Skeletons, Stones, and Stories: Unearthing Georgia's European Identity
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| Year of publication | 2023 |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
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| Description | Georgia and the broader South Caucasus region have long been recognized as a geographical crossroads between Europe and Asia, serving as a cultural bridge connecting these two continents. Additionally, the country has been framed as an exotic periphery within the Russian and later the Soviet Empire. However, in the last two decades, a noticeable shift towards European integration has emerged, giving rise to a dynamic European identity narrative within Georgia. This presentation delves into the historiographic construction of Georgia’s historical and cultural "Europeanness," shedding light on the key scientific narratives in anthropology, archaeology, and art history that have permeated the public consciousness. In the field of anthropology, Georgia occupies a pivotal place as the site where the first known Eurasian hominoids outside of Africa were unearthed. These ancient skeletons, discovered in the early 1990’s near the village Dmanisi, establish a tangible link to our shared human origins while simultaneously revealing a unique facet of Georgia’s identity. Remarkably, Georgia has not merely treated these discoveries as scientific findings; it has embraced them as an integral part of its own heritage, assigning them typical Georgian names and incorporating them into the national narrative as “First Europeans”. Simultaneously, Georgia’s medieval art historiography presents a compelling argument for its deep European roots. Some art historians emphasize a Europe-centric perspective in recounting its extensive history, reinforcing the notion of Georgia’s enduring connection not only to the European continent but also to the contemporary European community. In this presentation, we will briefly introduce these narratives stemming from scientific exploration and artistic heritage. Subsequently, we will explore the role of media and public opinion in shaping this perspective, collectively contributing to the creation of Georgia’s image not just as a part of Europe, but as the place where Europe itself began. |
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