The call for applications for the Malkhaz Kharbedia Literary Award in the categories of Essay Writing and Literary Criticism is now open. Applications will be accepted from 2 November to 5 December 2026 (inclusive). The award ceremony will take place on 12 December at the New Year Book Festival.

The annual Malkhaz Kharbedia Literary Award is presented to a Georgian author for the best work published during the preceding year in the genres of essay writing and literary criticism.

The Malkhaz Kharbedia Literary Award for Essay Writing and Literary Criticism was established in 2025 by the literary and cultural journal *Arili* and Agora Publishing House in memory of Malkhaz Kharbedia.

The Jury consists of representatives of *Arili* magazine and Agora Publishing House.

The winning work will be selected according to the following criteria :
- The cultural and academic significance of the subject addressed in the publication;
- In-depth analysis and thorough examination of the issue;
- An original and innovative perspective.

Eligibility and Application Requirements
- The submitted work must be a literary essay or a piece of literary criticism.
- The publication must have been published for the first time during the calendar year preceding the announcement of the competition.
- To enter the competition, the author of the publication or the editor of the journal in which it appeared must submit the following documents to the jury: 
        A completed application form (available for download here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Mjg_V3rWw8qzfmhjglga5pdbuWDzfwPB/edit );
        An electronic copy of the submitted publication in Word or PDF format, sent to: arilimag1994@gmail.com.

- The prize amounts to GEL 1,000 and is awarded to the author of the winning publication.
- There is no limit to the number of submissions.
- Previous award recipients may enter the competition again after a one-year interval.

Malkhaz Kharbedia (1974-2025) was a literary scholar, essayist and writer. Throughout his life, he was a driving force in Georgia's literary scene, making a significant contribution to the development of Georgian literary criticism and essay writing.

Over the years, he served as editor-in-chief of Books and Marani, supplements to the newspaper 24 Hours; editor-in-chief of Hot Chocolate and Arili magazines; and was also one of the founders and president of the Wine Club, where he was the driving force behind its lectures and themed wine tastings. He authored the blog On Wine and Taste and co-founded the New Wine Festival, followed by two more festivals: the Sparkling Wine Festival and New Small Wineries on the Big Stage. He chaired the board of the Georgian Vine Foundation and was a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 certified wine professional. He conducted significant research into the history of Georgian wine and cuisine. He built his own wine cellar and created his own wine, named Kalami, bringing literature and wine together.

Malkhaz Kharbedia authored several books. He received the prestigious SABA Literary Award three times. In 2007, he won in the category of Best Literary Criticism, Essay Writing and Documentary Prose for his book Personal Library. In 2015, he received the award in the category of Best Literary Criticism for his book Text and Truth – Criticism, Literary Politics, Observations. In 2021, the SABA Award was presented to Arili magazine in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the development of literature.

Laureats

2025 – Rezo Getiashvili: “Life Without Freedom”, published in Arili magazine, 2024.