Dukhobors

by Mariam Amurvelashvili

DukhoborsThe intention of this project is to represent the group of Dukhobors’ ethno-religious minority who were exiled from Russia to Javakheti region (In Georgia) in 1841 and settled there as small communities.Traditionally, Dukhobors reject all types of religious and secular authority. The word “dukhobor” means “spirit wrestler”. This explanation was very close to their belief and finally it became the name of their confession Religious symbols such as churches, crosses, liturgics or icons are not necessary since they are constructed by mankind. The subject of great interest is the way how Dukhobors follow their traditions. their traditions seem to be strictly upheld. The origin of Dukhobor movement goes to provinces Tambov and Voronezh in Russia. Dukhobors were persecuted both by the state and by the Orthodox church. In 1835-39 years special commission concluded that sectarians were destabilizing the foundation of Russia, as they denied the authority of religious and secular leaders by refusing to do military service and pay taxes.Consequently an ultimatum was given to sectarians: convert to Orthodoxy or leave for the newly conquered Caucasus region. Most of them decided to go into exile.Since 1989 partly because of ethno-religious and partly of socio-economic reasons ,Dukhobors began to leave for Russian Federation. But they couldn’t resettled there in compact communes, therefore it became difficult for them to preserve their identity.Difficult social and economic situation in Javakhety region, poor state of roads, constant unreliable electricity and gas supply problems are main predisposing factors that make Dukhobors leave for Russia.Dukhobors are not numerous but very interesting ethno-religious minority in Georgia. The aim of my work is to show Dukhobors’ customs, religious services, traditional rituals,everyday life, those who still stay in Georgia, in Javakheti region, where they have lived for 150 years and managed to preserve their originality and identity.

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29 Responses to “Dukhobors”

 

  1. I love them all - the stuff pillows and the full-bodied granma and the fluffy snow. The metaphor of fullness is evident and dominant in the series. Is it an intended symbolism that life is full of hope amidst hopelessness?

  2. valentina salvato says:

    Thanks Abhay you sad it so well;)

  3. Mariam Amurvelashvili says:

    Thank you Abhay and Valentina,this story has many symbols for me you are totally right it has many personal and historical reasons too why I decided to work on it.

  4. Gigi says:

    Perfect

  5. barbare says:

    :) perfect

  6. Elene says:

    Beautiful and engaging Photos. good job

  7. Maka says:

    So deep and so interesting…

  8. nana amashukeli says:

    very interesting and highly artistic pictures of a talented photographer

  9. tatuna says:

    excellent

  10. irma Kvitsaridze says:

    Excellent
    perfect

  11. Mata says:

    Amazin works Mariam,congratulation!!!

  12. maya coppen says:

    your amazing and very insightful photos bring to our attention the beauty of these hard to reach places and the very unique lifestyle of the people who inhabit them.

  13. Lia Gogilashvili says:

    fabulous

  14. levan says:

    i like it

  15. Cay Etzold says:

    Very interesting history - captured here with amazing and very sensitive photos. Thank you very much for providing an insight into their culture and traditions.

  16. Ninuca Chabukiani says:

    colours.. inteersting theme :X:X:X

  17. Dito Tediashvili says:

    Mariam aq ramdenime poto shedevria !!!
    warmatebebs gisurveb !!!

  18. Tea Jalagania says:

    Excellent. I like it.

  19. Anna says:

    perfect

  20. Sheila G says:

    Excellent! Just an amazing work!

  21. Karen says:

    My first visit to Georgia touched my heart; these pictures touch my soul.

  22. tako says:

    dzalian momcons…!!!!!nichieeeerrr!!!!!!!

  23. Zurab says:

    the best

  24. tako says:

    i like it,great job:*

  25. mariam amurvelashvili says:

    Thanks to all:)including the people who wanted to vote but instead pressed the like button:)))))

  26. B.bakhtadze says:

    Just Precious :)

  27. Prof. Dr Med. Beka Dangadze says:

    Super!



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