An annual international conference “Georgian Diaspora: Past and Modernity II” was opened at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University on October 11. The event was organized by Georgian Diaspora Research Center. Deputy Rector of TSU, Nino Gvenetadze, Minister of Culture, Sport and Youth of Georgia, Tea Tsulukiani, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Nunu Mitskevich, representatives of executive and legislative authorities, academic community and invited guests attended the event.
 

This year’s conference was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Simon Zazadze, a Turkish-based Georgian philanthropist and businessman, and his service to the homeland. The Zazadze family leads the Foundation of Georgian Catholic Church in Istanbul; they oversee the church, archives, and library.
 

“The conference is multi-profile; thematically very interesting reports are presented, and our goal, in addition to scientific research, is integration with Georgian diasporas, strengthening their cultural and educational ties with their historical homeland. Together with our partner organizations, a two-day scientific conference is being held in Tbilisi. Our guests have arrived from diaspora organizations of Turkey, Iran, historical Hereti. I think, our consolidation will be important for further development of the country,” TSU Professor Rozeta Gujejiani said.
 

Scientists from more than 20 higher education institutions and research centers of Georgia and Turkey are participating in the event. The event will also discuss the history of Georgian Catholicism, life, culture, language situations of historical Georgian diasporas (in Turkey, Iran and Azerbaijan).
 

“The conference involves a discussion about how our compatriots, diasporas, who have gone abroad in the historical or modern era, should have permanent and solid connections with Georgia, their motherland. This worries us at the Ministry of Culture, as there are many directions here: protection of cultural heritage, literature, theater, museum, library and other directions, where relations with diasporas are vital and important for us. Therefore, we expect new ideas to emerge in debates and discussions, and I hope that this conference will lay the foundation for new collaborative projects,” Minister of Culture, Tea Tsulukiani said.  
 

The conference was organized by Georgian Diaspora Research Center and its co-organizers are: Rustaveli National Science Foundation, National Parliamentary Library of Georgia, Istanbul Georgian House of Art, Samtskhe-Javakheti State University, Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University.
 

The area of ​​study of Georgian Diaspora Research Center is indigenous, autochthonous Georgians living beyond the political borders of Georgia, historical diasporas, and post-First Republic era local emigration points in Europe and the U.S.