Manuscript “Notes for Lecture on Transcaucasia” on embossed Stationery of “Governorate Jerusalem”, clearly written during his appointment as Assistant governor of Jerusalem under Sir Ronald Storrs between the years 1920 – 1924. The wonderfully detailed preparation-manuscript cites many details from Luke’s mission to Transcaucasia as “British Chief Commissioner in the disturbed countries of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan; Luke later remembered the Armenian capital, Erivan, as ‘the saddest town’ he ever saw” (see Luke, Cities and Men, Volume 2, page 170).
[This item is part of the Sir Harry Luke – Archive / Collection]. [Jerusalem], c.1924. Quarto. 7 pages. From the private collection / library of colonial governor, diplomat and historian, Sir Harry Luke.
These lecture notes on Transcaucasia are more than just keywords, rather a clear structure on how Luke wants to start and finish his lecture with keywords and connections of historical events and his own experiences.
Page I:
″Double apology – no slides – which carry off bad lecture as good wine carries off bad dinner – but pictures″
Luke will tell his listeners that the Title of Lecture – will deal especially with Trans-Caucasia, which was Russian until Nov. 1917, then Trans Caucasian Republic, then G A & Az [Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaidschan]
Page II:
Luke continues talking about the Caucasus which was dividing Europe from Asia and he tells his audience: “At beginning of history Caucasus was end of known world – all beyond (Scythia) the bleak unknown where dwelt man-hating Amazons, where Dragons & one-eyed Arimaspians were ever at war” / Luke also mentions Arabian Nights as a source for telling of an unusual threat of magicians
Page III:
Prometheus / Argonauts / Colchis / Later invasions & “Völkerwanderung” [The great Migration] etc.
Luke mentions Ossets [Ossetians in connection with German atrocities] and Khevsurs [which are the branch of Kartvelian (Georgian) people]
Page IV:
Luke mentions here the Dynasties of the Bagratids [Bagrationis dynasty from Georgia]
Convent of H[oly] Cross & position in Crusades & Jerusalem – the Fall of Constantinople – Persian Menace –
Tiflis – hot springs – Hammam
Page V:
Azerbaiijan – Baku – Petroleum & perpetual fire / Millionaires & Lady Doctors – Tatar Civilization /
Armenia / Ararat – Where 3 Empires meet /
Page VI:
Armenian – Krikor – saw vision of Saviour descending in a flood of light at the then capital Vagaarshabad [Vagarshapat]
Page VII:
Among Soldiers who parted Christ’s Garments was a Jewish Lad named Elioz to whose lot fell
the seamless robe & who took it to Georgia – It stayed in Mtzkhet [Mtskhet] – was lost & recovered
etc. etc.
EUR 275.000,--
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