BA Political Science & Sociology – Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University 2014 -2018

MA Medieval Studies – Ilia State University 2018-2020

The theme of doctoral research project is “Georgian-Armenian relations in the second half of the 18th century and King Heraclius II of Kartli-Kakheti”. The research is being carried out within the scheme of joint doctoral program of Ilia State University and University Paul Valéry, Montpellier III. The idea of studying this issue belongs to a well-known French-Armenian scientist, Emeritus professor of the University Paul Valery, Montpellier III, Gérard Dédéyan.

The two neighbouring nations – Georgians and Armenians lost their statehood in different periods, however, the hope of freedom and independence has almost never faded for either of them. It seems that the idea of forming the united Georgian-Armenian state emerged during the reign of Vakhtang VI in Kartli. The hope of liberating Armenia from Muslim rule with the help of Georgian people, once again gains its relevance during the reign of Heraclius II, in the latter half of the 18th century. By that time Armenian philosopher and educator Shahamir Shahamirian who is also a quite influential merchant in India, is especially active. In the

Ilia State University, Master’s annual conference of the Medieval Studies 2020 – Presentation title – The letter, allegedly written by the Georgian King Heraclius II from India and addressed to his sister, Anna Orbeliani.

Erasmus+ scholarship for one semester exchange studies at Paul Valéry University, Montpellier III, France.

I am honored to be part of the joint Ph.D. program between Ilia State University and Paul Valéry University, Montpellier III. It is significant that the idea of the joint doctorate between Ilia State University and Paul Valéry University, Montpellier III was initiated during the Erasmus+ exchange study program in Montpellier, France. To the best of my knowledge, the History Department at Paul Valéry University in Montpellier is one of the strongest centers of Caucasology in France. I believe, the joint Ph.D. program in “Medieval History” is a great opportunity for young scholars to enrich and sophisticate their research skills.

meantime, Armenian public figure Joseph Emin comes up with the idea of the final liberation of Armenia.

Therefore, the research topic truly is a valuable and urgent issue for researches dealing with the history of Georgia and Armenia during the late Middle Ages. It could be interesting for scholars dealing with the 18th century history in general as well, as it goes beyond the region and gains global importance, since it deals with two small countries located in the crossroads of three giant states (Russian Empire, Ottoman Empire, Iran).

I think that the idea of creating the united Georgian-Armenian State in that era was quite realistic, particularly, there was the readiness from both Georgian and Armenian sides, though we are interested in the circumstances that prevented the implementation of this idea. It is a fact, that our neighbouring states of those times were not satisfied with this plan, however it is interesting to see what steps have each of them made against the abovementioned plan, as well as to find out how big and extensive was their influence on Georgian and Armenian thinkers.