Akakiy Chhenkely Georgian politician. Date of Birth: . Country: Georgia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Political Activism and Exile
3. After the February Revolution
4. Foreign Minister of Georgia
5. Ambassador to France and Later Life
6. Legacy
7. Honors

Early Life and Education

Akaki Iraklievich Chkhenkeli was born into a noble family in Georgia. He received an excellent education, attending the Kutaisi Gymnasium before pursuing further studies at the University of Kyiv, Berlin, and London. He emerged as a skilled jurist and a talented writer.

Political Activism and Exile

Chkhenkeli joined the social-democratic movement in 1898. His political activities led to his exile from the Caucasus in 1911. Despite the exile, he returned to Batum on the eve of the elections for the State Duma. For violating the terms of his exile, he was arrested but later released upon his election to the Duma.

After the February Revolution

Following the February Revolution of 1917, Chkhenkeli was appointed to the Transcaucasian Special Committee (OZAKOM). On February 14, 1918, he became the Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Foreign Minister of the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic (TDFR).

Foreign Minister of Georgia

After the dissolution of the TDFR, Chkhenkeli joined the government of the Georgian Democratic Republic as Foreign Minister. He served in this capacity until November 1918, when he was replaced by Eugeni Gegechkori. He led the Georgian delegation in negotiations with the Abkhazian People's Council, which resulted in Abkhazia's integration into Georgia with full internal autonomy.

Ambassador to France and Later Life

From February 1921 to 1933, Chkhenkeli served as Georgia's ambassador to France. After France established diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union in 1933, Chkhenkeli became an emigrant. He remained in Paris until his death.

Legacy

After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the establishment of the Republic of Georgia, Chkhenkeli's wife, Marquine, played a pivotal role in preserving and repatriating Georgia's state documents. These documents, which had been entrusted to her care, included the Act of Independence, the Constitution, and the state flag.

Honors

Chkhenkeli was awarded the highest German military order, the Pour le Mérite, for his bravery.