ეთნიკურ უმცირესობათა კულტურული თვითმყოფადობა და საქართველოში მათი ინტეგრაციის გამოწვევები

GIORGI SORDIA; MERAB DATUASHVILI; VAZHA DATUASHVILI

GIORGI SORDIA Doctor of History, Associate Professor at the University of Georgia Address: 77A Merab Kostava St, Tbilisi, Georgia http://orcid.org/0009-0005-5663-9713
MERAB DATUASHVILI Doctor of Engineering, Associate Professor at Akaki Tsereteli State University Address: 59 Tamar Mefe St, Kutaisi, Georgia http://orcid.org/0009-0006-7299-064X
VAZHA DATUASHVILI International Republican Institute Georgia (IRI), Administrative and Program Associate, Address: 73 Z. Paliashvili St, Tbilisi, Georgia http://orcid.org/0009-0009-8444-4488

Abstract

The article is presented through the project “Study of the factors of formation and planning of traditional clothes of ethnic, religious and national minorities in Georgia (FR №–22–2598)” implemented by Akaki Tsereteli State University, funded by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia

The topics of integration of ethnic, national and religious minorities have always held an important place in the formation and development of Georgian culture. These topics are significant and relevant in the policy-making processes of modern Georgia in various fields. This is vivid by the newly adopted National Strategy for Civic Equality and Integration 2021 - 2030, information documents prepared by the Public Defender of Georgia and its centers, reports prepared by civil society organizations and the Association Agreement between Georgia and the EU, noting that the state must ensure further strengthening respect for fundamental freedoms, human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, democratic principles, the rule of law, and good governance, based on common values of the Parties.

The article explores the cultural identity of ethnic minorities residing in Georgia and the challenges obstructing their integration into society. It addresses aspects including education, language, and material culture. The primary objective is to discuss and analyze various facets of cultural identity among ethnic, religious, and national minorities in Georgia. Moreover, it aims to examine historical manifestations of cultural identity compared with contemporary cases in Georgia. The article also underscores the challenges that hinder the assimilation of these groups into Georgian society. Additionally, reference is made to authoritative state policy documents advocating for a comprehensive approach to address the integration issues facing ethnic, national, and religious minorities.

Keywords: ethnic minority; religion; integration; culture; cultural diversity; traditions.

CULTURAL IDENTITY AND SOCIETAL INTEGRATION CHALLENGES OF ETHNIC MINORITIES IN GEORGIA

Abstract