The founder of the online store More is Love Nino Eliava met four Georgian women of different generations and views on life, and photographer Gregory Reggini made wonderful portraits of the heroines of the interview

In recent years, interest in Georgia has been growing. A large number of people I meet tell me either how they were impressed by the trip to my country or how they would like to go there. - I have not met indifferent. Someone is interested in Georgian culture, someone is eager to try real Georgian cuisine and visit a Georgian feast, and someone has recently shown great interest in Georgian designers.

But I would like to get away from the obvious topics a little and introduce you to four Georgian women of different generations, with different professions and stories, who have something to say.

Elene Makharashvili, model

I want to start with the youngest heroine, who has been working as a model since the age of 15 and already has considerable experience in this business at the age of 18. I met Elena on one of the shootings for the next issue of MORE is LOVE Magazine. I was a photographer, she is a model, it was extremely easy and pleasant for me to work with her, and only after the shooting did I find out that, despite her age, she had already worked in Paris at the IMG agency and in Tokyo, where she starred for Vogue and ELLE ...

We caught up with Elene for a chat after her arrival from London, where she has filmed for Topshop, Urban Outfitters and many other brands.

Tell us about your generation and its problems ...
My generation seems to me very talented and developed, but extremely dependent on advanced technology. I don't like that they devote more time to their iPhones than to the world around them. Of course, technological progress contributes to development, but it can easily cause dependence and detach from the real world.

I think my generation lacks freedom - freedom of thought and speech. I see a striking difference between my peers living in Georgia and in Europe. Young Georgians often artificially limit their consciousness, while in the modern world there are no borders and barriers.

Do you like Georgian cinema?
"Freaks" by Eldar Shengelai - this film always cheers me up. My favorite episode when heroes come up with a formula for love.

Many of your peers speak Russian poorly, and those who are even younger do not speak it at all. What do you think about this?
Russia is a huge neighboring country, and in Georgia they say that a good neighbor is better than any relative (laughs)... I believe that it is very important to know the Russian language, in many respects the development of our country depends on Russia as well.

What is your favorite place in Georgia and why?
I adore Svaneti, its nature and the people living there. They are special there, brave (laughs)... I love Batumi, I have very fond memories of this city.

How would you describe a Georgian woman?
Words come to my mind: hardworking, loyal, family, charming and wise.

This is a small, very cozy place where everyone helps each other and gives love, despite all the turmoil and adversity.

Who is the hero of our time for you?
Nino Ananiashvili (Georgian ballerina - ed.). I am proud that she is Georgian.

What is the most valuable thing for you in life?
The health of the people around me, their well-being and, of course, peace of mind.

How can Georgia be happy?
Georgians have one bad trait - they see the bad side in everything and not notice the good side. But you can always find something positive even in the most difficult situation.

Ketevan Maissaia, designer

I met Ketevan in Paris when I interviewed her for the weekly Grazia, when she just left Maison Martin Margiela, where she was designing bags and launched her eyewear line in collaboration with Thierry Lasry. Prior to that, she worked for brands such as Alexander McQueen, Chalayan and Hermès. Ketevan told me that she was going to launch her own brand - today her shoes are sold in stores such as Colette, TSUM, MORE is LOVE and many others. For me, Ketevan is one of the few who can create art in the fashion world.

How do you feel about the extinction of the Russian language in Georgia?
It saddens me to realize that this is happening, because knowledge of any language is incredible wealth. Especially Russian, rich and deep.

I personally read Russian literature only in Russian, and many of my peers - in English or German. But life is full of changes, and I think this should be treated with interest and optimism.

What can you tell us about your generation?
My generation grew up in an era of change, every ten years everything changed radically. These circumstances made us strong and resilient. We have gone through a lot, we have suffered, we hoped. We know what we want and what we don't. I expect a lot from my generation. We have no ambition to change the world, but I hope we will make our country what we dream of seeing it.

What is the most important problem of your generation?
The problem of my generation is ignorance of the opportunities that the 21st century provides.

What's your favorite place in Georgia?
Kakheti. Everything there is extraordinarily beautiful, tasty and healthy. The Caucasus is visible at a glance. Kakheti has a huge number of amazing ancient temples.

What is your favorite Georgian film?
Leila Gordeladze's "Dog", "Don't Cry!" George Danelia and "My grandmother" Kote Mikaberidze. And many others.

What does Georgia need to be happy?
Georgia will not be happy without territorial integrity.

What does it mean to be a Georgian woman today?
Today a Georgian woman is the same as she was 100 years ago - strong, faithful, wise.

What is Georgia for you?
Georgia could be better today. She seems to take a step forward, but then takes two steps back ... But still she gives us the desire to love and admire, work and fight, eat and drink delicious wine, sing and dance. She gives us strength and gives hope ...

What is the most valuable thing for you in life?
The most valuable thing for me is my family, friends and my homeland.

Tell us what you need to see in Tbilisi first eh?
Be sure to take a walk through the old town with its narrow streets and delicious cafes, stroll through the local art galleries and small shops where you can find all sorts of trinkets.

Architecture lovers should take a look at the Rustaveli Theater, the old Department Store, the National Library, the building of the Ministry of Highways, the Museum of Archeology, the Opera ... it's impossible to list everything.

It will be wonderful if you are lucky enough to get to the performances of the Puppet Theater and the Rustaveli Theater, as well as to the performance of the national ballet of Sukhishvili.
But the main charm of Tbilisi is that wherever you go, you will be welcomed hospitably everywhere.

Nutsa Kukhianidze, actress

An actress who played alongside Hollywood stars. This is a person with a very interesting outlook on life and cinema, as well as with a passionate love for his homeland.

I would like to know what you think about the extinction of the Russian language in Georgia? The new generation practically does not speak it.
My grandmother always spoke Russian, and I also prefer to read Russian literature in the original. This language has never been a stranger to me, we speak it at home. I believe that the more languages ​​a person knows, the better.

Which Georgian cinema do you like the most?
The heyday of Georgian cinema came during the existence of the USSR, and therefore I associate Georgian cinema with the Soviet film industry.

Then recommend the Soviet film that made the biggest impression on you ...
You know, I was 9 years old when we left for America, and there was nowhere to watch Soviet films. I was not particularly interested in him. In general, I do not like the word "Soviet", because this structure and ideology does not appeal to me. However, history cannot be argued. One of the best Soviet-Georgian films for me is Blue Mountains. In fact, cinema should not have nationality and boundaries, like any art. A picture that reveals topics that are understandable to everyone is a real cinema. It was not for nothing that I cited the movie "Blue Mountains" as an example - my American friend watched it with pleasure and, most importantly, understood.

Of those films in which I have played, there is one that is my favorite. It was filmed in the nineties by the young filmmaker Georgy Mgeladze. It's called "No, friend!" Is a film masterpiece that destroys all stereotypes and frames. And if anything can be called Georgian cinema, it is this picture.

Which of your film projects was the most interesting?
You know, I have a very unusual relationship with cinema. Each project appeared in my life unplanned, spontaneously, at the right moment. Therefore, each film had its own mission, and it's hard for me to single out one.

If we talk about my first experience, which took me to another level, it was a role in the movie "The Good Thief". I gained a lot of experience working with people who today shape modern cinema. It was very interesting to be in the company of such professionals as Nick Nolte, Rafe Fiennes and Emir Kusturica. I was 18 years old, and I told them a lot about my country.

Tell me, why did you move back to Georgia?
I had a terrible nostalgia, but I can't say that I completely moved. I often go to America, my relatives live there, and I really love this country and the values ​​on which it is built.

What is your favorite place in Georgia and why?
Lately, I often travel to Kakheti, because my aunt lives there. She built a house and a farm there. And more recently, I had a shooting in Adjara, and we went to the village of Adzvi, where we saw an amazing picture - a narrow endless vine alley leading from one grape variety to another. We were there at the end of autumn, when the harvest is ripe. As a result, the alley suddenly grew into a huge red apple orchard. It is impossible to describe such beauty, and the taste of these apples and fruits is unearthly. I will never forget this place.

Do you have your own hero of our time?
Irakli Charkviani was definitely a hero (Georgian poet, writer and musician - ed.).

Tell us about your generation and its problems ...
It seems to me that my generation lacks freedom and its understanding. This is a big problem. In order for Georgia to develop and move forward, it is very important that people are free - both internally and externally.

Manana Arabuli, artist

An artist by training, now Manana is engaged in her favorite project - the restoration of seven Georgian fonts of the 40s-80s. She lived for 13 years in Moscow, worked for Harper's Bazaar and Brownie magazines.

Manana is planning a new project related to the first Georgian fast food, but we will not reveal all the secrets at once.

Tell us about your generation ...
Georgians of my generation are closed people and look down on outsiders, hinting that they know everything. But in fact mWe do not know anything, a person must study all his life.

What's your favorite Georgian film and why?
Probably, after all, Ioseliani's film "Once upon a time there was a songbird", if from the classics. One day of a person is shown, and then he dies so absurdly - in principle, this is our life. Today we are, tomorrow we may not be.

How do you feel about the extinction of the Russian language in Georgia?
This is quite normal, because Russia and Georgia are two different states. But it's still very individual. Russian is taught in schools, tutors are hired - everything is optional.

What is your favorite place in Georgia?
At one time it was Lizawa in Pitsunda. I really love water and sea. My favorite place in Tbilisi is the baths. There is healing sulfuric water and an amazing skin rejuvenation treatment.

How would you describe her as a Georgian woman?
She is well-groomed, laconic, well-dressed, elegant, austere. This is a strong woman, confident in herself and her dignity.

What is Georgia for you?
I decided to move back to my homeland due to the fact that everything here began to develop, every year I came and saw the changes. When I left Georgia, there was a complete collapse, my friends were killed in the war, everyone was depressed.

Over the centuries-old history of Georgia, a certain idea of ​​Georgian women has developed in the world: modest and sweet, beautiful and brought up with respect for elders and men.

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Over the centuries-old history of Georgia, a certain idea of ​​Georgian women has developed in the world: modest and sweet, beautiful and brought up with respect for elders and men.

The beauty of Georgian women has been known for a long time. German philosopher Immanuel Kant pis a l: “Every European who comes to Georgia speaks with one voice about the very special beauty of Georgian women” and “Georgia is a greenhouse of beauty”. But Georgian women are distinguished not only by physical perfection - their selfless love for the Motherland and the Orthodox faith evokes no less admiration.

On the streets of Tbilisi, you can often find a Georgian woman in a long black dress, with an airy scarf on her shoulders and the scent of tart perfume, radiating an inexplicable charm. She is so beautiful that passers-by turn after her.

Georgian muse - Queen Tamar

Georgia has long been a country of charming beauties and muses. “Georgia is a spiritualized Galatea transformed into a woman,” wrote A. Dumas.

For centuries, Georgian poets have recognized Queen Tamar, the embodiment of eternal femininity, as a muse. They praised her intelligence and beauty. She was called not a queen, but a king, a vessel of wisdom, a smiling sun, a slender reed; they glorified her meekness and diligence, obedience and religiosity, enchanting beauty. There were legends about her perfection, which have come down to our times. Hand and Queen Tamar was sought by the Byzantine princes and the Shah of Persia.

Diligence and wisdom made Queen Tamar an exemplary ruler. Beauty and charm evoked universal admiration and reverence of the people. “Beautiful as an angel of heaven” ... Queen Tamar is the ruler of a powerful, developed state, for the prosperity of which she herself did a lot. The builder of cities and fortresses, many of which have survived and keep the memory of her. She sat on the throne, conducted state affairs, received ambassadors, played with her two children, accompanied her husband to the war, and also sat, like any other Georgian woman, at yarn or sewing. Highlanders canonized Tamar.

Georgian woman - mother and wife

A girl in Georgia is brought up in the tradition of chastity. To stare at men is considered the height of obscenity, a look “through” a person is welcome. The man is the main one in the Georgian family as protection and support, and the woman is the soul of the family, the keeper of the hearth.

The Georgian woman is very proud. Every woman has a destiny to be a wife and a mother, but Georgians, like other Caucasian peoples, have a much deeper meaning. The family has always been the most sacred thing for Georgians, including the attitude towards relatives. A Georgian woman is primarily a mother and wife.

In the mountainous regions of Georgia, a real wife is always next to a man, she does not create her own destiny. Families of Chechens, Abkhazians, Ossetians to a large extent survive thanks to women: the country is saved by the silent hard work of women at home, their complete dedication for the benefit of loved ones and relatives. The woman is not at all happy with the traditions that regard her as the younger partner of the man. However, she rarely protests against them, because she realizes that her protest will hurt her loved ones, who are so calm and comfortable under her wing.

Chechen and Ossetian women are often widows. They often dress like widows, because tomorrow they may not see their husband. He may die in the mountains, leave with friends and never return.

Georgian women in large cities have much more opportunities for self-realization: they get higher education, devote themselves to creativity and career. But they never forget about the family: what is sacred is not betrayed and is not forgotten.

H How does a Georgian woman differ from a European one?

For a European woman, the classic version of clothing is a beige skirt, a white blouse, coffee-and-milk-colored shoes, a bright scarf around the neck, a light jacket and a handbag to match the shoes. For a Georgian woman, this is most often a black long skirt, a dark blouse, patent black shoes, a black jacket and a black handbag to match.

A European woman will prefer a comfortable rest to participating in political demonstrations in the bitter cold and wind. A Georgian woman will be the first to join the ranks of the protesters and will defend her beloved politician, man and homeland with her chest.

A European woman gets married and divorced many times. For her, the number of attempts does not matter. A Georgian woman is getting married as a young charming woman or well over 30, but at the same time always a girl. Whether she agrees to the marriage or not, she is still kidnapped.

A European woman works, brings up children and runs a household. Very rarely, a Georgian woman goes to work, but she is an ideal hostess.

To maintain a slender figure, a European woman goes in for sports intensively. A Georgian woman only adheres to a diet, herbs and vegetables prevail on her table.

A European woman without makeup often looks like a blank sheet of paper, and only with makeup gets her look. When she is in an evening dress and diamonds, she is simply irresistible! A Georgian woman without makeup is fresh and attractive, with makeup she is a beauty, and in an evening dress she overshadows the brilliance of the diamonds of a European woman.

Georgian men often seek thrills and entertainment with European women, but find true love, devotion and comfort only among Georgians. For them, a Georgian woman will forever remain an ideal woman, wife and mother.

Of course, you shouldn't take these differences seriously, but as we know, every joke has only a fraction of a joke!

Tatiana Kolesnik

Georgian girls are distinguished by their incredible beauty and striking appearance. Georgia is a country that is rapidly developing in a European manner, but the local population still honors and abides by the traditions of their ancestors. How do Georgians live today and how do they noticeably differ from women of other nationalities?

Georgian families

For many centuries in Georgia, women were raised in and men. Even today, complete patriarchy reigns in the overwhelming majority of Georgian families. The wife is still lucky if her husband is the eldest child. According to the customs of this country, younger sons must live with their parents even after marriage. Moreover, their wives completely and unquestioningly obey not only their husbands, but also their mother-in-law, who in this situation plays the role of “senior mistress”. All this sounds too unusual for a European person, doesn't it? Historically, the solution to all everyday issues lies on fragile women's shoulders. In mountain villages today, every family has a large farm. At the same time, the function of a man is to work and provide for his family. Real Georgians do not help their spouses at home. A woman should be not only an excellent housewife, but also an excellent housekeeper.

Education of Georgians

Without exception, all women in Georgia are wonderful housewives. Many families in modern cities choose a European lifestyle. But even in this case, it is a real shame for the mother if her daughter does not know how to cook national dishes and watch the house. Today, all girls in Georgia receive secondary education. City dwellers often graduate from college. Particular attention is paid to the upbringing of children at home. Georgian girls are distinguished by pride, high morality, incredible love for their homeland and their own family. In this country, highly respected Georgians often look soft and uncomplaining, but most of them are distinguished by incredible fortitude and have a steel character.

Etiquette of Georgian women

In Georgia, it is not customary to look into the eyes of strangers, especially men. This behavior is considered defiant. Many Georgian girls from childhood know how to look "through people", this is the view that is considered acceptable and acceptable. During a conversation in this country, it is customary to keep a distance of at least a meter. Only close relatives or good acquaintances can come closer to each other. We should also mention the norms of everyday clothing. The traditional color for Georgians is black. Most often, women wear skirts below the knee. They also choose sweatshirts and blouses in dark shades. Accordingly, the accessories are matched.

Beauty in Georgian

What do very beautiful girls look like in Georgia? Georgian women are beautiful by nature. Thick dark hair, dark skin and expressive eyes. It is simply impossible to find a clearly unattractive person among the representatives of this nationality. Many Georgians value their hair and grow long braids. Short haircuts are not popular with local women. By nature, Georgians are slim and have very feminine figures. However, in adulthood, many women begin to gain extra pounds. Most often, the reason for this is the passion for national cuisine, combined with a slowdown in metabolism. For body shaping, beautiful Georgian girls choose diets, but sports activities in this country are considered non-feminine. Many Georgians are happy to wear bijouterie and jewelry. Residents of many provinces of Georgia use cosmetics only on major holidays. The situation is quite different in big cities. Here women paint daily, black eyeliner is very popular. Without exception, all Georgians are not indifferent to perfumery.

Female Georgian names

Many Georgians, even today, take very seriously how to name a newborn baby. National in Georgia are often borrowed from ancient legends and traditions. In this country, it is important not only how musical a personal appeal to a person sounds. Georgians believe that a name can influence a person's character and destiny. Jamalia ("beauty"), Mariam ("decisive"), Mzevinar ("sun"), Tinatin ("reflection of the sun"), Theona ("God's thought"), Aliko ("all-knowing") - this is what the girls are called in this country for many generations. However, it should be noted that the old names are not very popular among young people. And often they come up with abbreviations used in everyday life from full and complex names. Many "modern" parents in Georgia call their daughters the same as Europeans or Russians. Diana, Christina, Ekaterina, Marina, Maya, Natalie, Nelly, Polina, Sofia are modern Georgian names for girls. Most Georgians are Christians. Many families choose biblical names for their babies.

Relationships with men and wedding traditions

Most Georgian girls get married at a young age. In some regions of the country, the ancient custom of bride kidnapping is still widespread. And yet, most marriages in this country are concluded by mutual consent and agreement between the newlyweds. Young Georgian girls should be modest and chaste. Young Georgian women are advised to behave in such a way that none of the neighbors could even think of something bad. A wedding in Georgia is a special event. They prepare for the celebration for some time, all relatives and friends are invited to it. Even in large cities, many ancient customs are observed today. A wedding in Georgia is a very colorful and interesting event with traditional dances and songs, beautiful toasts and an atmosphere of general fun.

Features of life in cities and villages

Modern Georgia is a country of contrasts. Small villages and hamlets live the same way as decades ago. But large cities are not much different from European cities. The upbringing of Georgian girls largely depends on how strict the father is in the family. In most villages, you should even swim in the ponds while wearing your clothes. At the same time, fashionable boutiques, cafes and nightclubs are open in the cities. Many representatives of modern youth dress the way they want and look quite extravagant. But, of course, this behavior is unacceptable in rural areas. The actions and appearance of Georgian girls in the provinces have been discussed for years. Mistakes are unacceptable, because even today, for most young Georgian women, a successful marriage is a priority goal. This means that the local population is trying to take care of its own reputation from a young age.

Legendary Queen Tamara - the perfect image of a Georgian woman

Many creative people looked for inspiration in the landscapes of Georgia and the beauty of local women. The main muse and the real Georgian is Queen Tamara. This woman went down in history thanks to her wisdom and great achievements. The queen built cities, made significant government decisions, and in her free time from political affairs, she was personally involved in raising children and handicrafts. If you believe the words of famous poets, Tamara was incredibly beautiful and feminine. She was often referred to simply as "perfection." Many modern very beautiful girls in Georgia strive to develop their character and dream at least remotely to become like the great Queen Tamara.

The treasury of names with full confidence can be attributed to Georgian female names, many of which have a long history, but still have not lost their relevance ...

From Masterweb

11.04.2018 22:01

The history of names is interesting and instructive, each nation has its own traditions of naming children. And Georgia is no exception. In the pre-Christian period, the most ancient of the female Georgian names arose, having natural roots or denoting some quality inherent in a girl.

The second category of names is of Christian origin, which is associated with the religion of the state. Finally, one more group has eastern roots, this is easily explained by the geographic location of Georgia. Next, we will get acquainted with these options in more detail.

The most beautiful and musical

Among the female Georgian names, there are many very smooth, sonorous and therefore especially attractive. Their list with meaning is presented below:

• Aliko is "omniscient."
• Ana is "desirable", "reliable."
• Daria is the "mistress".
• Jemal, Jamaliya - "perfect", "ideal".
• Kekela is a "beauty".
• Keti - "purity and innocence."
• Maya is the “patroness of fertility”.
• Mtsyre, Tsiru, Tsiri - "girl".
• Nani, Nanuli, Nania - "baby".
• Rusiko - "long years of life."
• Saba - "born in the rays of the sunset."
• Sakvarela - "beloved".
• Salome - "pacified".
• Sofiko is "wise."
• Suliko - "endowed with a soul."
• Tamina - "living in peace and prosperity."
• Khatia - "as flawless as a picture."
• Eteri is "special".

Many of these options sound somewhat unusual for the European ear, but they are quite familiar in Georgia.

With natural roots

The list of Georgian female names contains a large number of variants, the name of which comes from the names of objects of the natural world, in particular, flowers. So, the beautiful and sonorous names for girls Gika and Giuli came from the name of the rose flower. And Gela, Helia and Gelika, Mgelia, Mgela - from a severe predator - a wolf. Marina, Marine, Marianna mean "sea". Natella - "firefly", Tamar - "date palm". Endzela means "snowflake", Dzaglika means "little dog"

The "stone" theme is represented by a whole group of similar variants that have the meaning of "ruby". This is Lali, Lale, Lala. The names Mzevinar, Mzekala and Mzia are derived from the name of the most important luminary - the Sun.

Christian plots

Speaking about female Georgian names, it should be noted that one of their sources is the Christian religion, which is why you can meet a Georgian woman with one of these options:

• Christina is a "Christian".
• Mariam, Maro, Mariko - "beloved by God."
• Natalie - "Born on Christmas Day."
• Tamta - "dedicated to God."
• Theona is "divine intelligence."
• Eliso - "praying."

These beautiful female Georgian names are very popular and in demand, they are still used, but they are not among the leaders in frequency.

Modern borrowings

The list of Georgian female names includes those with European or Russian roots. They are used in the modern world: Diana, Inga, Janet, Mary, there are also variants familiar to the Russian ear: Ekaterina (you can also find the spelling Ekaterina, Katavani), Ilona, ​​Lika, Nelly, Nonna, Polina, Nina, Liana. They are gradually replacing folk anthroponyms, becoming more and more in demand.

Most often, national Georgian female names are used in villages and villages, giving way to more modern variants in cities. Couples are also acceptable: for example, there is Sofia and Sofiko, both names can be used by Georgians. Eastern Irine is very similar to the Russian Irina, this name has the meaning "carrying the world", and Marine reminds Marina, both are deciphered as "sea".

Georgian names are interesting in themselves, especially if they are ancient, coming from the distant past. Modern versions have lost their romance, do not sound so smooth and melodic, do not carry a deep meaning. However, it is they who displace the old anthroponyms, lead to their withdrawal from use and complete loss. But many residents of Georgia honor the traditions of the past and continue to use their own old vocabulary.

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