Cholokashvili Nikoloz

Cholokashvili Nikoloz (Nikifore Irbaqi) (approx. 1585–1658), Statesman and diplomat, one of the publishers of the 1st printed Georgian book. He was 8 years old, when he was sent from Georgia to Italy to get education there. In Italy he graduated from a Greek school. Therein he was confessed as a monk. Circa 1608 he returned to Georgia to become the Preceptor at the Royal Court of Teimuraz I, King of Kakheti. In 1614 N. Cholokashvili left for Jerusalem. By order of King Teimuraz I, in 1625 he traveled to Europe with a diplomatic mission. In Rome he was instrumental in publishing Georgian printed book. In 1629 he backed casting of Georgian print, compiling and publishing of Georgian-Italian dictionary (the 1st printed Georgian book) and printing of the book of prayers in the Georgian language.

In 1629 N. Cholokashvili went back to Georgia, where he became the Dean of Metekhi Church. In 1643-49, he served as the Dean of Georgian Monastery of the Cross in Jerusalem. In 1650 he returned to Georgia. First he served at the Royal Court of the King of Imereti; later – at the Court of Levan II Dadiani. After the death of Levan II Dadiani, Vameq III captured him along with his other opponents. N. Cholokashvili, whose versatile activity was directed at the revival of Georgian political and cultural life, died in prison.