The Peculiar Case of the Megrelians - Representation and Identity Negotiation in Post-Societ Georgia

Sammanfattning: In the post-Soviet country of Georgia is a strong sense of nationalism prevalent in the current process of nation building. The Megrelians, traditionally understood as a sub-ethnic Georgian group, form a majority in western Georgia. Many Megrelians are however displaced due to a civil war in 1992 and live outside their traditional territories. Much research has been done covering the situation of the displaced Megrelians. This study however, examines processes of Megrelian identity negotiations in relation to Megrelian representations, thus contributing to a wider understanding of Megrelians’ self-understanding. A field study was undertaken for two months in Georgia in order to gather information for this topic. From an ethnographic research approach, methods of interviews and observations were used to gather data. The findings from the analysis are discussed in relation to theories of representation, nationalism and identity. The study suggests that Megrelian identity interrelates with representations of politics, regional and national associations, surnames, language and assumed characteristics.