Better known under her literary pseudonym, Lesya Ukrainka was one was one of Ukraine’s foremost writers, whose work and physical existence was equally nourished by two countries – Ukraine and Georgia.

When she was very young, Lesya Ukrainka wrote for her younger sibling „The ancient history of oriental peoples“ in which she provided a broad overview and coverage of history of the Caucasus and Georgia. Later her life was closely connected to Georgia where she lived and worked for 10 years. While she lived in Batumi, Tbilisi, Telavi, Khoni, Kutaisi she created some of her best dramatic works. In 1907, she wrote a drama called „The Fall Tale“. 

In Georgia, Lesya had a close relationship with people like Zakaria Paliashvili, Vaso Tsereteli, Mikha Chkhenkeli and others.

“Georgia is an interesting, extraordinary place. This handful of nation must have had an immense courage and brevity to survive so many horrible storms and disasters“ – she said. Lesya loved living here and she especially valued close friendship between Georgia and Ukraine.

Lesya spent last years of her life with her husband in Telavi, Khoni, Kutaisi and Surami. The Ukrainean poet died in Surami.

Day of Lesya has been celebrated in Daba Surami since 1952, on the day of her birthday.