2019-10-11

Presentation of Aluda Ketelauri’s Hebrew Translation at TSU

On October 11, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University hosted a presentation of Hebrew translation of a poem “Aluda Ketelauri” by great Georgian poet Vazha Pshavela. TSU Associate Professor Mamuka Butskhrikidze has translated the poem. The presentation was organized by TSU Center for Israel Studies and Georgian Writers’ Union. Rector of TSU, George Sharvashidze, students, professors and invited guests attended the event.

Rector Sharvashidze said that studying the Hebrew language and culture started and the Department of the Hebrew Language was opened at TSU in a period, when it was less accepted in other countries; and this tradition still continues. “As the Hebrew language specialists tell us, “Aluda Ketelauri’s” translation is congenial. It is the highest evaluation a translator can deserve. Let me congratulate the Georgian and Jewish society. Those cultural, literary relations that we have at a human level need further encouragement in order to open up new opportunities for our future collaboration,” Rector Sharvashidze said.

“My choice to translate “Aluda Ketelauri” can be explained by my huge love towards this poem. I believe that it is a unique work which almost has no analogs. The translation process was extremely interesting, full of emotions,” Associate Professor Mamuka Butskhrikidze said.

Tamar Makharashvili, head of TSU Center for Israel Studies, noted that “it is important that the translator of the poem, Mamuka Butskhrikidze is Professor of the TSU Faculty of Humanities, because just within these walls, the Hebrew language has been taught since 1944 and the Department of Hebrew Language was established in that period. This chain is important and this topic is very important for our present-day life.”

The guests of the event discussed Georgian-Jewish literary and friendly relations. Co-chair of the Georgian Writers’ Union, Makvala Gonashvili awarded the title of Cultural Ambassador to Mamuka Butskhrikidze for translating “Aluda Ketelauri” in the Hebrew language.
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