Within the Framework of the Program “Georgian Identity,” a Public Lecture by TSU Rector, Academician Jaba Samushia, Was Held at the Georgian Technical University

Within the framework of the cultural-educational program “Georgian Identity”, an educational-cognitive public lecture by Academician of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences, Rector of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Jaba Samushia – “The Era of Tamar” – was held at the Georgian Technical University.

The cycle of public lectures, dedicated to the 1700th anniversary of the declaration of Christianity as the state religion in Georgia, is organized by the Scientific Research Center of Theology and the Laboratory of Christian Studies of the Georgian Technical University with the “Logos – International Center for Christian Studies”.

The educational and cognitive event was attended by the High priest of the Georgian Church, the Metropolitan of Chiatura and Sachkhere, the Head of the Mission and Evangelization Center of the Georgian Patriarchate, His Holiness Reverend Daniel, the scientific and academic circles of the university, students and guests. The event was opened by the Rector of the Georgian Technical University, Academician David Gurgenidze.

According to the Rector, the joint project of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences and the Patriarchate of Georgia “Georgian Identity” aims to provide young people with knowledge and analysis of the history of Georgia.

As David Gurgenidze noted, the lecture of the famous historian, Rector of Tbilisi State University, and Academician of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences, Jaba Samusia “The Era of Tamar” will remind the youth of one of the most important periods in Georgian history, which had a great influence on the process of forming the basic values and identity of the country and the Georgian people.

“This is another meeting at the Georgian Technical University, which is held with the participation of clergy, scientists, and students and dedicated to the 1700th anniversary of the declaration of Christianity as the state religion in Georgia. It is noteworthy that the program “Georgian Identity” includes a lecture by the famous scientist, academician Jaba Samusia – “The Era of Tamar”. Mr. Jaba, with his usual excellent storytelling style, does not leave the audience, the majority of which are students, indifferent and reminds us of one of the most important periods in Georgian history, which influenced the definition of national values. In today’s context, the cycle of public lectures is important to the extent that centuries ago, just like today, Georgia constantly had to make choices to ensure a better future. With this project, we must bring to the youth the main idea, the realization of which is vital – the Georgian state and the Georgian people are part of a progressive-thinking humanity. As for the decisions of our great ancestors, they need to be studied, analyzed, reconciled, and given forms acceptable to modern times – the discussion held at the university confirms this,” said Rector David Gurgenidze.

As the High Priest of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan of the Diocese of Chiatura and Sachkhere, and Chairman of the Mission and Evangelization Center of the Georgian Patriarchate, His Holiness Reverend Daniel, noted before the lecture, the transitional period in Georgia has once again demonstrated that successful political, economic, and social integration with the modern world is impossible without taking into account national values and identity, which requires a deep understanding of national history and cultural heritage.

The lecture “The Era of Tamar” was delivered by the rector of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, academician Jaba Samushia. The scientist spoke about one of the most powerful monarchs of the Bagrationi royal dynasty – Tamar, during whose reign Georgia became the most powerful state in the Caucasus.

As Jaba Samushia noted, one of the main determinants of the economic strength of the united feudal monarchy of the Tamari era was a strong socio-economic base. The scientist also focused on the political and public figures of the Tamari period, reforms, and important battles fought.

At the end of the public lecture, Academician Jaba Samushia answered the students’ questions and provided interested young people with additional important information on the events that developed during the era of Tamar.

For information, in 2026 Georgia will celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the declaration of Christianity as the state religion. In connection with this date, under the leadership of scientists and cultural figures, with the support of the Patriarchate of Georgia and the Georgian National Academy of Sciences, a three-year cultural and educational program “Georgian Identity” was created and launched in May 2024.

The program, with public involvement, aims to analyze the most important stages of history that determine the unique culture and values of Georgia.

Video recordings of public lectures can be viewed on YouTube channel.