Georgian experts, researchers from various scientific centers of Europe, the United States, Armenia and Turkey presented their papers at the opening of an international conference Ani at the Crossroads held at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) on November 17. The conference was organized by the Institute of Art History and Theory of the TSU Faculty of Humanities.
Rector of TSU, Giorgi Sharvashidze; Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Nana Gaprindashvili; Head of the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia, Nikoloz Antidze; Director General of the National Museum of Georgia, Davit Lortkipanidze; representatives of Rustaveli National Science Foundation and invited guests attended the conference.
Rector of TSU, Giorgi Sharvashidze said that “the format of the event is very interesting – both practical and scientific activities are concentrated here. It is not accidental that the conference dedicated to Ani – unique multicultural environment – is being held in Tbilisi. Like Ani, for centuries Tbilisi had been one of the major political, cultural and economic crossroads of the South Caucasus. It is essential to portray Georgia as an active participant of creating the diverse environment of Ani.”
Head of the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia, Nikoloz Antidze said that “the conference has reconfirmed that cultural heritage has no borders in terms of developing Georgian culture, enhancing knowledge, scientific research – just this is the purpose of similar conferences. I think that it will be an example for future generations of how to love, how to be aware and protect cultural heritage.”
“For hundreds of years, Ani had been distinguished by its nature, its character. Cultural, political, trade, economic and religious roads crossed each other there. Just that is why the conference was named “Ani at the Crossroads.” The conference program uniting the research of historical sources, architecture, wall painting and epigraphy is also very important,” Head of the TSU Institute of Art History and Theory, Prof. Zaza Skhirtladze said.
Two exhibitions were held on the sideline of the conference: photos by Vedat Akçayöz depicting the Monuments of Ani were exhibited at the TSU Museum. Moreover, a photo exhibition Ani in Old Photography (collections of the Georgian National Museum) was opened at the Georgian National Museum.
Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation has financed a scientific project “Ani: Georgian Cultural Heritage” developed by the TSU Institute of Art History and Theory, which aims at studying Georgian cultural heritage. The National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia is a co-financer of the project.
