On April 5, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) hosted solemn events marking the 130th birth anniversary of Academician Giorgi Akhvlediani, one of the founders of TSU. Deputy Rector of TSU, Mikheil Chkhenkeli, professors, students and invited guests attended the events.
“The today’s events represent yet another confirmation of Giorgi Akhvlediani’s invaluable contribution to the linguistics and generally, to educating our young generation. Giorgi Akhvlediani is believed to be one of the founders of the field of linguistics in Georgia. He delivered the first course of lectures “Introduction to Linguistics.” Just “Introduction to Linguistics” by Giorgi Akhvlediani was the first textbook, which was published by our university,” Deputy Rector Mikheil Chkhenkeli said.
“Giorgi Akhvlediani has made a huge contribution to the development of Georgian university, Georgian science. Today his students as well as students of these students are working at the university and the today’s event confirms that the links between generations continue at TSU,” Dean of the TSU Faculty of Humanities, Nana Gaprindashvili said.
The works, photo and archival materials belonging to Giorgi Akhvlediani were exhibited at the TSU Library and Museum. “Giorgi Akhvlediani was the first head of the TSU Library. He made a huge contribution to the creation of one of the richest university libraries. We have exhibited Akhvlediani’s works, which point at the huge contribution made by him to the development of Georgian science,” Zurab Gaiparashvili, director of the TSU Library, said.
Alexander Maruashvili, research fellow at the TSU Museum, said: “Memorabilia, photo documentary materials and unique manuscripts have been exhibited. With the help of these exhibits we tried to demonstrate the diverse activities carried out by Giorgi Akhvlediani to develop the university and Georgian science. The exposition contains Akhvlediani’s manuscripts, personal items, correspondence with Ivane Javakhishvili, Akaki Shanidze, Arnold Chikobava, Simon Janashia and others.”
TSU also hosted a conference dedicated to Giorgi Akhvlediani, where Georgian scientists presented their papers. A screening of the documentary “Giorgi Abkhlediani” was held.
The solemn events were organized by the Institute of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics and Giorgi Akhvlediani Society for the History of Linguistics.
