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Artificial Change of Toponymy as a Tool of Propaganda of 

Soviet Ideology 
Nana Khotcholava-Matchavariani1*, Nino Jorbenadze2, 

Ketevan Rekhviashvi3, Lela Chotalishvili4 

 

Abstract 

Toponymy, this original area of the vocabulary of the language, is a kind of guide, since taking into account the 

conclusions obtained on the basis of its scientific study is the best way to fully understand nature, historical past, 

culture, migration, and the existence of a particular country. We consider it especially important to include 

toponymy as an auxiliary discipline in the educational process of general education schools. With this goal, since 

2022, we have started work on the project "Georgia through Toponymy". The topic turned out to be very diverse. 

This time, we present only one aspect of the project - "Artificial change of toponymy as a tool of propaganda of 

Soviet ideology". It is important to observe the artificial change of preselected toponyms to give students an 

understanding of the tragic history of 20th-century Bolshevism-infected Georgia, which is still not fully 

appreciated and underestimated by modern society. We selected the toponym "Leselidze" as a sample. This is a 

striking example of artificial toponym change. The change was implemented in 3 stages, and each stage was 

determined by the historical context. Our conclusion is as follows: Toponym is a linguistic historical document. 

It is necessary to include toponymy achievements in the educational process. 

Keywords: Toponymy, Soviet ideology, The conquest of the Caucasus by Russia, Toponym “Leselidze”, Project teaching models. 

Introduction 

School programs are based on fundamental sciences, and since science is developing at a rapid pace, 

it is necessary to incorporate its achievements in educational processes in a timely and effective manner. 

We consider it interesting to gradually include the achievements of toponymy in the educational 

programs of general education schools in different directions. 

Students show special interest in the recent history of Georgia. The occupation of the Democratic 

Republic of Georgia, the criminal ideology of the Bolshevik government, has not yet been adequately 

studied in Georgian historiography. This flaw can be seen in school textbooks as well. To effectively 

include toponymy in the learning process, it is necessary to select appropriate toponymy taking into 

account school programs, knowing the selected toponyms and a number of issues related to them with 

project teaching models, creating and reviewing a presentation sample, and forming certain 

recommendations for teachers. 
Taking into account the topic, we choose any interesting toponym and offer the students a 

presentation prepared by us as a sample (the presentation sample is enriched with appropriate visuals). 

We will present it ourselves and discuss it together with the students. Division of students into groups. 

Giving a task to each group; Preparation of works by students and their presentation step by step; 

Review and evaluation of work. 
We selected the toponym "Leselidze" as a sample. This is a striking example of artificial toponym 

change. The change was implemented in 3 stages, and each stage was determined by the historical 

context, the location of this geographical object and the historical-political issues related to it. 

Methods and Materials 

 
1 Department of Lexicology, Arnold Chikobava Institute of Linguistics, Georgia 
2 Department of Georgian Speech Culture, Arnold Chikobava Institute of Linguistics, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State 

University, Georgia 
3 Leading teacher in Georgian Language/Literature and Civic Education, LEPL-Davit Sarajishvili Tbilisi Public School #16, 

Georgia 
4 Institute of Classical Philology, Byzantinistics and Modern Greek Studies, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, 

Georgia 

* Corresponding author: mzeshina@mail.com 

 



Khocholava-Matchavariani et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2023, Vol.3 (2) 

The geographical object, the name changes of which we have to talk about, is in Georgia, in the 

territory of the currently occupied Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia. The township is located near the 

Georgia-Russia border on the Black Sea plane. 

Until the end of the 19th century, this place was called Gechripsh, the etymology of which is 

presented in special literature as follows: Gechripsh - "Gechbes' area, residence" (Gechbes were the 

owners of this place, Gechba - the lineage of the nobles of the Jiks ethnic group). 

To correctly perceive the changes in this toponym, it is necessary for students to repeat a number of 

issues from the material learned in history and to become acquainted with additional new material. 

 
Figure 1. Stages of toponym changes 

Results 

I stage of toponym change (Gechripshi> Ermelovsky) 

The Gechbs, who owned Gechripshi, turned out to be the victims of Muhajir (emigration), and they 

were forcibly deported to Ottomans in 1864. In 1894, the Minister of Agriculture and Property of the 

Russian Empire Ermolov came here on a special assignment. After that, the township of Gechripsh was 

officially renamed Ermelovsky in his honor. 

To understand the reasons and essence of the I stage of toponym change, it is necessary to familiarize 

and discuss the following issues: 

1. Abkhazia - historical part of Georgia. Although many issues of the history of Abkhazia require 

further scientific study, various historical sources undoubtedly confirm the following: Georgians and 

Abkhazians lived side by side here for many centuries. 

The kingdom of Abkhazians was one of the Georgian feudal kingdoms in the middle centuries (8th-

10th). In the 19th century, Russia annexed the territory of Abkhazia and abolished the principality of 

Abkhazia. In the 20th century, Abkhazia was still part of Georgia. After the conflict (in 1992-1993), 

the territory of Abkhazia was occupied by the Russian Federation and was de facto ruled by a separatist 

regime. 

2. Who were the JIks? Since the ethnic group of JIks was named, let us determine what we know 

about them. Jiks were representatives of the Iberian-Caucasian family. The language of the Jiks and the 

language of the Abkhazians are considered dialects of the same language. The Jiks used to live across 

the ridge, and according to Strabo, they are newly settled in the Black Sea region [2]. After the conquest 

of the Caucasus by Russia (19th), its government forcibly relocated approximately 20 thousand Jiks 

from the coast. After that, the JIks disappeared from the arena of history. 

3. The conquest of the Caucasus by Russia. In the 19th century, the conquest of the peoples of the 

Caucasus by Russia lasted for many years (1817-1864). It ended with the annexation of the Caucasus, 

•Gechripshi> 
Ermelovsky

I stage

•Ermelovsky>Leselidze 

II stage
•Leselidze>Gechrifsh 

III stage



Khocholava-Matchavariani et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2023, Vol.3 (2) 

the destruction of some mountain peoples. As a result of Russia's conquest of the peoples of the 

Caucasus, a significant part of the native population of the Caucasus was forced to emigrate to the 

Ottoman Empire, which is known as the “Caucasian Muhajiro”. 

Many issues will be raised during the presentation, so we consider it necessary to analyse each stage 

of toponym change. 

What did the empire want to achieve? To erase the historical memory of the conquered Caucasian 

peoples; The story of the emigration of a particular family should be forgotten; To establish and in the 

future to perceive surnames of Russian origin as natural; The name of this geographical object was 

identified with the name of the new owner, a Russian official;  To become a reference that the service 

of the Russian Empire was valued; In the consciousness of the people, this geographical area was 

established as one of the settlements of the Russian Empire;  Along with other rights the local population 

was limited in their ability to perceive and name the environment in their native language. 

 II stage of toponym change (Ermelovsky>Leselidze) 

In 1944, the township of Ermelovsky of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, included in Soviet 

Georgia, was named "Leselidze" after the Soviet general of the Second World War, Konstantine 

Leselidze. 

Issues to be discussed: 

1. Biography of K. Leselidze. Konstantine Leselidze was born in 1903. He has been a member of 

the Communist Union since 1920. In 1921, he became a cadet of the Caucasus Red Banner Army. In 

1924, he participated in the suppression of anti-Soviet demonstrations in Georgia. In 1934 and 1937, he 

was a delegate of the congresses of the Communist Party of Georgia. From 1942, he fought against 

Hitler's Germany on the Transcaucasian front, he was the commander of the troops of the North 

Caucasus Front. In 1943, he was awarded the military rank of colonel general. Leselidze died in 1944. 

In Moscow, in a military hospital. 

In 1971, he was awarded the title of Hero of the USSR. In 1974, his remains were transferred to the 

Pantheon of Writers and Public Figures, a bust was placed on the street named after him in Tbilisi, and 

the streets of many districts and cities of Georgia were named after him. 

From Leselidze's biography, it is clear that he aspired to a Bolshevik and military career from his 

youth and succeeded. He was awarded the rank of Colonel-General of the Soviet Army, and after his 

death - the title of Hero of the USSR. Apart from township Leselidze, the streets of many Georgian 

cities were named after him. 

2. The Democratic Republic of Georgia and its occupation by Bolshevik Russia. We must 

definitely touch upon that fateful time when a change took place in the history of Georgia and the 

independent country became part of the USSR. From that time, everything changes radically - turned 

upside down. Toponyms have also changed [4]. 

In 1918, the Democratic Republic of Georgia was established. t was difficult but still successful, moving 

forward in all directions and becoming a democratic state. In 1921, the Red Army invaded the 

Democratic Republic of Georgia. Its goal was to establish a Bolshevik regime in the country and to 

annex and occupy the territory of Georgia. In 1922, Georgia joined the Union of Soviet Socialist 

Republics. The history of independent Georgia stopped for several decades. 

3. 1924 Anti-Soviet uprising Georgia. Soon after the occupation of Georgia, the resistance 

movement started, and in 1924, a general popular uprising took place. Its goal was to liberate Georgia 

from the Soviet occupation and restore the democratic republic. On the one hand stood an enormous 

empire; on the other hand, small Georgia and Europe had only moral and verbal support. The rebellion 

was defeated. Defeat was followed by brutal terror and repression... 

4. The history of the name one of the oldest streets in Tbilisi. Here, let us become acquainted with 

the history of the name of one of the famous streets of Tbilisi because, apart from being very interesting, 

it is also related to the name of our research toponym (Leselidze). This street was created in the Middle 

Ages and was called the "Middle Market". Historically, it was the section of the ancient caravan road 

connecting East and West. Over the centuries, its name has changed many times: “Middle 

Bazaar”>1867 Pavle Tsitsyanov (military, statesman of the Russian Empire)>1876 “Armenian 

market”>1938 Silibistro Todria (Bolshevik)>1944 K. Leselidze (hero of the USSR, Colonel-general of 



Khocholava-Matchavariani et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2023, Vol.3 (2) 

the USSR)> 2006 Kote Abkhazi (military and public figure of the Democratic Republic of Georgia). 

Today, this street is named after Kote Abkhazi. 

5. Biography of K. Abkhazi. Konstantine (Kote) Abkhazi (1867-1923) was a representative branch 

of the princes of Abkhazia - Sharvashidzes - established in eastern Georgia. This person has an 

invaluable contribution to the independence, statehood, and culture of Georgia. He was Major General 

of Artillery of the National Army of the Democratic Republic of Georgia (1918); Member of the 

National Council of Georgia (1917-1919); One of the founders of Tbilisi State University (1918); 

Active participant in the restoration of autocephaly of the Georgian Orthodox Apostolic Church (1917); 

One of the authors of the Act of Independence of Georgia (1918); One of the founders of the Georgian 

National Army from the date of occupation-annexation of Georgia by Bolshevik Russia. One of the 

leaders of the liberation movement of the Georgian nation and the military center of this committee was 

created under his initiative. In February 1923, the Chekists arrested him together with the officers of 

the military center and shot him. 

It is clear from biography that K. Abkhaz is a hero fighting for the independence of Georgia. There 

should be a street named after him in Tbilisi. 

Taking into account all these issues, the merits of K. Leselidze should be evaluated in a new way 

and, accordingly, the reasons for the toponym changes that are interesting to us. 

How to evaluate Leselidze's life and work? Merit: Bravery, military skills in the fight against fascism. 

A crime: 1924 Participation in the suppression of the anti-Soviet uprising of Georgia; Loyal service to 

the Soviet system. Conclusion: 1. He was rightfully awarded the title of Hero of the USSR. 2. Leselidze 

is not a hero of Georgia! 3. Today, his name should not be confirmed as the names of geographical 

objects. 

Analysis of the 2nd stage of toponym change: 1) With the glorification of Leselidze in 1924 erasing 

the heroism of the fighters who died for the restoration of Georgia's independence. 2) Glorifying the 

faithful servants of Bolshevism as an example. 3) The deepening of the rift between Georgians and 

Abkhazians, which the Russian Empire created from the beginning of the 19th century. 

Stage III of toponym change (Leselidze>Gechrifsh) 

After the war in Abkhazia, Leselidze was again called Gechrifsh. 

Issues to be discussed: 

1. Changes in Soviet toponyms after the collapse of the USSR. Immediately after the collapse of 

the Soviet Union, in Georgia, the return of historical names began at a rapid pace. Soviet toponymy, as 

a tool of propaganda, could not withstand the spirit of the era and, by the will of the people, disappeared 

from the country's geography. 

2. 1992-1993 war in Abkhazia and its consequences. It was a war secretly provoked and organized 

by Russia between the government troops of Georgia and a part of separatist ethnic Abkhazians. After 

the fall of Sukhumi (1993), separatist fighters shot members of the local government and brutally 

assaulted the peaceful Georgian population of Abkhazia. It was ethnic cleansing, and the Abkhaz people 

also suffered heavy losses. The country received the most victims. Even today, the region of Abkhazia, 

which enjoys de facto independence from Georgia, faces serious social and economic problems. 

3. Metamorphoses of toponymy in Abkhazia – “Toponymic war". In Abkhazia, there was always 

a deliberate change in geographical names, which was conditioned by political events. Several stages 

are distinguished. After the end of the war in Abkhazia, changes will take place in two directions: a) 

Georgian toponyms are replaced by Russian, Abkhaz, and Armenian names; b) Georgian names differ 

with certain transcriptional changes [1, 3]. 

Analysis of the III stage of toponym change: 1) The change Gechrib > Leselidze restores the 

historical reality; therefore, it is justified. 2) Even after the return of the Autonomous Republic of 

Abkhazia to the state of Georgia, Gechripshi should remain. The starting point for us is that Abkhazia 

is the homeland for both peoples. 3) Toponymy war is only harmful to history and the future. Author(s) 

can divide the resalt section into the subsections. 

Conclusion 

Teaching with projective models of toponyms showed us that students independently search for 

appropriate materials, analyse them, and convincingly present their works. They agree that the toponym 



Khocholava-Matchavariani et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2023, Vol.3 (2) 

can be a guide in the labyrinths of history. It becomes clear to the teacher that the inclusion of 

appropriate toponyms as supporting material is a convenient approach to conduct the learning process. 

Our conclusion is as follows: Toponym is a linguistic historical document. It is necessary to include 

toponymy achievements in the educational process. 

Competing interests 

The authors declare that they have no competing interests. 

Authors’ contribution 

N.J., N.K., K.R. and L.C. contributed to the design and implementation of the research, to the 

analysis of the results and to the writing of the manuscript.  

References 

[1] Gvantseladze T. (2000) Mass Change of Toponyms in Abkhazia after 1864. Annual of Ibero-Caucasian 

Linguistics, XXXIV, Georgia, Tbilisi: pp. 44-51. 

[2] Kaukhchishvili, T. (1976). Ancient Greek Sources of Georgian History. Georgia, Tbilisi: p. 137. 

[3] Kekelia, I. (2022). Toponymy of Abkhazia. Georgia, Tbilisi: pp. 33-34 

[4] Soviet Totalitarian Toponymy in Georgia (2021). Georgia, Tbilisi: p. 1-3, 

https://idfi.ge/ge/soviet_totalitarian_toponymy_in_georgia 


