Born in 1861 in the mountainous Pshavi region in Georgia's northeast, Luka Razikashvili adopted the pen name Vazha-Pshavela (aka ‘Lad of Pshavi’) to signify his highland origins. He was a master wordsmith whose works are infused with affection for nature and love for his motherland, especially his native Pshavi. He was widely known for his exceptional and unparalleled connection with nature. Vazha contributed to the modernisation of the standard Georgian literary language, which was in the process of revival during his lifetime.

Vazha-Pshavela published hundreds of well-known pieces including poems, plays, short stories as well as writings on literature and ethnographic topics. The Georgian author's works have been translated into many languages including Russian, French, English and German while also serving as basis foვაr theatre-and film-adaptations.

Dying in Tbilisi on 10 July 1915, the high esteem rightly accorded to Vazha earned him the distinction of a burial in the exclusive cemetery on Mtats’minda (‘The Holy Mountain’), which overlooks the capital.

Illustrated by Nino Khvingia

Translated by George Hewitt