FACULTY OF EXACT AND NATURAL SCIENCES
FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
FACULTY OF SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SCIENCES
FACULTY OF PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES
FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS
FACULTY OF MEDICINE
FACULTY OF LAW
In his remarks at the presentation of the book album “Medea Gambashidze, the First Student of the First Georgian University,” the Rector of Tbilisi State University, Academician Jaba Samushia stated that the materials published therein not only narrate the history of one individual but also encompass the history of the era, the way of life of that time and the prevailing attitudes and perspectives of the people of that period.
“TSU has consistently served as a model for how a nation should preserve its historical legacy. This book provides an illustration of one of the most significant historical periods of our country, namely the existence of the Democratic Republic of Georgia,” stated Jaba Samushia.
The publication is dedicated to Medea Gambashidze, a renowned figure in Georgian emigration, who was the first student at Tbilisi State University (Faculty of Philosophy). The first student card was issued in her name in 1918. Medea Gambashidze was only able to complete three study courses before being compelled to leave the country with her family following the Soviet occupation. She lived an extremely interesting life in exile.
Zurab Gaiparashvili, the head of the TSU Library, said that the readers will have the opportunity to gain insight into the life of Medea Gambashidze, an article prepared for the 50th anniversary of TSU, notes from her personal diary, as well as wedding congratulatory letters and telegrams. Additionally, the readers will have access to an emotional diary dedicated to her first son, Reziko, notes from friends, 1921 memories of Georgian emigration descendants about Medea, as well as the series of oral histories “Women’s Memory,” which were prepared with the support of the Tasso Foundation.
The book contains a work entitled “The First Snow,” which, according to Natela Nikoladze, Medea’s daughter, belongs to her mother. Additionally, readers will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with a significant collection of photographic material, the majority of which is being published for the first time.
The publication of the book album “Medea Gambashidze, the First Student of the First Georgian University” was made possible with the support of Georgian Post. As part of the event, Rector Jaba Samushia bestowed the Gold Medal of the University upon the Director General of Georgian Post, Levan Chikvaidze, in recognition of his contribution to the advancement and promotion of the University.
During the event, members of the Friends Club of the TSU Library read extracts from Medea Gambashidze’s diaries.
