Turkology in Georgia is a scholarly discipline with a long-standing tradition that was established in the first half of the 20th century, following the foundation of Tbilisi State University. Academician Sergi Jikia played a decisive role in the formation of the field, who is recognized as the founder of Georgian Turkology. His name is closely associated with the establishment of the Department of Turkish Studies within the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Tbilisi State University, which he led from 1945 to 1973.
Through the efforts of Academician Jikia and his students, a solid tradition of Turkish studies was formed in Georgia. An institutional framework for teaching the Turkish language was created, while research expanded into various areas, including the linguistic analysis of the Turkish language and dialects, the study of Ottoman archives, Turkish literature, and Georgian–Turkish historical and cultural relations. The scholarly works of Georgian Turkologists remain highly relevant today for the study of regional interactions and linguistic connections.
Turkology Today
At present, Turkological teaching and research are conducted at several higher education institutions across Georgia. Tbilisi State University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in Turkology, designed with innovative methodologies. Students acquire proficiency in modern Turkish as well as the fundamentals of Ottoman, study Turkish literature, work with historical sources, and develop translation skills.
Today, Turkology in Georgia is recognized as an international-level academic discipline that encompasses:
• Georgian–Turkish linguistic, literary, and cultural relations,
• the study of Ottoman sources,
• contemporary social, political, and cultural processes in Turkey,
• innovative methodologies of Turkish language instruction.
Georgian Turkologists actively collaborate with academic communities in Turkey and other countries. International conferences, research projects, and seminars are regularly organized, alongside summer schools, ensuring the ongoing relevance and further development of the field. Modern Turkology programs provide new generations with valuable opportunities to deepen their knowledge of one of the region’s most significant languages and cultures.