Georgia Plans Large-Scale Celebrations to Mark 100th Anniversary of Democratic Republic
In connection with the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the First Democratic Republic of Georgia, around 100 events will be held both inside and outside the country.
The DRG was created after the collapse of the Russian Empire, which began with the Russian Revolution of 1917. However, after four years it collapsed and in 1921 became a Soviet Republic.
The Vice-Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Mikheil Janelidze stated that on Georgia’s Independence Day, May 26, special events will take place in Akhaltsikhe, in the south-west of Georgia, on the territory of Rabati Castle.
Furthermore, according to Janelidze, public lectures, photo exhibitions, and open-door days in the capital Tbilisi will soon be launched to raise the population’s awareness about the importance of May 26.
On 26 May, the descendants of the Georgian historian diaspora living abroad will attend the events of the Independence Day in Tbilisi, and have meetings with representatives of the Georgian government, scientific and cultural circles.
Janelidze noted that Diaspora Days will be celebrated in Tbilisi between May 27-28, with 300 representatives of different countries visiting Georgia to participate in the event.
“The Ministry intends to create a diplomatic museum, and on May 26, it will present to the public numerous interesting exhibits about the history of Georgian diplomacy,” he added.
In connection to this important date for Georgia, the Government of Lithuania will open Tbilisi Street in Vilnius on May 26.
Furthermore, 26 sights in various foreign countries will light up in the colors of Georgia’s national flag - white and red.
Janelidze added that UNESCO will host a joint concert of famous Georgian artist and UNESCO Peace Ambassador Eliso Bolkvadze and Georgian folk Ensemble Basiani.
A special event will be held in the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York, featuring the presentation of a special stamp dedicated to the 850th anniversary of iconic Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli.
According to the Minister, the remarkable date in Georgian history will also be celebrated in the Council of Europe (CoE) headquarters.
Celebrations will also be held at the Leuville Georgian estate, a historical Chateau Estate around 27 kilometers from Paris, where the first Government of Georgia settled in exile after fleeing their home in 1921, when the Russian Red Army entered Georgia.
By Thea Morrison