Discussion and exhibition by Lithuanian Embassy at the National Archives of Georgia

February 25th is a symbolic day in Georgian history. Red army took the capital Tbilisi after extensive fighting and declared the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1921. To commemorate this important date, as well as the 100 years anniversary of Lithuanian representation in Transcaucasia, Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to Georgia and National Archives of Georgia, in cooperation with Lithuanian Central State Archives, held a discussion and exhibition at the National Archives of Georgia.

Professor Sandra Grigaraviciute opened the evening with a speech. She briefly discussed the linked past of Georgia and Lithuania and their shared future.

The discussion, titled Georgia’s European Path – Reflections on the Past and the Future, consisted of people from the political domain, as well as the cultural sphere. With Irakli Porchkhidze moderating the panel, the ruling party was represented by Archil Talakvadze, while the member of opposition at the discussion was Sergi Kapanadze. The panel was also joined by a beloved Georgian author, Dato Turashvili, as well as professor Gia Nodia and the director of Georgian National Book Center, Dea Metreveli.

Sergi Kapanadze stated that the Democratic Republic of Georgia that existed from 1918 to 1921 was a social democratic country, which posed as an “entry ticket” to Europe. “Nowadays, the same entryway to Europe is a strong democracy” – emphasized Kapanadze. He also highlighted the importance of being a part of a security alliance, such as EU and NATO, which hold the highest standards of democracy with free elections, minority rights and freedom of speech – all the democratic values that Georgia has to uphold to become a full member of Europe.

Talakvadze paid his respects to the soldiers fallen for independence and the importance of staying true to the ideals these people have sacrificed their lives for. He stressed the importance of increasing political dialogue, consolidating democracy and engaging in active economic relations with the EU.

Gia Nodia noted that Georgians are Europeans, recalling a famous quote from Zurab Zhvania - “I am Georgian, and therefore I am European”.

“What Georgians lack is a European state” – said Nodia. He said that while Georgia strives towards Europe, it has to remember the importance of the rule of law, since, as of now, the country lacks that crucial part of a European statehood. “An important test of how European we are as political entities occur on an international level. We have to show solidarity with democratic values.” – said Nodia.

During the discussion, it was emphasized that the cultural dimension is no less important in Georgia’s journey towards Euro-Atlantic integration. Dato Turashvili talked about the women’s rights in the Democratic Republic of Georgia, which put it decades ahead of its European partner countries. By 1918, not only could Georgian women vote in elections, but out of 130, there were 5 female deputies in the first Georgian parliament. Turashvili also mentioned a lesser known fact - the world's first democratically elected Muslim woman was from Georgia (Peri-Khan Sofieva from the village of Karajala). Turashvili also accentuated the utter significance of leaving the Soviet mentality in the past as young Georgians must hold the same ideals as their European peers.

Dea Metreveli spoke about her experience organizing Georgia’s participation as the guest of honor in Frankfurter Buchmesse 2018. “For me, being a European isn’t only protecting the cultural identity but also creating modern art, music, and literature” – said Metreveli. As part of the Frankfurt Book Fair, 72 Georgian authors were translated in various languages, which opened new doors for the Georgian culture as it gets closer to Europe.

After emphasizing the importance of learning the past experiences of Georgia for its future endeavors at the discussion, the participants thanked the Lithuanian Embassy for organizing the event. Afterward, guests were welcomed to the exhibition titled 100 Years of Lithuanian Representation in Transcaucasia.

The exhibition was opened by the director of National Archives of Georgia, Ms. Teona Iashvili, the ambassador of Lithuania to Georgia, HE Giedrius Puodziunas, and Mr. Dalius Zizys, the director of Lithuanian Central State Archives. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of active cultural exchange and expressed hope for future collaborations between Lithuania and Georgia.

The exhibition showcased the history of Lithuania and Georgia and their solidarity for each other through various documents and photographs. Having such a strong ally as Lithuania within the EU is a grand advantage for Georgia and the evening truly honored the relationship of the two countries.

The exhibition will remain open for the public at the Exhibition Hall of the National Archives until March 17th, 2019.