Caucasiologists in Tbilisi: toward peaceful development

The Second International Congress of Caucasiologists was held in Tbilisi from 9-13 November 2010 to support interaction between scientists and to examine the theme, Caucasian Civilization: History and Modernity.

The Georgia Today newspaper reported that the Congress intended to "examine the region's place in the modern world and how peace between and within its multiethnic, multicultural and multiconfessional nations can be achieved."

The Congress hosted over 200 speakers from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, the Northern Caucasian Autonomous Republics (Russian Federation), America, and Europe. The first Congress was held in 2007 as a cooperative venture between the Institute of Caucasia Studies at Iv. Kavakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) and the Arnold Chikobava Institute of Linguistics. The two institutes have combined again to host the Second Congress.

The aim is for stronger "geopolitical and economic unity" and for the central Caucasus to play "a decisive role in the transformation of the region into a united socio-economic body", said Professor Tsira Baramidze, chair of the Congress, referring to the idea of developing a United Caucasus House. She added that they will take a scientific approach to conflict resolution in the Caucasus as they aim to highlight and identify factors behind crisis in the Caucasus.

Alexander Kvitashvili, Acting Rector of TSU said, "Nowadays it has become clear that the Caucasus is the watchdogy of European peace." Tamaz Gamkredidze, President of the Georgian Academy of Science, added, "This Congress, being one of the most important recent scientific events, has gained huge political importance as it examines the history and modernity of the Caucasus and the challenges hampering its peaceful development."

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