Polonsky Yakov

Polonsky Yakov (1819-1898), Russian poet. He was born in Ryazan. In 1846 – 51 he lived in Tbilisi. His uncle and father stimulated his interest in Georgia. Upon arriving in Tbilisi, Y. Polonsky lived in Count Palavandishvili’s house, near the Vorontsov Square. Later he moved to Avlabari District and finally, he settled in Sololaki. He filled the position of the assistant of Platon Ioseliani, Editor of Russian-language newspaper Kavkazski Vestnik (Caucasian Herald). Tbilisi became the subject of Polonsky’s poetic inspiration; the city facilitated his conclusive evolution into a Romantic poet. He was a regular guest of Tbilisi literary salons. Y. Polonsky became close friends with Alexandre Chavchavadze, Giorgi Eristavi, Dimitri Kipiani, Mirza Fatali Akhundov and others. He mastered Georgian language and got acquainted with the history of Georgia. He used to publish articles on Georgian folklore, literature and theater. In Tbilisi, he published his poetic collections Sazandar (1849) and Several Poems (1851). His poem, dedicated to Shota Rustaveli, was the first tribute to the great Georgian poet that appeared in the Russian literature. His poetry as well as prose (Cabins of Tbilisi, Two Strangers - Alive and Dead) and drama (Darejan of Imereti) portray original and unique Georgia. Y. Polansky was good at painting as well. He made sketches of Tbilsi, Gori, Kutaisi, Dusheti and other cities and towns. In connection with his employment, he was engaged in compiling the statistical data of Georgia.

His research Essay on Tbilisi Statistic Data (1847) was published in the local press. As from 1851 Yakov Polonsky lived in

Petersburg. He died in Petersburg and was buried in Ryazan.