As is widely known, an agreement between Georgia and the Republic of Turkey is due to be signed within a few weeks, providing for the restoration of the Oshki and Ishkhani cathedrals with the direct participation of Georgian specialists.
It is difficult to conceive that anyone invested in the preservation of our cultural heritage would not welcome the positive resolution of this matter, which had long been delayed and had recently come to seem almost hopeless. This development is all the more gratifying as it not only ensures the future preservation of two outstanding masterpieces of Georgian ecclesiastical architecture, but also fosters hope for rescuing other Georgian antiquities in Turkey from imminent destruction.
Those familiar with the field of heritage preservation understand the complexities inherent in such international cooperation. It should not be forgotten that for many years, the conservation and reinforcement of Oshki, Ishkhani, Otkhta Eklesia, Khandzta, or other Georgian churches, monasteries, and fortifications – let alone their inspection – remained a futile aspiration for Georgian scholars and antiquarians alike. This turning point is, first and foremost, the fruit of the joint efforts of the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside the dedication of our civil society. The stance of the Turkish side is equally commendable, demonstrating a goodwill to accommodate our objectives and to devise pathways for engaging Georgian researchers and restorers in the restoration works at Oshki and Ishkhani (and prospectively, other monuments in due course).
It is possible that this major and urgent endeavor may be accompanied by challenges. It is also possible that others may perceive and evaluate it differently from us. However, we remain confident that the prudence and resolve of our society will enable us to overcome any obstacles and avert any potential risks.
We eagerly anticipate the conclusion of the interstate negotiations and the commencement of the restoration works on the Oshki and Ishkhani cathedrals, an intervention that will rescue these severely compromised structures from the threat of destruction.
The Academic Council of the George Chubinashvili National Research Centre for Georgian Art History and Heritage Preservation
On the Restoration of the Oshki and Ishkhani Cathedrals
As is widely known, an agreement between Georgia and the Republic of Turkey is due to be signed within a few weeks, providing for the restoration of the Oshki and Ishkhani cathedrals with the direct participation of Georgian specialists.
It is difficult to conceive that anyone invested in the preservation of our cultural heritage would not welcome the positive resolution of this matter, which had long been delayed and had recently come to seem almost hopeless. This development is all the more gratifying as it not only ensures the future preservation of two outstanding masterpieces of Georgian ecclesiastical architecture, but also fosters hope for rescuing other Georgian antiquities in Turkey from imminent destruction.
Those familiar with the field of heritage preservation understand the complexities inherent in such international cooperation. It should not be forgotten that for many years, the conservation and reinforcement of Oshki, Ishkhani, Otkhta Eklesia, Khandzta, or other Georgian churches, monasteries, and fortifications – let alone their inspection – remained a futile aspiration for Georgian scholars and antiquarians alike. This turning point is, first and foremost, the fruit of the joint efforts of the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside the dedication of our civil society. The stance of the Turkish side is equally commendable, demonstrating a goodwill to accommodate our objectives and to devise pathways for engaging Georgian researchers and restorers in the restoration works at Oshki and Ishkhani (and prospectively, other monuments in due course).
It is possible that this major and urgent endeavor may be accompanied by challenges. It is also possible that others may perceive and evaluate it differently from us. However, we remain confident that the prudence and resolve of our society will enable us to overcome any obstacles and avert any potential risks.
We eagerly anticipate the conclusion of the interstate negotiations and the commencement of the restoration works on the Oshki and Ishkhani cathedrals, an intervention that will rescue these severely compromised structures from the threat of destruction.
The Academic Council of the George Chubinashvili National Research Centre for Georgian Art History and Heritage Preservation