What happened in Tbilisi on 9 April 1989?
The dispersal of a peaceful rally and why the date matters.
Short answer
On the night of 9 April 1989, Soviet troops dispersed a peaceful pro-independence rally outside Government House on Rustaveli Avenue. Twenty-one people died, most of them young women, and hundreds were injured, including by toxic gas. The events strengthened the independence movement, and on 9 April 1991 Georgia restored its independence.
Why
- 9 April is National Unity Day in Georgia, a public holiday.
- A memorial to the victims stands by the old parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue.
- On the anniversary people lay flowers at the memorial.
Details
If you're in Tbilisi on 9 April, Rustaveli Avenue fills with people bringing flowers. It's a day of remembrance, so behave with restraint.
Tip
If you're in Tbilisi on 9 April, lay flowers at the memorial on Rustaveli Avenue as a mark of respect.
What may differ
Common misconception
What actually happens
People also ask
- What happened on April 9, 1989 in Georgia?
Sources
- Georgian National MuseumChecked at:
Historical dates follow commonly accepted sources.
National Unity Day of Georgia: April 9 — HistoryRelated questions
-
Why did Georgia leave the CSTO?
Georgia took part in the Collective Security Treaty from the mid-1990s, but in 1999, when the treaty was due for renewal, it declined to extend it, as did Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
-
Where did Pushkin visit in Georgia?
Alexander Pushkin visited Georgia in 1829 on his way to the Caucasian War front, described in 'A Journey to Arzrum'.
-
What was Georgia's Rose Revolution, and why is it called that?
The Rose Revolution refers to mass peaceful protests in Georgia in November 2003 after parliamentary elections that the opposition said were rigged.
-
Who was the first president of Georgia?
Georgia's first president was Zviad Gamsakhurdia, elected by popular vote on 26 May 1991.