The Institute of Georgian-Abkhazian Relations was established in 1999 within the Tbilisi State University to restore confidence between the Georgian and Abkhaz societies through promotion of mutually beneficial cultural and social contacts. Over the course of its existence, the Institute has developed and published more than 50 bilingual books in cooperation with their Abkhaz colleagues and with support from the state and international institutions. The Institute has also served as an important hub for collecting and spreading information on the past and current developments in Abkhazia as well as an active promoter of people to people relations between the two communities.

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Main activities

• Development and publishing of two editions of Georgian-Abkhaz conversational dictionaries (1999-2000).
• Translation of Georgia’s main normative acts on rights of ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities in Abkhaz Language (2000).
• Publishing a book on Abkhaz folklore and literature for children (2000).
• Collection of the works of contemporary Abkhaz poets (2002).
• Radio "Hara" - musical and news programs in the Abkhaz language, broadcasted throughout Abkhazia for half an hour throughout four days of the week (1998-2007).
• Exhibition of the works of painters from Sukhumi in Tbilisi (2000).
• Photo exhibition "Sukhumi Landscapes" in Tbilisi (2000).
• Week of Georgian Films on Television in Sukhumi (2001).
• Performances for children in the Tqvarcheli Theatre of Abkhazia (2003).
• Summer camp for children from families affected by war in Sukhumi (2003).
• Spring camp for children from families affected by war in Bakuriani (2004).
• Discussion cycle on the past and the present situation of Abkhazia in Tbilisi (2009).
• Collecting and publishing the bilingual Photo Almanac “Abkhazia -19^th Century” (2011).

The Institute has also been an active promoter of the Abkhaz language in Tbilisi. Since 2000, tutors from the organisation have been giving free lessons to those interested in acquiring basic Abkhaz language skills. The classes run twice a week and are delivered by native Abkhaz speakers.

The Institute has also conducted English language courses for children from socially vulnerable families in Sukhumi (2001) and supported more than ten ethnic Abkhaz students to enrol in Georgian universities.

Find out more about The Institute of Georgian on Net Gazeti and Radio Tavis Upleba.