II. up to independence from the World War Georgia (1939-1991)

The Republic of Georgia is a small county in the South of the Soviet Union and in the west of Caucasian countries. Being one of the oldest nations in the world, Georgian people have a very lively history that dates back to ages. Its geographical location between Asia and Europe, and many other factors contributed to a lot its social, politic, economic and cultural revolution. The advantageous position and the national wealth of Georgia has attracted, throughout the history, some countries among which are Russia and Turkey. The country had been invaded by Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Caspians, Seljuks, Mongolians, Iranians, Ottomans and Russians. Georgia is of vital importance both in terms of Caucasian region and in terms of Russia and Turkey due to its geo-strategic position. It is located in the middle of most transportation and commercial roads reaching to Caucasian and Middle Asian countries. For Georgia, Turkey is not only a neighbour that would balance the power of Russia, but also a gate to the West, and an economic power that would contribute in its development. This study will rather describe the domestic policies in Georgia after World War II and the ethnical problems persisting in the country. Exhausted by wars of independency throughout history, the Georgians were invaded by the Tsarist Russia in early 19th century. Subsequent to years of struggle, they have reappeared at the stage of history, founding a democratic republic. Georgians have gained independence after dissolution of the Russian Federation in 1991 just like other South Caucasians such as Azerbaijanis and Armenians. The objective of the study is to reveal the conflicting interests of Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and England in South Caucasia after World War II, as well as their common policies, and their diplomatic and military activities in the frame of such common policies. The study also aims to analyze the results thereof. The political affairs of Georgia and Caucasians after World War II have also been examained in this context. The country's social, cultural and economic structure before independence has been studied to derive information about its industrial affairs. Activities that have been carried out to succeed with its Caucasian policies after the war have been investigated too. Key Words: Georgia, South Caucasia, Transcaucasia, Turkey, The Soviet Union, Russian Federation, Stalin.