How to Pronounce Zviad Gamsakhurdia

Meaning and Context

Zviad Gamsakhurdia, a pivotal and controversial figure in modern Georgian history, served as the first President of Georgia from his election in May 1991 until his ousting in a violent coup in January 1992. A renowned dissident, literary scholar, and writer, Gamsakhurdia emerged from the Georgian national movement in the late 1980s, championing independence from the Soviet Union and promoting a vision of "Georgia for the Georgians." His presidency, marked by intense political polarization and the outbreak of civil war in Tbilisi, was cut short, leading to a tumultuous period of conflict. Following his exile, he returned to western Georgia, where he led a rival government until his death in December 1993 under circumstances that remain a subject of debate and conspiracy theories. His legacy is deeply contested, viewed by some as a martyred national hero and by others as an authoritarian nationalist whose policies fueled internal strife. Key SEO keywords include: first president of Georgia, Georgian independence, Georgian civil war, Zviadist movement, Soviet dissident, and December 1993.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The name "Zviad Gamsakhurdia" presents several challenges for non-Georgian speakers, leading to frequent misspellings and transliteration errors. The most common mistake involves the first name, often misspelled as "Zviad" (missing the 'i') or "Zviad." The last name is frequently rendered incorrectly as "Gamsakhurdia" (adding an extra 'm'), "Gamsakurdia" (dropping the 'h'), or "Gamsakhurda" (changing the ending). The correct Georgian transliteration follows the national system, with "Zviad" being a direct representation. Users searching for information may also encounter the Russian-influenced transliteration "Zviad Gamsakhurdia," though the Georgian version is now standard. Additionally, his name is sometimes abbreviated or referenced by his first name alone, "Zviad," in Georgian political discourse.

Example Sentences

The rise of Zviad Gamsakhurdia from Soviet-era dissident to the first democratically elected president symbolized Georgia's dramatic break from Moscow.

Historians often debate whether Gamsakhurdia's nationalist rhetoric ultimately preserved Georgian sovereignty or sowed the seeds for the devastating civil war.

Supporters of the Zviadist movement still gather annually to commemorate his death in December 1993.

In his scholarly work, Gamsakhurdia produced significant literary criticism and translations, showcasing a depth often overshadowed by his political career.

The mysterious circumstances surrounding Gamsakhurdia's demise have fueled persistent speculation and numerous conspiracy theories for decades.

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