THE ACTIVITY OF THE GEORGIAN COMMUNITY IN BAKU IN THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Abstract

The rapid development of the oil industry in the second half of the 19th century led Baku to
become a powerful industrial city. As a result, individuals from various nations, such as Russians,
Armenians, Jews, Georgians, and others, migrated to the city from different parts of the Russian
Empire, especially from the South Caucasus, seeking financial gain. Georgians, including
entrepreneurs, intellectuals, and workers, were among those who settled in Baku. In a short
period, wealthy and intellectual individuals, including Baku Georgians, formed a diaspora and
took significant measures to support their compatriots living in need. Georgian intellectuals
distinguished themselves from their compatriots through their educational activities, while
entrepreneurs provided financial assistance to those in need. However, one of the significant
challenges facing the Georgians of Baku was the organization of support for poor Georgians
working for meager wages. Until the establishment of the first public organization in the city,
various charity events were held, and funds were collected to address this issue.Moreover, Baku city provided refuge for Georgian revolutionaries and Bolsheviks who
were hiding from the government. Although they did not participate in charity events, they focused
their activities solely on the triumph of Bolshevism.
This article studies the activity of the Georgian diaspora that emerged in the city of Baku
at the beginning of the 20th century. It analyzes the social associations, organizations, and the
direction of their activities created to support their community.