Echoes of the Cultural Crossroad: Shaping Identity in Georgian Culture

Echoes of the Cultural Crossroad: Shaping Identity in Georgian Culture lecture is part of the Exchanging Notes program and will kick off the Exchanging Notes: An Evening of Drums and Dance performance on Saturday, September 21st, in Somerville. After the introduction to rich Georgian culture, Dr. Sharikadze will lead a discussion with Exchanging Notes performing artists Claire Lane, Lasha Mdzinarashvili, George Oniani, and Marcus Santos. The lecture and discussion will be followed by a reception with Georgian food and wine.

Georgian culture stands as a vibrant testament to the confluence of diverse influences throughout history. This overview, "Echoes of the Cultural Crossroad," delves into how the intricate map of historical and cultural interactions has shaped Georgian identity in culture.  From ancient times to the present, Georgia's position at the crossroads of East and West has fostered a unique culture mosaic of pre-Christian and Christian traditions, influences of neighboring empires and modern global trends. Tbilisi, a city that has long been a meeting point for East and West, has historically attracted various ethnic groups and communities—Georgians, Armenians, Jews, Arabs, Iranians, Ottomans, Europeans, and Russians—making it a cultural and musical reflection of diverse origins.

By tracing the historical and contemporary impacts of these cultural exchanges, we gain insight into how Georgian culture has created the identity markers of cultural "we". Deeply rooted in the preservation of homeland, language, and faith, Georgian cultural identity has been sculpted by a history of resilience against various invaders. Dance and music (particularly traditional and urban forms) have played a pivotal role in expressing and preserving this identity. These art forms have served as mediums through which Georgians have articulated their sense of self, awareness of belonging, and differentiation from others. This distinction between "we" and "they" is shaped by social, political, and cultural factors, including national symbols, language, history and culture.

Georgian music, characterized by its complex polyphony and deep ties to both sacred and secular traditions, has been a critical element in maintaining cultural heritage, especially in the face of political and cultural pressures from various invaders, including the Russian Empire, the co-religionist “big brother.” However, “Echoes of Cultural Crossroad” will also show how Georgian culture has absorbed, adapted, and redefined various influences to forge a unique identity, provide an understanding of the factors contributing to the rich tapestry of Georgian cultural identity, celebrate its role as a living crossroads of global heritage. 

Urban music, particularly in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia further illustrates this cultural crossroads. The more, the 19th century saw the development of Georgian art music, which sought to revive and integrate traditional music with European classical influences, reflecting a national self-determination movement. 

Georgian music and dance serve as a testament to the country's unique ability to blend diverse cultural influences, creating a distinctive cultural expression that resonates with both historical and contemporary relevance. By showcasing performances that blend these various influences, we illustrate how Georgian culture has continuously evolved, highlighting its dynamic and evolving nature, reflecting a fusion of global styles while maintaining its distinctive character. This is not only a hallmark of Georgian identity but also a powerful example of how cultures can create new and vibrant forms of artistic expression while balancing preservation with development and modernism.