The Minister of Economy, Mariam Kvrivishvili, has signed an order allowing the expropriation of property from five families in Abanotubani, Tbilisi, for the planned construction of the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center. The decision was made on April 3, three days before the arrival of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev to Georgia.
“The project is one with an essential public need, and since the company and the owners of the real estate could not reach an agreement on the voluntary redemption of the real estate, there is a need to deprive the property rights through expropriation,” the order states.
The document adds that the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center was assessed as a project of essential public interest. On this basis, the Asset Management and Development Company is authorized to seize property currently existing in the area selected for construction.
The order does not address compensation, noting that this matter falls outside the Ministry’s authority.
The construction site is on Ibrahim Isfahanli Street in Abanotubani, described as a so-called Italian courtyard-type settlement, with several families living there and other auxiliary buildings. Of the 24 private owners in the area, 13 have already reached an agreement with the state. Five owners refused to sell, prompting the expropriation order. The status of the remaining six owners is unclear, likely under ongoing negotiations.
Kvrivishvili’s order states that the construction “serves the cultural development of the ethnic minority living in Georgia.”
Heydar Aliyev was president of Azerbaijan from 1993 to 2003. Since then, the country has been led by his son, Ilham Aliyev.
Property owners have one month to appeal Minister Kvrivishvili’s decision in court.
