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[GEORGIA IN 1930s] K 15 Letiyu Sovetskoy Vlasti v Gruzii [i.e. For the 15th Anniversary of Soviet Rule in Georgia]

Tbilisi: Gosfoto, 1936. Item #252

29 pp. 41x60 cm. In handsome contemporary burgundy morocco. Gilt lettering on the front cover. Moire red endpapers. Red stained edges. Bottom edge of the spine is slightly rubbed. Otherwise fine.

The album includes 57 photos of the celebrations of the 15th anniversary of Georgian Soviet Republic. The album was given to Valerian Bakradze (1901-1971), the head of The Council of People’s Commissars at the time – the second person in republic.

Album probably was produced in few numbers for the highest party officials only. Bigger photos are 45x30 cm. It starts with the photos of the leaders: Lenin, Stalin, Voroshilov and Ordzhonikidze (43x28,5 cm). Then two panoramic photos of Tbilisi.

The highest official figure to attend the celebrations was Kliment Voroshilov (1881-1969) who was the Commissar of Defence at that time. There are photos of him giving the speech and shaking hands with the head of Georgian Republic at the time Filip Makharadze (1868-1941). Next 19 leaves are dedicated to the ceremonial parade on the central square of the city. The sportsmen, gymnasts march as well as the army. Gymnasts are shown on the movable stage with Beria and Stalin portraits. Several photos show people in costumes of vikings, Russian medieval bogatyr and Georgian national warrior. Young women from different government institutions march in the identical white frocks. The photos of traditional Georgian dances follow. The last 6 leaves are dedicated to the city: panoramic photos alongside the photos of the different places of interest.

A unique peek into the official celebrations in Georgia of 1930s.

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