Issue no: 1569
• SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026 • PUBLISHED WEEKLY
PRICE: GEL 2.50
In this week’s issue... Levan Koguashvili’s ‘Guria’ Has World Premiere at Venice Film Festival NEWS PAGE 2
Ukraine Latest: Counterattacks Near Lyman as Russia Steps Up Air WarT NEWS PAGE 3
General Göransson: “We must provide Ukraine with everything we can” POLITICS PAGE 4
GD is Selling Georgia to the CCP!- US Congressman POLITICS PAGE 5
FOCUS ON GEORGIAN ART IN BERLIN
A new Georgian art space launches on Berlin’s Auguststraße PAGE 11
Buknari Resort: A New Destination Takes Shape on Georgia’s Black Sea Coast
BUSINESS PAGE 8
Economy Minister Kvrivishvili: Georgia to Invest $700 Million in Anaklia Deep Sea Port BUSINESS PAGE 8
Celebrating the Ultimate Grandpa
BY ANA DUMBADZE
SOCIETY PAGE 9
A
new hotel has opened in Buknari, an emerging resort area on Georgia’s Black Sea coast in Adjara, around a 15-minute drive from Batumi. The 100-room Buknari Hotel features a restaurant, indoor swimming pool, conference facilities, spa, lounge and massage rooms. Outdoor amenities include a padel court, walking trails and recreational areas. Set directly on the Black Sea coast, between subtropical forest and the sea, the hotel offers guests direct access to the beach. All rooms feature panoramic views of the Black Sea and Adjara’s mountainous landscape. Lisi Development has invested $20 million in the project. The hotel employs around 120 local and international professionals and is operated in line with international hospitality standards. Continued from page 6
Iran’s Fuel Crisis: Why Iran’s Future Matters for Georgia and the Caucasus
Mahler under the Caucasian Sky: Resurrection at Tsinandali CULTURE PAGE 10 Prepared for Georgia Today Business by
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NEWS
GEORGIA TODAY
SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026
Mestia Featured on Intrepid Travel’s 2027 Not Hot List 83rd Venice International Film Festival opens as Levan Koguashvili’s ‘Guria’ prepares for world premiere. Source: FB
Levan Koguashvili’s ‘Guria’ Has World Premiere at Venice Film Festival BY NANUKA MAGLAKELIDZE
T
he 83rd Venice International Film Festival has officially opened, with the world premiere of Georgian director Levan Koguashvili’s film ‘Guria‘ took place on September 9, in the Venice Spotlight section. Only eight films were selected for this year’s Venice Spotlight section, the Georgian Ministry of Culture said.. Levan Dvali, director of programs at the Georgian National Film Center, said that in addition to the premiere, a special press screening and events promoting the film and Georgia are planned with state support. “The 83rd Venice Film Festival has turned out to be particularly significant for Georgian cinema, as the world premiere of Levan Koguashvili’s new film Guria will take place here,” said Dvali. “In addition to the premiere screening, a Georgian reception, a special press screening and events promoting the film and the country are planned with state
support. We have high expectations regarding the response from foreign film critics, as information about the film has already appeared several times in leading international publications. A major French company has taken on the international sales of the film. “We believe Levan Koguashvili’s work will receive a strong response, as it can confidently be said that ‘Guria’ continues the tradition of Georgian cinema in a worthy manner.” The film was produced with the support of the Georgian Ministry of Culture, the Georgian National Film Center, Creative Georgia, the Georgian Public Broadcaster, and the state program ‘Film in Georgia.’ ‘Guria’ is a seven-country co-production involving Georgia, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Norway, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. The screenplay was written by Boris Frumin, Levan Koguashvili and Giorgi Kekelidze. The Georgian National Film Center has selected Koguashvili’s ‘Guria’ as Georgia’s candidate for the Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
Trekking in Mestia. Source Intrepidtravel
BY TEAM GT
M
estia in Georgia has been named in Intrepid Travel's annual Not Hot List, which recognizes 10 of the world's most exciting, under-the-radar destinations to watch in 2027. Developed by the world's largest adventure travel company, the list highlights destinations that are ready to welcome more visitors, with compelling new experiences and developments, and strong potential for tourism to deliver positive benefits for local communities. With new airport investment and Georgia's highland tourism strategy, Intrepid's 2027 Not Hot List positions Mestia as an increasingly accessible gateway to the Caucasus, where UNESCO-listed landscapes, medieval tower villages and trekking routes on the Transcaucasian Way remain relatively uncrowded. To further promote visitation and destination development, Intrepid has launched a brand-new 9-day Trek the Transcau-
casian Trail trip, where travelers will hike to the spectacular Chaaladi Glacier before setting off on the four-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli, experiencing Svan hospitality along the way and learning about the traditions of one of Georgia's oldest mountain communities. "Mestia's shift into Svaneti's main hub has increased local trade and investment, raising the quality of life across neighboring villages and giving people a real economic reason to stay instead of moving away to big cities," says Merab Mchedliani, Intrepid Travel Tour Leader, Caucasus. Drawing on insights from Intrepid's global network of local leaders and destination experts across more than 35 countries, the Not Hot List has built a reputation for identifying destinations on the rise before they enter the global spotlight. Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan and Kyrgyzstan's Tien Shan Mountain Range, both featured on previous lists, were subsequently featured in The New York Times' prestigious "52 Places to Go" lists for 2025 and 2026, respectively. Intrepid also recorded significant growth in trave-
ler demand following their inclusion, with bookings to Pakistan increasing by 67% year over year, while bookings to Kyrgyzstan grew by 62%. Other destinations featured on previous Not Hot Lists have similarly experienced increased visitor interest and wider economic benefits. For example, Sainshand in Mongolia, featured in the 2025 Not Hot List, saw strong growth in tourism demand alongside rising international arrivals. Increased visitation helped create employment opportunities, strengthen local supplier partnerships and support continued investment in tourism infrastructure and experiences. Mestia joins an exclusive group of 10 destinations recognized by Intrepid as destinations to watch in 2027. The other destinations recognized on the list include Samburu National Reserve (Kenya), Northern Highlands (Jordan), Whitehorse (Yukon, Canada), Alonnisos (Greece), Dili (Timor-Leste), the Pekoe Trail (Sri Lanka), Liepaja (Latvia), Carretera Austral (Chile) and Dalsland (Sweden). SOURCE: Intrepid Travel/Globe Trender
Tbilisi Philharmonic Rehabilitation Design Tender Announced for Third Time Akçaray tram line in Kocaeli, Turkey, one of the projects implemented by EmreRay Enerji. Sourxe: X
Tbilisi City Hall Signs GEL 287.6 mln Contract for Didi Dighomi-Didube Tram Line BY NANUKA MAGLAKELIDZE
O
n September 7, Tbilisi City Hall signed a contract with EYE, a group made up of Turkish companies which won the tender for the design and construction of a tram line in Tbilisi. ‘EmreRay Enerji Insaat Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi’ will design and build the line from Didi Dighomi to Didube metro station for GEL 287,654,321. “We are bringing back the tram to create a transportation system for the future in Tbilisi,” Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said. The project will consist of three main stages: preparation of the conceptual design; detailed design; and construction works. “The total duration of all three stages is 36 months,” Kaladze said on September 7. The 36-month deadline will expire on September 7, 2029.”
“Taking into account all related procedures, the project is planned to be completed within the next four years,” the mayor said. The 7.5-kilometer tram line will have 11 stops and is planned to connect Didi Dighomi with Didube. The line will start near the area connecting Didi Dighomi’s 3rd and 4th microdistricts, run along David Aghmashenebeli Alley, passing through the Dighomi Massive, and will connect to the area surrounding Didube metro station. EmreRay Enerji is a medium-sized, privately owned Turkish company. The company’s website lists railway and tram infrastructure, telecommunications and cable networks, construction and infrastructure works, and other related fields among its areas of activity. The company’s completed projects include several railway projects in Turkey, including high-speed railways, as well as hydroelectric power plants, including the 7.3-megawatt Erzurum Hydroelectric Power Plant
Tbilisi State Concert Hall, also known as the Tbilisi Philharmonic. Source: FB
BY NANUKA MAGLAKELIDZE
A
tender for the design of the rehabilitation of the Tbilisi State Concert Hall, commonly known as the Tbilisi Philharmonic, has been announced for the third time. The Municipal Development Fund of Georgia (MDF) will begin accepting bids on November 4, with the deadline set for November 9. The estimated value of the procurement is GEL 6.5 million, GEL 2.057 million more than the previous tender. The procurement for preparing the design and cost-estimate documentation
for the rehabilitation project was unsuccessful in both 2025 and 2026. The project aims to fully rehabilitate the building, adapt it to modern requirements, integrate engineering systems, and update its functions while preserving and restoring the Philharmonic’s original architectural appearance. The rehabilitation plans include adapting the stage equipment to modern technologies, replacing existing utility systems with lightweight and energy-efficient systems, updating the building’s layout, modernizing elevators, improving artists’ rooms, and introducing new safety systems. The project also includes making the Philharmonic fully accessible to people
with disabilities, strengthening and restoring the facade, roof, attic and stage structures, upgrading acoustic systems, modernizing technical spaces, and fully renovating water supply, sewage, heating, cooling and ventilation systems, the MDF said. The Tbilisi State Concert Hall was under the management of the Ministry of Culture for years. In August 2024, the government transferred the ministry’s management rights over the hall to the Government Administration. The hall was subsequently organizationally merged with the Black Sea Arena. The merged entity is currently operated by Starring Georgia LLC, which is 100% state-owned.
NEWS
GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026
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Ukraine Latest: Counterattacks Near Lyman as Russia Steps Up Air WarT COMPILED BY ANA DUMBADZE
T
he Russia-Ukraine war entered another week of intense fighting, but the most dramatic developments came well beyond the front line. While Russian troops continued pressing toward Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka and other parts of Donetsk region, Ukrainian forces mounted counterattacks around Lyman and elsewhere in the east. Neither side made a major breakthrough between September 4 and 10, but the geography of the war continued to widen as both countries stepped up long-range attacks. Russia continued to pound Ukrainian cities and infrastructure with drones, missiles and glide bombs. Ukraine, meanwhile, carried its campaign against Russian oil refineries, military facilities, ports and energy infrastructure deep into Russian territory. On the ground, Donetsk remained the main focus of the fighting. Russian troops continued their push around Pokrovsk, Dobropillya and the KostiantynivkaDruzhkivka area, although territorial gains remained limited. The Institute for the Study of War assessed that Russian forces had taken Myrne and Vasylivka northwest of Pokrovsk. Russian troops were also reported to be moving more infantry into the Pokrovsk area, with Ukrainian forces saying the Russian presence had increased significantly compared with August. Further north, however, the picture was less favorable for Moscow. Ukrainian forces mounted counterattacks around Lyman, and by September 9 even Russian military bloggers were acknowledging the attacks and reporting the withdrawal of some Russian units from forward positions. The precise extent of the Ukrainian advance remained uncertain, but Ukrainian forces continued to hold Sviatohirsk, northwest of Lyman, despite earlier Russian claims that the
town had been captured. Fighting was also reported around Borova and elsewhere along the Oskil River. Around Kostiantynivka and Druzhkivka, Russian troops continued trying to work through Ukrainian defenses using small infantry groups rather than large armored assaults. Russian aircraft also continued to hit towns behind the front with guided glide bombs. Kramatorsk was struck by five guided bombs on September 9, injuring at least nine people, while Ukrainian officials reported dozens of attacks on Druzhkivka. Along Ukraine’s northern border, Russian forces continued attacks in Sumy and Kharkiv regions as Moscow sought to establish what it calls a buffer zone, but no significant confirmed territorial gains were recorded during the latter part of the week. Ukrainian forces counterattacked in northern Sumy region and around Kupyansk and Borova. In the south, Russian forces continued fighting around Hulyaipole and western Zaporizhzhia without confirmed gains on September 8-9, although they have made significant progress around Hulyaipole in recent months. If the ground war remained relatively slow-moving, the air war was anything but. Ukraine continued its campaign against Russia’s oil industry and military infrastructure. On September 6, Ukrainian forces struck the Ryazan oil refinery, one of Russia’s largest, reportedly damaging crude-processing units and starting a fire. Other strikes targeted the Rostovon-Don airfield, a radar installation and two Pantsir-S1 air-defense systems. The Saratov refinery was also attacked on the night of September 7-8. The following night, Ukraine attacked the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, one of Russia’s important naval and energy hubs. Kyiv said it targeted military port facilities, vessels capable of launching Kalibr cruise missiles and an oil terminal. Ukraine’s navy said a Neptune missile hit the Admiral Essen frigate. Ukrain-
A Ukrainian tank crew of the 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade fires a round from a Leopard 2A4 tank during a field training exercise. Source: Getty Images
ian forces also reported strikes on a Su-33 fighter and an Mi-8 helicopter in Anapa, as well as Russian air-defense radars near Gelendzhik. Fires were reported at the Novorossiysk oil terminal. The distances involved in some Ukrainian attacks were increasingly striking. Drones reached the Yamal-Nenets region in western Siberia, around 3,000 kilometers from Ukraine, where a gas condensate facility at Novy Urengoy was reportedly attacked. The region is at the heart of Russia’s natural gas industry, demonstrating Ukraine’s growing ability to threaten infrastructure far from the battlefield. On the night of September 9-10, drones targeted Makhachkala in Russia’s Dagestan region on the Caspian Sea. Russian Telegram channels reported that the Makhachkala Commercial Sea Port appeared to have been targeted and may have been hit. The port is Russia’s only ice-free deepwater port on the Caspian Sea and handles grain, liquid cargo, containers and other freight. Dagestan authorities said all aerial targets had been destroyed but acknowledged that falling debris caused fires at port infrastructure. An explosion and fire were also reported at the Gamzat Tsadasa Avar Music and Drama Theatre, which authorities attributed to falling debris. Ukraine also struck Russian military facilities in occupied Crimea, including a patrol boat and electronic reconnaissance equipment around Sevastopol. Russia, meanwhile, said sea drones
attacked the Black Sea resort city of Sochi on September 9, injuring eight people and damaging beach infrastructure. At the same time, Ukrainian cities remained under sustained Russian attack. On September 4, a Russian drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine’s Security Service in central Kyiv. Ukrainian officials said the drone appeared to have been aimed directly at the office of the service’s acting head. Twelve people were reported wounded in the wider attack. Russia also increasingly used faster, jet-powered drones, allowing attacks during daylight as well as overnight and adding another challenge for Ukrainian air defenses. After a brief reduction in strikes around a visit by US negotiators, Russia launched another major missile and drone attack on Kyiv on September 8. Five people were killed and around 35 wounded. Residential buildings, a school, a clinic and other infrastructure were damaged. The attacks continued the next day. A Russian drone struck a shopping center in Sumy, killing two people and wounding 20. Across the wider Sumy region, Russian attacks left five people dead and 24 injured. Russian drones also struck the Starokozache border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova, killing two civilians and wounding three. Another person was killed and 17 wounded in Kyiv. Energy infrastructure remained a major concern as Ukraine moved toward another winter of war. Russian attacks caused power disruptions in Sumy, Chernihiv,
Mykolaiv, Kharkiv and Kyiv regions on September 9. At the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, a localized ceasefire brokered by the International Atomic Energy Agency allowed repairs to begin on damaged external power lines. The plant had lost its external electricity supply in August, raising renewed concerns about the safety of Europe’s largest nuclear power facility. There was little movement on the diplomatic front. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow before traveling to Kyiv, where they held talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky and European officials. Discussions covered territory, security guarantees and the possibility of future negotiations, but the gap between the two sides remained wide. Putin continued to insist on Russia’s broader war aims, while Ukraine rejected demands that would require it to surrender additional territory. For Ukraine’s Western allies, preparations for the coming winter have become an increasingly urgent priority. Britain announced a £100 million air-defense package including Patriot missiles, other interceptors, artillery ammunition and drones. Germany also pledged older Patriot PAC-2 interceptors. Ukraine has said it needs roughly 300 Patriot interceptors for immediate winter defense and is working with its allies on the longer-term procurement of around 1,000 missiles. Zelensky discussed the issue with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo, with talks focusing on Patriot interceptors, Norway’s contribution through the US-led PURL weaponspurchasing mechanism and assistance for Ukraine’s energy system. On September 10, Zelensky arrived in Canada for a three-day visit and talks with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Air defense and preparations for another difficult winter were again expected to be central to the discussions.
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POLITICS
GEORGIA TODAY
SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026
General Göransson: “We must provide Ukraine with everything we can”
Sverker Göransson. Source: RFERL
INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE FOR RFE/RL
R
ussia does not need to completely end the war in Ukraine to launch a new aggression in Europe, former Commander-in-Chief of the Swedish Armed Forces General Sverker Göransson said in an interview with Radio Liberty. According to his assessment, the Kremlin will choose the Baltic states as a likely target, although he is confident that the seizure of Gotland or any other part of NATO territory would be met with a tough and immediate response from the alliance. There is also a second option, the South Caucasus, and in this scenario, according to Göransson, much will depend on Turkey.
LET’S START WITH THE SITUATION ON THE BATTLEFIELD IN UKRAINE. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE IT? The battlefield today resembles the period of the world wars. On the ground, there is a virtual stalemate, and both sides are struggling to advance. This is not surprising given the current conditions and the capabilities of the parties. There are now some signs that the Ukrainians may be making
progress, but they must exercise extreme caution to avoid disproportionately high losses. It would have been much easier if the West had provided them with more offensive weapons. At the time, in this conflict, we, the West, clearly chose whom we supported from the very beginning, so we had to act much faster and do more. I must say that, from both a strategic and tactical point of view, the Ukrainians are acting more wisely than the Russians. The large-scale military campaign by the Ukrainians is extremely effective. By striking targets deep inside Russia, they are trying to send a certain message. They are attacking both military targets and those objects that feed the Russian war economy. This also has a psychological effect. In this way, the reality of the war reaches the Russian population directly and reminds them that this is a war started by them, the Russian president, a war that he, it seems, cannot possibly win. This is extremely important because Putin has been trying all these years to “distract” ordinary Russians from the reality of the war. For them, the war should always be “somewhere else.” Today, this is no longer possible, and now Putin is under pressure. The Kremlin’s hopes of somehow reaching a favorable agreement with the Americans were also in vain. All of Lavrov’s pomp and show when he appeared in Alaska wearing a T-shirt with USSR inscriptions are a thing of the past.
UKRAINE IS STRIKING INCREASINGLY DISTANT TARGETS MORE FREQUENTLY. HOW FAR CAN THIS CAMPAIGN GO, WHAT CAN IT ACHIEVE, AND WHY IS RUSSIAN AIR DEFENSE UNABLE TO STOP THE STRIKES? As for how far this campaign will go and what scale it will reach, it depends on what other weapons the West will provide to Ukraine in addition to drones. Recently, there has been talk of Tomahawk missiles, although this is less likely. Ukraine also seems to be able to produce the French SCALP-EG and British Storm Shadow itself soon. Kyiv has growing domestic production, which will be sup-
plemented by British, French and American, as well as German and Swedish, weapons. There is a lot of controversy and debate about this issue in Germany right now because there is no political consensus there regarding the supply of long-range missiles. Here in Sweden, we are facing the opposite picture: there is a broad consensus that we must provide Ukraine with everything we can for its success. It is with the same logic that we made the decision on Gripen fighters: we will transfer the older models of our aircraft fleet to Ukraine free of charge and sell the new ones. As for why the Russians are failing to protect themselves from these strikes, firstly, Russian air defense systems appear to be less effective than Western systems. Second, they have withdrawn a large part of their air defense assets from the regions and concentrated them around Moscow. The Russians do not have a system that would compare, for example, with Israel’s Iron Dome or the Missile Wall that we are now trying to build in Europe. As a result, we have a picture that no one could have imagined before this war: Russia has now lost one of its main historical advantages, its vast territory.
WESTERN INTELLIGENCE REPORTS INDICATE THAT WE COULD SEE A RUSSIAN ATTACK OR SOME FORM OF MILITARY AGGRESSION ON EUROPEAN TERRITORY WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS. WHAT WOULD BE THE MOST LIKELY TARGET, AND DOES RUSSIA NEED TO END THE WAR IN UKRAINE BEFORE SERIOUSLY THREATENING ANOTHER COUNTRY? It is not necessary to completely end the war in Ukraine for this. If Russia sees that Europe is distracted, vulnerable and not ready to respond appropriately, it will use this opportunity. The target will likely be relatively small countries close to Ukraine, primarily the Baltic states. The Baltic direction is also attractive to Russia because it can use its naval forces there. Of course, this would also make its own fleet a target for Western retaliation, but this risk would exist in any case. A wise tactician would act gradually, step by step. If I had worked in their general staff, I would have carefully analyzed the attack on Ukraine: how it was planned, what went wrong and why. In my opinion, they chose the wrong time of year for the attack because of the weather and soil conditions. In general, I do not think that the plan and decision to invade Ukraine belonged to a smart tactician. Too many blunders were made for that. If the same person makes the next decision, it will be difficult to predict his steps because they do not obey logic.
WE WILL COME BACK TO THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ATTACK ON NATO MEMBER STATES, BUT FIRST LET’S CONSIDER THREE MORE VULNERABLE COUNTRIES IN RUSSIA’S NEIGHBORHOOD: MOLDOVA, GEORGIA AND ARMENIA. THEY ARE OUTSIDE NATO’S UMBRELLA AND, UNLIKE THE BALTIC STATES, ARE NOT COVERED BY THE ALLIANCE’S DEFENSE OBLIGATION. This is an interesting question. On the one hand, Russia may want to test NATO to see if the alliance will respond to a threat in its own space. On the other hand, it may be more prudent for it to gradually seize more territory without drawing the West directly into the conflict. If this happens in the South Caucasus, a lot will depend on Turkey’s reaction. Despite its special relationship with Russia, I don’t think Turkey would like such a scenario.
LET’S RECALL YOUR FAMOUS QUOTE. WHEN YOU WERE LEADING THE SWEDISH DEFENSE FORCES, YOU SAID THAT SWEDEN WOULD ONLY BE ABLE TO DEFEND ITSELF FOR ABOUT A WEEK IN THE EVENT OF A RUSSIAN ATTACK. MORE THAN 10 YEARS LATER, HOW WOULD YOU ASSESS SWEDEN’S DEFENSE CAPABILITIES TODAY? I would say this: today we would have lasted much longer than a week. The difference between then and now is dramatic. The main reason is that today our armed forces are properly equipped, trained and ready. They have experience gained in combat and in large-scale NATO exercises. There has been a thorough retraining of the military forces. We have conducted air force exercises both in Sweden and abroad and have shown that we are equal in quality, if not in quantity, to anyone, including the United States. Therefore, defeating
Sweden today would be much more difficult. Militarily, the country is well prepared. We are now in the process of restoring the doctrine of civil defense. I am talking about the “total defense” that we historically had, according to which a potential war or military aggression is a real threat to Sweden and everyone must be prepared for it, both physically and in terms of psychological resilience.
LIKE IN FINLAND? Yes. During the Cold War, everything was arranged in Sweden in this way, and the system worked effectively. Now we are gradually restoring it. The main thing is that in times of crisis or war, the country maintains a peaceful mode of life as much as possible. Today, we are much better prepared in this regard, and we have the full support of the parliament. One of Putin’s biggest mistakes was that by attacking Ukraine, he brought Finland and Sweden into NATO and caused a sharp increase in military spending across much of Europe. I don’t think he intended for this turn of events to happen, but that’s exactly what happened. Sweden has recently decided to purchase four frigates from France. We are building new submarines and upgrading existing ones. The tank arsenal is also growing and being modernized. The air force is receiving a new model of Gripen, and old aircraft are being transferred to Ukraine. However, we have not yet reached the desired level. This will take several more years. In my opinion, the armed forces should be further increased. The fleet will be expanded with the addition of frigates, and the ground forces should be increased by about two times: we need seven or eight brigades instead of four. Even this is small compared with historical scales. In 1989, when I started working at the headquarters of the armed forces, we had 29 brigades.
SWEDISH ARMED FORCES COMMANDERIN-CHIEF GENERAL KLAESSON DESCRIBED A SCENARIO IN WHICH RUSSIA COULD TRY TO SEIZE GOTLAND TO TEST NATO’S ARTICLE 5 AND THE UNITY OF THE ALLIANCE. IF RUSSIA ATTEMPTED THIS, HOW WOULD EVENTS UNFOLD? WHAT IF THE TARGET WERE GOTLAND, DENMARK’S BORNHOLM, OR ONE OF ESTONIA’S TWO LARGEST ISLANDS? We have a strong military contingent on Gotland today and have clearly shown that we are capable of defending the island and are ready to do so. Can Russia repeat the Crimean scenario there? It can try, but will it succeed? Sweden will be ready to respond. We will not give up anything.
I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT EVEN IF RUSSIA HELD A REFERENDUM ON GOTLAND, THE POPULATION WOULD NOT SUPPORT ANNEXATION. BUT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHER ISLANDS IN THE BALTIC SEA THAT COULD BECOME TARGETS. WHAT WOULD THE RESPONSE BE? Sweden’s reaction would be immediate, and we would immediately demand the activation of NATO’s Article 5. Despite the current political ambiguity surrounding the alliance, based on conversations with American and Swedish military leaders, including General Claesson, I would say that the seizure of even the smallest piece of NATO-owned rock in the Baltic Sea would be met with a strong and immediate response. In light of this, I’m surprised that Denmark hasn’t done more to strengthen Bornholm. They have a military base there, and they have increased investment, but that’s about it for now. There’s a huge difference between Gotland and Bornholm in this regard.
LET’S SAY RUSSIA TRIES TO SEIZE NOT SWEDEN BUT, FOR EXAMPLE, ESTONIA’S “ROCK FRAGMENT.” WOULD THAT HAVE ANY SIGNIFICANT IMPACT? If you stop an ordinary Swede on the street and ask him, he will probably tell you that yes, there is a difference. But the decision-makers in the government, the armed forces and other areas will tell you that they do not see any difference. We are one team now, and we should help each other defend our countries. Never in modern history have European countries been as united as they are today. Putin certainly didn’t plan for this, but he has ensured that any future aggression he commits in Europe will be met with a much harsher response than it would have been three or five years ago.
POLITICS
GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026
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Georgian Parliament Committee Chair Calls Kos Remarks on MAGA ‘Scandalous’
U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson Source: Getty Images
GD is Selling Georgia to the CCP!- US Congressman
Marta Kos, Nikoloz Samkharadze. Source: Euneighbourseast, FB
BY TEAM GT
N
ikoloz Samkharadze, chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has described remarks by European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos urging EU candidate countries to cut ties with US President Donald Trump’s MAGA movement as “scandalous.” Kos made the remarks at an event organized by the Center for European Policy Studies, where she said candidate countries should avoid developing dependencies that could conflict with the EU’s long-term interests. “We should not risk our future members developing dependencies on others that would run counter to our long-term interests,” Kos said.
She said the EU was facing “opponents” to its enlargement process for the first time in its history. Asked whom she considered an opponent, Kos identified Russia, but also referred to “pressure from the West, from MAGA ideologues.” “They are trying to convince us that our European civilization and economy are in decline and that we do not have the right kind of democracy,” she said. Kos also addressed China, describing it as “a different case.” She said Beijing was seeking to deepen economic ties with EU candidate countries in anticipation of their eventual membership, but was not currently conducting disinformation campaigns of the kind she attributed to Russia. Samkharadze said Kos’s comments effectively amounted to discouraging candidate countries from maintaining close relations with the current US administration.
“This is a significant statement. In fact, it means criticizing the current US administration and banning friendship and close relations with it, because the MAGA philosophy originates from Donald Trump’s administration. Donald Trump came to power with this philosophy and slogan,” Samkharadze said. “In plain language, this statement means that anyone who befriends the current US administration has no place in the European Union. Marta Kos’s statement is scandalous because it amounts to banning candidate countries from maintaining close relations with the new US administration,” he added. Georgia was granted EU candidate status in December 2023, but the country's accession process was effectively halted by the EU in 2024 amid a deterioration in relations between Tbilisi and Brussels.
BY NANUKA MAGLAKELIDZE
T
he US Republican Congressman Joe Wilson commented on preliminary data published by Georgia’s National Statistics Office (Geostat) on September 8, showing that China ranked first in terms of foreign direct investment in Georgia. “The Chinese Communist Party has overtaken the UK as the top investor in Georgia thanks to the anti-American Georgian Dream regime. CCP “investment” is always corrosive and about taking control of the country. GD is selling Georgia to the CCP!” – wrote Joe Wilson on X. In the second quarter of 2026, the volume of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Georgia decreased by 23.2% compared
to the same period last year. According to Georgia’s National Statistics Office (Geostat), $468.8 million in foreign direct investment was made in Georgia in April-June. The figure stood at $610.6 million in the second quarter of 2025. Foreign direct investment from China amounted to $219.5 million, accounting for 46.8% of the total. The top three investor countries were: China – $219.5 million (46.8%); United Kingdom – $123.5 million (26.3%); United Arab Emirates – $47.7 million (10.2%). Geostat data shows that investment from China increased sharply. In the second quarter of 2025, the figure for China was negative, standing at -$21.6 million, while in the first quarter of 2026, Georgia received $16.4 million in investment from China.
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BUSINESS
GEORGIA TODAY
SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026
Buknari Resort: A New Destination Takes Shape on Georgia’s Black Sea Coast
Continued on page 1 The architectural design of Buknari Hotel was developed by internationally recognized British firm Architects of Invention. The hotel represents the first phase of the wider Buknari Resort development. For the resort’s long-term master plan, Lisi Development is working with sev-
eral international and Georgian architecture and design firms, including UKbased WATG, Spain’s Leku and Georgian firm TIMM. The next stages of Buknari Resort will include the construction of residential buildings offering premium apartments for sale. The master plan also envisages further development of the beachfront, including a beach club, children’s enter-
tainment areas, commercial spaces and other mixed-use facilities. Through the Buknari project, Lisi Development aims to establish a new destination on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, bringing together hospitality, residential development and recreational infrastructure within a single resort environment. The project builds on the development
model the company has pursued in Tbilisi over the past 15 years. Its Lisi Green Town project helped shape a residential district around Lisi Lake while contributing to the development of one of the capital’s largest recreational areas. Across its projects, Lisi Development emphasizes integration with the natural environment, coherent architectural design and well-planned infrastructure.
The approach is intended to create spaces that encourage recreation, family time and a more balanced everyday lifestyle. Lisi Development was the first developer in Georgia to introduce the 80/20 principle in 2010. Under this model, 80% of the land in its developments is dedicated to green and recreational areas, with buildings occupying the remaining 20%.
GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026
Book Your Stay TEL: +995 32 211 11 09
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BUSINESS
GEORGIA TODAY
SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026
Iran’s Fuel Crisis: Why Iran’s Future Matters for Georgia and the Caucasus ANALYSIS BY SHAHROKH TAVAKOLI, GUEST WRITER*
I
ran’s growing fuel crisis is no longer only an economic issue; it has become a reflection of deeper political and social challenges that could affect the stability of the wider region, including Georgia and the South Caucasus. The inability of the Iranian authorities to manage basic energy needs reveals the scale of structural problems inside a country whose developments inevitably influence its neighbors. Recent statements by Iranian officials about gasoline shortages have exposed a serious imbalance between domestic consumption and production capacity. According to official remarks, gasoline demand has reached around 135 million liters per day, while domestic production is unable to meet this level. The resulting deficit is increasingly being managed through restrictive measures and possible price increases. For millions of Iranians, fuel is not simply a transportation issue. Any increase in fuel prices directly affects food costs, transportation expenses, inflation, and the daily lives of ordinary families. Previous fuel-price increases have demonstrated how quickly economic decisions in Iran can become major social events in a society already facing unemployment, inflation, currency devaluation, and declining living standards. The roots of the crisis go beyond technical shortages. Years of economic mismanagement, corruption, international isolation, and the prioritization of political and security structures over economic development have weakened Iran’s ability to respond to basic needs. Instead of sufficient investment in mod-
Fuel consumers in Iran. Source: Bloomsberg
ern infrastructure, efficient transportation, and sustainable economic development, the ruling establishment has maintained a system heavily focused on preserving political control. This situation is important for Georgia and the South Caucasus. Georgia’s geographical position makes regional stability, trade routes, energy security, and predictable relations among neighboring states particularly important. Economic decline or growing social tensions in Iran could affect regional trade, migration patterns, transportation routes, and broader security calculations. Iran’s relationship with the South Caucasus also extends beyond economics. Developments inside Iran can influence its relations with Armenia, Azerbaijan,
and Georgia, and can interact with wider geopolitical competition in the region. For Georgia, therefore, what happens inside Iran cannot be viewed as a distant domestic issue. Another important dimension is the Iranian community living in Georgia. Iranian residents in Georgia occupy a unique position between Iranian society and the South Caucasus. Many maintain family, social, professional, and cultural connections with people inside Iran and closely follow developments in their homeland. Their views and experiences deserve respect, particularly when discussing Iran’s future. Without attempting to draw Iranian citizens in Georgia toward any particular political identity or organiza-
tion, their participation in public discussion, their support for human rights, and any peaceful effort they make toward a freer and more democratic future for Iran should be regarded with respect. Their personal connections with relatives and friends inside Iran can also have an important human dimension. Where such communication is safe and voluntary, Iranian residents in Georgia can listen to the concerns and experiences of people inside Iran, maintain friendships and family ties, and help create a bridge between Iranian society and the wider regional community. The value of these relationships lies first in trust, friendship, mutual understanding, and human solidarity. For many Iranians, the central question
is no longer whether fundamental political change is necessary, but how such change can be achieved. The experience of recent decades has led many to conclude that lasting change requires replacing the current authoritarian structure with a democratic system based on the will of the people. The organized Iranian Resistance presents itself as one of the forces seeking such a transition. The Resistance Units associated with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) have been described by their supporters as an organized grassroots network operating inside Iran. At the political level, President of the National Council of Resistance of Iran Maryam Rajavi’s tenpoint plan proposes principles including democratic governance, separation of religion and state, equality for women, and respect for fundamental freedoms. Regardless of political perspectives, the broader debate over Iran’s future increasingly concerns the possibility of establishing a system capable of providing political accountability, economic development, and respect for citizens’ rights. A more democratic and stable Iran would affect not only its own population but also the security and economic environment of Georgia, the South Caucasus, and the wider Middle East. The fuel crisis is therefore more than a shortage of gasoline. It is a sign of a deeper crossroads facing Iran. The decisions made in the coming years will shape not only Iran’s future, but also the regional environment of countries such as Georgia, whose history, geography, trade routes, and security interests are closely connected to developments in the South Caucasus. *Shahrokh Tavakoli is an independent analyst on Iran and Middle East and South Caucasus Affairs
Economy Minister Kvrivishvili: Georgia to Invest $700 Million in Anaklia Deep Sea Port Easyjet aircraft. Source: BTN Europe
EasyJet Faces $72 Million Lawsuit over Stranded Airbus Planes BY TEAM GT
B
ritish low-cost airline easyJet is facing a lawsuit seeking at least $72 million over allegations that it unlawfully abandoned six leased Airbus aircraft after terminating their leases following the imposition of sanctions on Russia, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday. The lawsuit was filed in London's High Court by STLC Europe Eight, an Irish unit of Russian state-owned aircraft lessor GTLK Europe. The company alleges that easyJet left six leased Airbus jets in Madrid and Cyprus in 2022 without proper maintenance, while airport storage charges continued to accumulate. According to the claim, easyJet had leased the aircraft from STLC and notified the lessor in April 2022 that it was terminating the leases because European
Union sanctions prevented the airline from maintaining or repairing the planes. STLC disputes that interpretation, arguing that the sanctions did not apply because the aircraft remained outside Russia and the leasing company was based in Ireland, the FT reported. Three of the aircraft, which had been stored at Larnaca International Airport in Cyprus, were eventually recovered and sold. However, they reportedly fetched at least $32.5 million less than expected because of their poor condition. The other three aircraft, which remain in Madrid, have yet to be sold, according to the report. The case is part of a broader series of disputes involving Western airlines and Russian aircraft lessors over hundreds of aircraft stranded outside Russia after the invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent imposition of international sanctions. SOURCE: Reuters
Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili. Source: FB
BY NANUKA MAGLAKELIDZE
G
eorgia’s Economy and Sustainable Development Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili said at the International Maritime Forum in Batumi that the state will invest $700 million in the Anaklia port project, Mtavari reports. “One of the main projects for developing Georgia’s maritime capabilities is the Anaklia Deep Sea Port,” Mariam
Kvrivishvili said in her address at the International Maritime Forum in Batumi. “We are developing Anaklia under the so-called landlord model, which balances the interests of the state and the private sector and creates opportunities for broad regional and international participation. The port will begin operations in 2029, with an initial annual capacity of at least 600,000 TEU and approximately 10 million tons of dry cargo. The state will invest $700 million in the project. With investments from the private sector, this figure amounts
to $1.1 billion.” The Ministry of Economy said that construction of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port is now underway, with two dredging vessels operating in the marine basin and work on the main breakwater in progress. The port is being developed under a state-led “landlord” model, with the Georgian government retaining full ownership of the core infrastructure. The port is expected to become fully operational in 2029 and strengthen Georgia’s role along the Middle Corridor.
SOCIETY
GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026
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Back to “Flower Garden.” Part 2 Tony and Lali. Photo by the author
BLOG BY TONY HANMER
A
s I wrote in my last blog, in August my wife and I were able to take four nights and camp in Kvavilnari, near Ureki on the Black Sea coast, in a guest-free period for us. Our main sources of noise in the night were several: masses of frogs calling for mates in the nearby pond, for example. The traffic a dull roar in the distance. The waves more present, but a nice bit of what is called white noise. The one sound which was the worst came from some Georgian party-goers who had driven up near us, not to spend the night, but certainly to feast and dance and shout to each other for a good part of it. Thankfully, someone dared to call the police well after 11 pm, who did appear and ask for some sanity in the sonic department. And, with plenty of cursing and more shouting, the bash wrapped up at about half past midnight. Really, there were families with young children a stone’s throw from the blast, so it just wasn’t fair. Our nearest neighbors were several Turks who boasted a magnificent samovar, charcoal-heated, for their hot water and thus tea. A wonderful device, of which I would consider buying one for our own use.
new one proved to be), good sleeping conditions, food storage, cooking, water, light, seating and so on. One can start, then iterate improvements until the optimum for one’s satisfaction is reached. Of course, there will always be some people who simply don’t like camping at all; for them, perhaps nothing will make it work, for whatever reason. For me, though, along with Lali, it’s about doing it the best possible way given our financial and equipment situation. We are getting there, and I am so grateful
that we can. There is nothing, for me, like recharging in nature and on water. Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer and photographer for GT since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with over 2000 members, at www.facebook.com/groups/ SvanetiRenaissance/ He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti
Photo by the author
I have also told my wife that we are lacking a canoe, having gotten back into this delightful pastime on my last, recent trip to Canada. I looked into various models. But which are available in Georgia? Epoxy-coated kevlar ones are light enough for me to carry alone, and tough, but run into the two+ thousand dollars, and aren’t here anyway. Because these don’t compress into a smaller footprint, shipping even from Europe is also expensive. There’s a super folding type, branded
Photo by the author
Oru, tough, small, light. But also pricey, and also not appearing in Georgia yet. Cheaper to ship, but overall beyond our budget. The next type, cheap, small, light and tough, is blowup ones; and these do appear in Georgian sports and camping shops. My plan is somehow to borrow or rent a canoe, try out my wife in it to make sure she can cope, and then go all in and buy one. Now, it won’t primarily be for sea use; mostly for lakes like the Tbilisi Sea, which will be much calmer on average. But I’m really taken with the idea of getting a small two-person, paddlepowered water-craft, so we’ll see what develops. (I don’t need anything as elaborate or expensive as an outboard motor, though I grew up with these off our family’s two canoes). Really, to do the camping thing properly, one needs a list of everything to take, to ensure one doesn’t leave behind anything vital. It’s not about being uncomfortable: it’s about being in nature, but being as comfortable as possible without excess. Good weather-proof tent (as our
Photo by the author
Celebrating the Ultimate Grandpa
Stepan (Styopa) Grikurov. Source: The author
BLOG BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE
T
o understand Sakartvelo’s culture and spirituality, our observant Westerners should be willing to dig a little deeper and, with a sharper eye, fairly fathom this nation’s intellectual stature. So, let’s make one step away from our capital city and make ourselves part of the small but fascinating city of Gori, in the vicinity of Tbilisi, a place that was truly made by the good people who have lived and are still living there. Guess who I am talking about! The story concerns the maternal grandfather of the world-renowned Byronologist, the recognized scholar and translator of the great Galaktion Tabidze’s poetry, the
well-known researcher of the Georgian genius Shota Rustaveli, Academician Innes Merabishvili. She would never have been what she now is without the defining presence in her life of Stepan Grikurov – her guardian, her teacher, her tutor, her lifetime friend and her amazing grandpa, who gave enumerable fascinating roles to the Georgian national theatrical stage, and who would have celebrated his 130th birthday this year. Stepan Grikurov, the Honored Artist of Georgia, was born and grew up in Gori. After graduating with honors from the Tbilisi Russian-language Commercial School, he returned to his native town to work in the field of trade, in compliance with his education. But the calling for art was more powerful in the young commercialist’s heart and mind than any successful trade activity, profit or business principles. Stepan just wanted to be an artist, an actor, a theatrical persona, and nothing could keep him from becoming one. The handsome young dreamer was a man of many talents: he painted, danced, sang, and had a keen sense of literature. But in Gori at the turn of the 19th century, there was nowhere to see one’s dramatic talent brought to life. Luckily, at the end of the tunnel there flickered a light: along came Ghiorghi Eristavi, a brilliant Georgian playwright, poet, journalist, and the founder of modern national theatre, whose theatrical endeavor triggered the creation of a drama club in Gori. Within it, the stagestruck enthusiasm was so contagious that Stepan Grikurov could not help but join. He very soon turned into one of the most popular actors of the club, organizing and managing every major
Gori Theater. Source: FB
artistic activity in town. This was all conducive to the creation of the Gori Drama Theater in 1939, which became the quintessential center of cultural life in the area. Since then, Stepan (Styopa) Grikurov shone on his beloved stage, having played more than 300 memorable roles over 60 years in the professional company of many famous Georgian masters of the stage. Deep and unforgettable is the track that a truly people’s artist of the country, Styopa Grikurov, left in Georgia’s theatrical landscape. Professor Merabishvili remembers her wonderful grandfather as a man who had a lion’s share, next to her parents, in her formation as a person and special-
ist. Grandpa, as intelligent and modern as he used to be, never imposed his will on the child, avoiding remarks and rebukes, and teaching her only by his own example of habitually dignified comportment. This reflected human kindness, moral elevation, modesty, fairness, integrity, complete dedication to a set purpose and the work thereof, and love for her family and friends. Blessed were all those who had to do with that magnificent man – let his soul rest in peace! Last Sunday afternoon, the entire Gori society, including the mayor of the city, Constantine Buzaladze, local intellectuals, poets and musicians, the current director of the Gori Theater, Tamar
Tokhadze, aged local actors, Styopa’s entire family, and, of course, his greatgreat-granddaughter Martha, celebrated the memory of their outstanding predecessor. Ensconced on the balcony of Styopa’s almost 200-year-old house, right in the heart of Old Gori, on the quaintest little square, a magnificent violinist and a pianist were making the sounds of music in tune with the famous artist’s taste and delight. A local group of folk singers performed nostalgic Georgian melodies for the silent public, all ears and eyes, who did not even want to budge. The culmination of the show was the performance of a Gori Theater actor, who masterfully enacted one of Styopa’s most famous roles. Granddaughter Innes Merabishvili had a warm and memorable story about her darling grandpa for all of us to hear. Even I was given a chance to say a couple of emotional words about the great guy. Finally, a memorial plaque was unveiled – the golden letters in white marble saying that the Honored Artist of Georgia, Stepan Grikurov, lived there from 1896 to 1984. Following that genuinely poignant ceremony, the entire attending public – about 200 people – was invited into Grikurov’s house-museum to feel and imbibe that lovely chunk of Georgia’s cultural history, accompanied by a superb self-taught young pianist, Ghighi Gorgadze. The shared joy of all present and accounted for, and the recognized sense of pride in the past of this striking indigenous culture, were so sincerely evident that any Georgian and their Western friends would have wished to be a part of it. Yes, truly so!
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CULTURE
GEORGIA TODAY
SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026
Mahler under the Caucasian Sky: Resurrection at Tsinandali After this comes Urlicht, sung by Okka von der Damerau. The movement is one of the quietest points in the symphony. The mezzo-soprano sings a text about the desire for light and salvation, accompanied by a restrained orchestra. Von der Damerau approached it without excessive theatricality, allowing the simplicity of the melodic line to carry the movement. Chen Reiss enters later in the final movement, where Mahler introduces the human voices only after the orchestra has already passed through several stages of turmoil. The chorus then gradually becomes the dominant force. Chkhenkeli’s preparation of the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theater Chorus was central to the clarity of these passages, particularly in the quiet choral writing before the final expansion.
REVIEW BY IVAN NECHAEV
G
ustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Resurrection, was performed on 9 September at the Tsinandali Festival, with Rafael Payare conducting the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra. The performance brought together soprano Chen Reiss, mezzo-soprano Okka von der Damerau and the chorus of the Tbilisi Zakaria Paliashvili Opera and Ballet State Theater. Mahler’s Second is one of the largestscale works in the symphonic repertoire. Its forces include a large orchestra, two solo voices, mixed chorus, extensive percussion and additional instruments placed off stage. The symphony moves from the funeral march of its opening movement through contrasting orchestral and vocal episodes towards the choral finale and its vision of resurrection. At Tsinandali, the work was performed in the estate’s amphitheater, a modern concert venue situated within the historic grounds. Designed by French architect Xavier Fabre, the amphitheater was completed in 2017 and has a retractable roof and seating for around 1,200 people. Its location leaves the performance connected to the surrounding landscape. That became one of the evening’s practical challenges.
MAHLER IN AN EXPOSED SPACE An orchestra is highly responsive to its physical surroundings. Temperature and humidity affect strings and woodwind instruments; wind can interfere with the projection of sound and with the playing of individual instrumentalists. In a conventional concert hall, many of these variables are controlled. At Tsinandali, they remained present throughout the performance. For a work such as Mahler’s Second, the conditions could be heard in the changing relationship between the different sections of the orchestra. The low strings, brass and percussion produce enormous masses of sound, while other passages depend on very exposed solo lines and delicate orchestral textures. The amphitheater also changes the way sound travels. The orchestra is not enclosed by the same acoustic shell as it would be in a traditional symphonic hall, and the surrounding air becomes part of the listening environment. Wind and temperature can alter the balance from one moment to the next. Mahler’s score itself contains abrupt changes of scale. The opening movement begins with a massive orchestral statement and later falls back into quieter, more fragmented writing. The second and third movements move between chamber-like detail and larger orchestral episodes. The Urlicht reduces the forces again, leaving the mezzo-soprano almost alone with the orchestra before the final movement gradually expands towards the chorus. These transitions acquire a different physical character outdoors. The sound has space to dissipate, while the largest climaxes have the landscape around them.
THE FINAL MOVEMENT
Photo by the author
becoming a museum in 1946. From the late 2000s onwards, the estate underwent extensive rehabilitation. Historic buildings and gardens were restored, while new facilities were introduced around them. The amphitheater, completed in 2017, belongs to this newer layer of the estate. The result is a site in which different periods remain visible at the same time: the nineteenth-century palace and gardens, Soviet alterations, restored historic spaces and contemporary festival architecture. Mahler’s Resurrection was therefore being performed in a place with its own history of damage and reconstruction. The connection is straightforward without needing to turn the concert into an allegory. Mahler begins with death and destruction and gradually moves towards the possibility of renewal; Tsinandali itself has passed through destruction, transformation and restoration.
THE PAN-CAUCASIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA The performance also brought together the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra,
A PLACE SHAPED BY RESTORATION The history of Tsinandali adds another layer to the setting. The Chavchavadze estate dates back to the nineteenth century and became an important meeting place for Georgian and European intellectual and artistic circles. In 1854, the estate was attacked during Shamil’s invasion and the gardens suffered extensive damage. During the Soviet period, the historic estate was also altered and its palace was used as a guest house before
Photo by the author
founded in 2019 as an ensemble for young musicians from Georgia and the wider region. Its players, aged between 18 and 28, spend several weeks in Tsinandali working with conductors and instrumental coaches before appearing in the festival programme. The preparation of the orchestra involved several musicians and conductors. Derrick Inouye is listed by the orchestra as Assistant Conductor and works with the ensemble during its preparation period. His professional work has included the Metropolitan Opera and orchestras and opera companies in Europe, North America and Asia. Avtandil Chkhenkeli, Principal Chorus Master of the Tbilisi Zakaria Paliashvili Opera and Ballet State Theater, prepared the chorus for the performance. Vakhtang Gabidzashvili is another part of the infrastructure behind the ensemble. He serves as Technical Director and manager of the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra and has been associated with the project since its earlier stages. Gabidzashvili is also a trained conductor, having studied orchestral
conducting in Trieste. The final performance is therefore the result of a preparation process that takes place over several weeks, before the orchestra reaches the stage with the principal conductor.
PAYARE AND THE SHAPE OF THE SYMPHONY Rafael Payare approached the score through its long-range dramatic trajectory. The opening Allegro maestoso has to establish the enormous scale of the work immediately. The music begins with the low strings and develops through increasingly forceful orchestral statements. Payare allowed these passages to build gradually, keeping the larger structure audible beneath the individual climaxes. The second movement changes the atmosphere completely. Its Ländler character brings the listener into a more intimate world, with the orchestral writing recalling an earlier musical language. The third movement introduces the restless and grotesque side of Mahler, based on the Des Antonius von Padua Fischpredigt song.
Mahler’s finale is constructed as a gradual return of sound. After the violence of the opening of the movement, the orchestra repeatedly falls into silence. Distant percussion and brass suggest sounds coming from beyond the stage. The soprano and mezzo-soprano eventually join the orchestra, followed by the chorus. The famous final choral entrance is deliberately restrained at first. Mahler marks the beginning Sehr zurückhaltend, very restrained, before allowing the sound to expand. That restraint is particularly effective in an amphitheatre. The chorus does not arrive as an immediate wall of sound. Its first phrases seem to emerge from the space, and the subsequent growth towards the organ, brass, percussion and full orchestra acquires a physical dimension. The final words, Aufersteh’n, ja aufersteh’n wirst du: “You will rise again, yes, you will rise again,” bring the symphony to its conclusion. By this point, the entire orchestra has been brought into the same musical space: strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, soloists, chorus and organ. The enormous forces that Mahler assembled at the beginning of the work have finally converged.
A SYMPHONY IN THE LANDSCAPE The Tsinandali performance also placed Mahler’s music within the wider geography of the festival. The Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra brings musicians from across the region into a single ensemble, while the Tsinandali Festival places them alongside international soloists and conductors. The estate itself provides a setting where Georgian cultural history, European musical traditions and contemporary festival life meet. Mahler’s Second has a natural affinity with such a setting because its musical world is constantly moving between the individual and the collective. A single voice gives way to an entire chorus; a chamber-like passage grows into a huge orchestral climax; moments of silence are followed by increasingly dense layers of sound. At Tsinandali, these changes took place in an amphitheatre surrounded by the landscape of Kakheti, with the physical conditions of the evening remaining audible and tangible throughout. The wind, the temperature, the exposed acoustic and the scale of the orchestra all became part of the experience of hearing the symphony there. Mahler ends the work with resurrection. Tsinandali has its own history of rebuilding and renewal. The connection between the two does not need to be made explicit: it is already present in the combination of the music, the restored estate, the young orchestra and the open landscape around the stage.
CULTURE
GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026
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BERLIN TURNS TO TBILISI A new Georgian art space launches on Berlin’s Auguststraße
Pictured: Thea Goguadze-Apfel, founder of Tbilisi. Abstract. Berlin. and Reach Art Visual. Photo: Giorgi Shengelia
BY TEAM GT FROM BERLIN
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t number 86 Auguststraße, a new name has appeared on the glass frontage: Tbilisi. Abstract. Berlin. The new cultural space launches its research programme during Berlin Art Week, September 9-13, when the international art world converges on the German capital. Auguststraße occupies a distinctive place in Berlin’s cultural life. After German reunification, as Mitte underwent a profound transformation, artists and cultural organisations began moving into abandoned buildings in the neighbourhood. Over the following decades, the street became one of the established addresses of Berlin’s contemporary art scene. Today it is more polished and considerably more expensive, lined with galleries, restaurants and cultural venues. Inside number 86, preparations for the launch are almost complete. Canvases are on the walls; staff move between the rooms, making the final adjustments. As the new logo is fixed to the entrance, colleagues in Tbilisi join by video call to watch, cheering from afar. “It has fitted into the local ecosystem rather naturally, hasn’t it?” says Thea Goguadze-Apfel, the founder of the platform. On the walls are works by the renowned Georgian abstract painter Avto Mosiashvili alongside those of the emerging artist NOBU, as well as several other artists from Georgia. “This is how we are introducing ourselves to the Berlin public,” she adds. Although research and outreach begin during Berlin Art Week, the space will begin its full programme in January. Its programme will extend beyond exhibitions to include talks, discussions and
screenings, with a particular interest in art, architecture, urban culture and photography. “We will position ourselves as an independent platform within Berlin’s art and exhibition scene,” Goguadze-Apfel explains. “One of our interests is to build on the historical relationship between Berlin and Tbilisi and to create exchange between different cultural, urban, social and historical contexts.” Research is central to the project, bringing different perspectives on Georgian art and visual culture into dialogue with wider European and international audiences.
Pictured: The new Georgian art space in Berlin. Courtesy of TAB.
tories that inform it can be fully understood. “It is one thing to collaborate with an individual gallery or museum, or to present artists at an art fair,” Goguadze-Apfel says. “It is another to have a permanent institutional space that can work continuously on research, building networks, developing narratives and promoting Georgian art. In our first year, we aim to attract international collectors and major institutions.” Her previous work has already helped bring Georgian art to international audiences. In previous years, Goguadze-Apfel presented contemporary Georgian artists at Frieze in London, at art fairs in Paris and Beijing, and at venues and events internationally. But these appearances have also exposed a gap: Georgian art has gained visibility abroad without yet having the sustained international network needed to support its presence. “A permanent institution offers a different kind of opportunity. An exhibition need not be a single encounter; it can become the beginning of a longer conversation. Research can return to archives and histories, while contemporary work can be considered within a wider intellectual and cultural context,” she says. This is particularly relevant to Geor-
Pictured: The new Georgian art space in Berlin. Courtesy of TAB.
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Goguadze-Apfel says she had long imagined creating a permanent cultural bridge between Georgia and the major European capitals. Her choice of Berlin grows out of a much longer relationship with Germany. She spent much of her life there, studying law at Heidelberg University before working in the German corporate sector. Art was a parallel pursuit: she practised as an artist and occasionally worked on curatorial projects. After returning to Georgia, she worked in diplomacy and foreign policy before leaving public service to found Reach Art Visual, an art consultancy that has worked across Georgia’s art scene for more than a decade. She was also the driving force behind Art Foundation Anagi, which she helped establish and develop during its one-year existence. “It was a natural decision for me,” she says. “Germany was almost a second home. I felt that from here I could communicate more effectively with a wider audience, helping to build interest in Georgian art and culture, as well as in the country’s cultural tourism.” The idea may have been longstanding, but the opportunity to establish the Berlin space was not. “The real opportunity emerged only about two months ago,” she says. A series of fortunate coincidences brought the project together with unusual speed. “Today, we are here.” The Berlin space arrives as Georgian art is attracting increasing international attention. Georgian artists are appearing more frequently at international fairs and exhibitions; collectors are becoming more familiar with Georgian modernism and contemporary practice; and a small but active network of gallerists, curators and advisers is helping to extend that visibility. Much of it, however, remains episodic. An artist appears at an art fair, a gallery stages an exhibition, an auction introduces Georgian works to a new audience. These encounters matter, but they do not necessarily provide the continuity through which an art scene and the his-
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gian art, whose international visibility has often been built around individual artists and exhibitions rather than sustained institutional narratives. The histories surrounding those artists, their archives and the conditions in which Georgian modern and contemporary art developed remain comparatively unfamiliar outside the country. Even the word ‘abstract’ in the platform’s name reflects this way of thinking. “‘Abstract’ does not refer only to abstract art. It can be understood not simply as a particular artistic style, but as an action: removing something from reality, looking at it from another perspective and creating a new meaning. That is precisely what we want to do,” she says. “Tbilisi. Abstract. Berlin. is, in a sense, a platform for seeing, thinking and approaching things differently. We want to pay increasing attention to contemporary art while, at the same time, creating opportunities to show what is happening in Georgia.” On Auguststraße, that idea acquires a particular resonance. The street itself is a product of changing cultural and urban contexts, evolving from a post-reunification cluster of artist spaces into one of Berlin’s established gallery districts. Goguadze-Apfel is already working with curators including Irina Kurtishvili and Mariam Shergelashvili on future projects. “Our aim over the next three months is to carry out extensive research, establish conversations with different art spaces, foundations and collectors, and prepare for January, when we will present the programme for the entire year,” she says. “Through that programme, we will be able to present the processes taking place in Georgia through a contemporary perspective. In doing so, we are presenting the country as a whole. Cultural diplomacy and advocacy for the arts have an important role to play in this, and Tbilisi. Abstract. Berlin. aims to take on precisely this function.” There is a diplomatic dimension to the project, but its ambition is also to make Georgian art part of the regular life of an international art city: not an occasional presence or a cultural curiosity, but something encountered repeatedly. “Georgian art already has many admirers across Europe,” Goguadze-Apfel says. “We will try to increase their number even further.” For now, it begins with artworks on the walls and a new name on an old Berlin street. Tbilisi. Abstract. Berlin.
Journalists: Ana Dumbadze Tony Hanmer Nugzar B. Ruhadze Ivan Nechaev Nanuka Maglakelidze
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