ADJARA IN TURMOIL, 1922–1924

Abstract

This article examines the anti-Soviet movement in Adjara during the years 1922–1924, a period marked by political instability, armed resistance, and the difficult establishment of Soviet authority in the region. Drawing on archival materials from the Central State Historical Archives of Georgia, the study analyzes the main forms and manifestations of anti-Soviet activity, including underground political organizations, armed resistance groups, and the participation of local leaders and social elites.

The article traces the continuation of resistance following the suppression of major anti-Soviet organizations in Batumi and highlights the spread of oppositional activities across both urban centers and rural areas of Adjara. Particular attention is given to the connections between local resistance groups and wider anti-Soviet movements in western Georgia, especially in Guria, as well as to the role of former elites in organizing opposition to Soviet rule.

The research also explores the methods employed by Soviet authorities to consolidate power in Adjara, such as mass arrests, executions, forced resettlements, and strict security control. The study concludes that Soviet power in Adjara was established with considerable difficulty and relied largely on coercive measures, while persistent resistance reflected the local population’s strong aspiration for political independence and national self-determination.