili was posthumously awarded the Order of Vakhtang Gorgasli III degree.On September 22, 1993, during the war in Abkhazia, the 19-year-old son of Levan Tediashvili, Vakhtang, was killed by an exploded plane at Babushera airport.