To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Ivane Javakhishvili's birth, anniversary events were held at Tbilisi State University on April 23. The TSU Rector, Academician Jaba Samushia, the Minister of Education, Science and Youth, Givi Mikanadze, TSU students, professors, and invited guests laid a wreath at Ivane Javakhishvili's grave in the university courtyard. A bust of Ivane Javakhishvili, created by the renowned sculptor Bidzina Avalishvili in 1978, was also unveiled in the first building of TSU, next to the Javakhishvili Auditorium.

To mark the occasion, TSU hosted a two-day international scientific conference entitled “Ivane Javakhishvili 150”, which was attended by up to 20 foreign scientists from 15 countries, including leading Kartvelologists.

TSU Rector, Academician Jaba Samushia welcomed the conference participants and invited guests: “Ivane Javakhishvili was a man of great knowledge. He was the author of fundamental research in the fields of the history of the Georgian nation, Georgian literature, linguistics, economic history, legal history, musical history, archaeology, medical history, Caucasology, ethnology, military affairs, geography and cartography, church history, Armenology, source studies, pedagogy and museology. However, his most notable achievement was the establishment of Tbilisi State University. He set an example through his professionalism, honesty, modesty, humility, principledness, and love for his homeland.”

Givi Mikanadze, the Minister of Education, Science and Youth, said: “Ivane Javakhishvili dedicated his entire life and work to building a better, more educated and stronger country that, despite its small size, would leave its mark on world civilization thanks to its unique culture and rich history. Through his tireless efforts, he paved the way for the establishment of a higher educational institution in the Georgian language and the advancement of Georgian science. It was Ivane Javakhishvili who laid the foundation for the main center of education, culture and national values, which today bears his name.”

“The history of our nation recognizes the merits of laymen who, through their modest lives, demonstrate their genuine devotion to the Lord, their homeland and their neighbor. Today, we remember not just a great scientist and public figure, but also someone who paved the way for our nation and its future generations to gain knowledge. Ivane Javakhishvili is more than just an ordinary name among our nation’s illustrious sons. He embodies the modern Georgian state’s values of knowledge and hard work. Through his humble, tireless, and indefatigable efforts, he elevated knowledge to a national priority and granted scientists a significant role,” noted Patriarchal Locum Tenens, Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of the Eparchy of Senaki and Chkhorotsku.

Welcoming speeches were delivered by Giorgi Sosiashvili, Deputy Chairman of the Parliament’s Committee on Education, Science and Youth Affairs, Vladimir (Lado) Papava, Academician-Secretary of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences, and Davit Gurgenidze, Chairman of the Georgian Rectors’ Conference.

Creative groups from TSU performed several musical numbers, including the hymn ‘Holy God’ by late Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II.

At the end of the conference, the Ministry of Culture, TV Company “Imedi” and Tbilisi State University presented the joint documentary film ‘Ivane Javakhishvili’, which once again demonstrated Ivane Javakhishvili’s role in Georgian history. Culture Minister Tinatin Rukhadze said, “Ivane Javakhishvili left a great legacy to our country. He was a world-renowned scientist, and, most importantly, the founder of Tbilisi State University. This European-style higher education institution is not only the oldest in Georgia, but also in the Caucasus region. We have always been proud of this and will always be. This film, dedicated to Ivane Javakhishvili, convinces us that education stands on a strong foundation of national identity.”  

A number of events have already been held as part of the anniversary week. The winners and finalists of the “Ivane Javakhishvili 150” creative competition were awarded; an exhibition of Ivane Javakhishvili’s memorabilia, including manuscripts, books, photographs and paintings from the TSU Museum, was organized; an exhibition of materials from the TSU Library, including Ivane Javakhishvili’s books, his first scientific article and photographs taken by him was also held. The first volume of the complete collection of Ivane Javakhishvili's works was presented.

The anniversary will also include the presentation of a coin and postage stamp dedicated to Ivane Javakhishvili, as well as other important events.