Abstract:
In this work we study the Georgian state and military symbolics, representing David
IV the Builder (1089-1125), the great Georgian monarch, prominent representative of the
millennial royal dynasty of Bagrationi.
The article is comprised of four sections:
I. The first project of order of David the Builder (1799);
II. The second project of order of David the Builder (1954);
III. Order of David the Builder (1992);
IV. Portrait of David the Builder depicted on 500 lari paper currency of the
National Bank of Georgia (1995).
In Georgia first in 1799 it was decided to establish state decoration of David the
Builder representing effigy of this monarch. Prince Ioanne Bagrationi (1768-1830), a
prominent Georgian statesman, military leader and scholar, son of king Giorgi XII, was
author this project.
His project of the state reforms in the kingdom of Kartli and Kakheti (“Sjuldeba”)
envisioned the introduction of the Georgian decorations, including the establishment of
order of St. David the Builder.
Yet, another project of order of David the Builder was developed in 1954, by general
Shalva Maghlakelidze (1894-1976), the well-known public figure of the Georgian
emigration, and on the initiative of the military organization founded in Munich.
Supreme Council of the Georgian Republic, which was elected in the autumn 1990,
attempted to introduce state decorations, including order of David the Builder. However,
this intention was not implemented at that time.
On December 24, 1992 the Parliament of Georgia passed law “on establishing the
state decorations of Republic of Georgia”. According to this law, order of David the Builder
was established along with other orders and medals.
This was the fourth attempt of establishing of this order, which turned to be
successful.
National Bank of Georgia ordered to issue 500 lari denominations along with other
banknotes, the former being decorated with the portrait of David the Builder.
