On an Initiative of Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia, and financial endeavors of the Government of Georgia, for the first time in the history of the United State, Harvard University’s Davis Center will be introducing Kartvelology Studies.
Reportedly, the program will facilitate the dissemination and exchange of academic knowledge about the history, culture, literature, and science of Georgia, and its modern political and economic development.
Studies in the field of Caucasology will also be considered.
“By engaging with this new and exciting program, a new generation of scientists can be fostered who support and disseminate knowledge about Georgia in scientific and intellectual circles within the United States and around the world.
“Special attention will be paid to joint academic and scientific research, exchange opportunities, and educational and cultural projects between Georgia and the United States. Through this program, Georgian and American scholars and researchers will receive financial support for independent and collaborative research in educational projects at higher Georgian and US education institutions, including university libraries and archives. By engaging with this new and exciting program, a new generation of scientists can be fostered who support and disseminate knowledge about Georgia in scientific and intellectual circles within the United States and around the world.
“With an aim of research and collaborative educational projects, Georgian and American scientists and researchers will be getting financial support,” reports the Georgian government.
The inaugural Kartvelology Program was launched at Harvard University New York Club on September 22,, within the scope of the US Visit of the Prime Minister of Georgia.
The audience gathered at the event were greeted by PM Garibashvili, with a key-note speech, along with Mikheil Chkhenkeli, Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Prof. Mark Eliot, Professor of Harvard University, Alexandra Vacroux, Executive Director of Harvard University Davis Centre, and Prof. Stephen Jones, Director of Kartvelology Studies and Professor of History.
“I am humbled and proud to be here today representing the people of Georgia to launch this historic academic partnership. For the first time in the history of the United States, we are introducing a new Georgian Studies program at the Davis Center of Harvard University. That is why I am so thankful for our friends at the Harvard University, and for all our other supporters for making this historic occasion happen. The program will facilitate the dissemination and exchange of academic knowledge about the history, culture, literature, and science of Georgia, as well as its modern political and economic development. Studies in the field of Caucasology will also be considered.
“The Georgian Studies program will be launched at the Davis Center of Harvard University in February of next year. The program will be led by renowned American scientist and Kartvelologist, Professor Stephen Jones. Over 40 years of work in the field of Kartvelology and his profound support towards the independence and democratic development of Georgia has made him the ideal person to lead this historic academic program between our two nations,” Garibashvili said.
The Prime Minister of Georgia presented a gift to the heads of the new program of Kartvelology in the form of a unique English-language edition in three volumes entitled Georgia: History, Culture, Ethnography. The author of the book is the late Anzor Erkomaishvili, celebrated Georgian researcher of Georgian music and folklore.
The event was attended by David Zalkaliani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia; Kakha Imnadze, Permanent Representative of Georgia to the United Nations; Ilia Darchiashvili, Head of Government Administration of Georgia and distinguished guests and invitees from Georgia and Harvard University.
