Sokhumi State University,
in collaboration with the Korneli Kekelidze National Center for Manuscripts of
Georgia, successfully hosted the Third International Scientific Conference,
"Cultural Values of Abkhazia," on December 21 and 22, 2023. This
year's conference was dedicated to commemorating the 160th anniversary of the renowned
Georgian scientist and academician, Ekvtime Takaishvili, which utilized a
hybrid format. The conference commenced with an opening ceremony, a plenary
session, and in-person sectional discussions on December 21. Subsequently, on
December 22, scholars from Georgia and various other countries participated in
online sectional activities, ensuring global engagement in the exploration of
Abkhazia's cultural heritage.
The conference was
inaugurated by Prof. Zurab Khonelidze, the Rector of Sokhumi State University,
along with Professor Jemal Gamakharia, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the
Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia and Doctor of History. Also present were
Professor Shalva Gloveli, the learned secretary of the Korneli Kekelidze
Georgian National Centre of Manuscripts, Nino Topuridze, the head of SSU
administration, and Assoc. Prof. Lia Akhaladze from the Scientific Research and
Development Department, extended a warm welcome to the audience.
Participating in the two-day scientific forum alongside researchers from Sokhumi State University and the Korneli Kekelidze National Center for Manuscripts were several notable contributors. These included the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Black Sea International University, University of Georgia, Kutaisi Akaki Tsereteli State University, University of California (USA, Berkeley), Georgia University of Physical Education and Sports, Belgrade Institute of International Politics and Economics (Serbia), Samtskhe - Javakheti State University, Kars Caucasus University (Turkey), Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv (Bulgaria), Chisinau State University (Moldova), Georgian National Agency for Cultural Heritage Protection, Russian-Chinese Investment Consulting Research Center (Russia), Duzce University (Turkey), and Tallinn Education "Inoves" Foundation (Estonia).
The forum saw the active
participation of over 50 scientists and academic staff. The diverse array of
presentations covered various facets of Abkhazia's history, culture,
literature, education, ethnography, political organization, and international
relations discussions. Notably, a separate report during the plenary session
delved into the scientific legacy of Ekvtime Takaishvili concerning Abkhazia.
The plenary and sectional work conducted during the conference received high commendation during the summary session. The conference agenda, program details, and certificates were distributed as part of the forum's proceedings. Additionally, the e-version of the conference theses was published, while selected recommended reports are slated for publication in the Proceedings of Sokhumi State University.
