About the Symbolism of the Georgian Alphabet's Fourth Letter “Doni’’ (ⴃ)

Abstract

The article reviews different opinions about the Georgian alphabet, namely, the works of Tamaz Chkhenkeli and Ramaz Pataridze. The research issue is the symbolic essence of the Georgian (Asomtavruli) alphabet's fourth letter, “Doni’’ (ⴃ).

Notably, these lapidary inscriptions, such as those seen on the dome of Mtskheta Jvari temple and relief carving on the eukterion of Tsalenjikha Saviour Transfiguration church, are placed in isolation.  These inscriptions are not part of a word or phrase, nor a date, neither do they serve as décor. Accordingly, they must have had an independent function, because " the concept of the structure of the world is undoubtedly given in Georgian Asomtavruli” (Ramaz Pataridze).

Additionally, ⴃ can be observed in similar ways, with 17 varieties in the parchment from the Hadishi Four Gospels (Svaneti. 10s of the XIII century) as no other letter can be found in such a separate way.

         Based on our observations, it can be concluded that the (ⴃ) was both a microcosm and macrocosm of the symbolic expression of man’s apotheosis through the duality of human and divine and contemplation.