The head of the Georgian FNC in Russia named the conditions for restoring Russian-Georgian relations. Cultural diplomacy What are the future plans of the Georgian autonomy
Sputnik found out from Georgy Tsurtsumia what Georgian autonomy plans to do in Russia in the near future.
- How did the idea of creating the Georgian FNKA (Federal National-Cultural Autonomy) in Russia come about?
— After the Union of Georgians in Russia closed, we thought that another federal organization representing the interests of the Georgian diaspora should function instead. It seems to me that national-cultural autonomy has a more correct format if we are talking about culture, about the expression of national and ethnic qualities. In addition, society is interested in the history of the Georgian diaspora - how it was formed, what personalities are from Georgia, what they do. This is important not only for Georgians in Russia and Georgia, but also for the Russian population. It must know what contribution Georgians have made to the Russian state. For example, this is very interesting to me.
- Is it difficult to create a national diaspora in Russia? What difficulties did you encounter during your work?
— We did not encounter any difficulties as such in the process of creating autonomy. You just had to go through a certain legal path. In Russia, in principle, there is very liberal legislation. It gives every nation the opportunity to develop. The country is home to about 197 nationalities, and many have their own autonomy.
- Which body controls the activities of the FNKA and how is the organization financed?
— There is a Ministry of Justice that controls all public organizations. There is the Federal Agency for National Affairs, which interacts with us. There is no control - there is cooperation. We regularly hold joint meetings and advisory councils. There is also the House of Nationalities in Moscow, which organizes interesting meetings and forums where different autonomies of Russia participate. It was there that we met and made friends with representatives of Azerbaijan, Armenia, the peoples of the North Caucasus, as well as the Chinese, Belarusians, Ukrainians, Jews and Germans. As for funding, we are not a government organization. We have partners and friends who help us.
- In your opinion, why are certain diasporas created? What problems can they solve?
— Russia is a huge country in which millions of people live, and everyone has some problems, both at the regional and federal levels. And there are problems related to national identity. They concern language and culture. For example, Georgians in Russia want to maintain contact with their homeland and attend national events. Autonomy deals with these issues. In addition, our task is to help our compatriots solve their problems through interaction with the state, businessmen or public organizations, depending on the topic of the issue. Diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia have not yet been restored, but many people need help. There are refugees from South Ossetia and Abkhazia in Russia. They have no documents or citizenship, but people need to live somehow. We will try to help them with this - we will knock on all organs. I think this is the most important thing. If we help even one person, it will be a lot, but we want to help everyone.
- Does Georgia support your organization? Is there any cooperation?
— Yes, of course, there is support. We have repeatedly met with the Georgian Minister for Diaspora Affairs Gela Dumbadze, who congratulated us on the opening by sending a video message. I always see him when I'm in Tbilisi. He is open to dialogue and is ready to help resolve all pressing issues. I also met with the Chairman of the Georgian Parliament Committee on Diaspora Affairs Teimuraz Chkuaseli. He also gave us support.
- How did you manage to gather almost all Georgians in Russia in one place?
- Not everyone yet. But for us the number of members is not the main thing; our most important task is to popularize Georgian culture in Russia. We want mutual understanding to improve between people, public organizations and, of course, between states. How did you manage to gather everyone in one place? Firstly, we decided to focus on youth, because they are the most active part of any society. Today, young people are interested in everything. Secondly, we approached the creation of the site differently, since these days the Internet and social networks are the whole world in which everything spins and turns. Probably, it is for these reasons that many people already know about us.
- Can representatives of other nationalities join the FNKA?
— Anyone who is interested in Georgian culture can join the FNKA. And, of course, all immigrants from Georgia. Georgia is also a multinational country, with more than a hundred nationalities living in it. If they were uncomfortable, they wouldn't live there. We are Georgian autonomy, and not autonomy exclusively for Georgians. There are Georgian traditions, customs and Georgian spirit here. We are happy to introduce everyone to our culture.
- Is there a Russian diaspora in Georgia?
— There has always been a large Russian diaspora in Georgia. I like that when you come to Georgia and meet representatives of the Russian diaspora, they speak Georgian fluently. Sometimes they are even more Georgians than the Georgians themselves. They love Georgia so much.
- What projects or events have you already participated in?
— We managed to take part in many events. Firstly, the "Immortal Regiment". I came out with portraits of my relatives - Lavrentiy Beria and Alexander Tsurtsumiya, a hero of the Soviet Union. We also took part in the Russian-Georgian forum in Makhachkala. We went to Tbilisi for Diaspora Days, where all Georgian organizations from 32 countries came. Under the auspices of UNESCO, the Torch of Peace festival was held in Tbilisi, where folklore and choreographic ensembles from 11 countries came. Next year, we hope, 80 countries will participate. This is a kind of Olympics of choreographic and folklore ensembles.
- What projects has FNKA itself launched?
— Russian-Georgian video project “მე შენ მიყვარხარ”/“I love you”, where participants call their loved ones and confess their love. We are going to launch an Internet project in Georgia, where we will open the country from all sides. In addition, we will do interviews with politicians and public figures about Russian-Georgian relations and, in general, about Georgia. As for events, on the last Saturday of every month we have “Bible readings”, and we also hold subbotniks at the Church of St. George the Victorious in Georgians.
- What are the future plans of the Georgian autonomy?
— Today there are Georgians in many cities of Russia. The FNCA plans to unite all Georgian organizations that already exist. This is necessary, firstly, so that Georgians living in Russia know about them and can participate in the activities of this or that association. Secondly, so that these organizations know about their compatriots - about their work and achievements. Not only about cultural figures, but also about ordinary people: teachers, doctors, farmers. At the same time, we will actively cooperate with Georgian teams and provide them with information support.
Several events are also planned. We want to take part in Tbilisoba in the fall, the autonomy has already submitted an application - we are waiting for the decision of the Moscow government. We are also planning to organize a conference dedicated to the 850th anniversary of Shota Rustaveli. Recently, by the way, the leaders of the Georgian community of the RUDN University, Vladi Purtskhvanidze and Victoria Gvetadze, with our support, spent a week of Georgia at their institute, where one of the days was dedicated to the great poet.
On May 24 in Moscow, in the conference hall of the Kebur Palace Hotel (formerly Tiflis), a presentation and press conference of the All-Russian public organization “Federal Georgian National-Cultural Autonomy in Russia” took place.
The event is timed to coincide with the upcoming celebration of the 25th anniversary of Georgia's Independence Day.
The presentation was led by the President of the Georgian FNKA in Russia, Georgiy Givievich Tsurtsumiya. Noting that more than 1 million Georgians live in Russia, who love Russia very much, but do not forget about the identity, history, culture and art of their historical homeland. He spoke about the history of the creation of the Georgian FNKA, its main goals and objectives, and the first steps of the new public organization. Also G.G. Tsurtsumiya answered numerous questions from the presentation participants, including a large group of journalists.
Public, cultural and religious figures and representatives of the Russian media attended the presentation. Leaders and representatives of a number of public organizations of Azerbaijanis, Ukrainians, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, Koreans and others also took part. There were many activists and members of youth organizations of Georgians in Russia. Representatives of the FNKA AzerRos, led by its president Mehriban Sadigova, also took part in the presentation. She congratulated the organizers of the event on a significant event for Russian Georgians - the creation of the Federal Georgian National-Cultural Autonomy.
The Georgian FNKA in Russia is currently the only Georgian diaspora association at the federal level. During its existence (since January 2016), the organization resumed the activities of the Georgian student association at Moscow State University, supported a number of Georgian student associations at Moscow universities in holding cultural events, and organized the participation of Georgians in the “Immortal Regiment” procession on May 9 in Moscow. The Council of Leaders and Activists of Georgian Student and Youth Associations of Moscow functions under the Autonomy.
The Georgian FNKA in Russia is the organizer of the international festival “Torch of Friendship”, which will be held in Georgia from May 29 to June 3.
After the press conference, a wonderful concert of art masters took place.
Moses Kim, member of the Council of the All-Russian Congress of Ethnojournalists “Culture of the World”
The presentation was led by the President of the Georgian FNKA in Russia, Georgiy Givievich Tsurtsumiya. Noting that more than 1 million Georgians live in Russia, who love Russia very much, but do not forget about the identity, history, culture and art of their historical homeland. He spoke about the history of the creation of the Georgian FNKA, its main goals and objectives, and the first steps of the new public organization. Also G.G. Tsurtsumiya answered numerous questions from the presentation participants, including a large group of journalists.
Public, cultural and religious figures and representatives of the Russian media attended the presentation. Leaders and representatives of a number of public organizations of Azerbaijanis, Ukrainians, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, Koreans and others also took part. There were many activists and members of youth organizations of Georgians in Russia.
The Georgian FNKA in Russia is currently the only Georgian diaspora association at the federal level. During its existence (since January 2016), the organization resumed the activities of the Georgian student association at Moscow State University, supported a number of Georgian student associations at Moscow universities in holding cultural events, and organized the participation of Georgians in the “Immortal Regiment” procession on May 9 in Moscow. The Council of Leaders and Activists of Georgian Student and Youth Associations of Moscow functions under the Autonomy.
The Georgian FNKA in Russia has become the organizer of the international festival “Torch of Friendship”, which will be held in Georgia from May 29 to June 3.
After the press conference, a wonderful concert of art masters took place.
Georgy Givievich Tsurtsumiya (Smelin)
Born on September 25, 1970 in the city of Sukhumi, Abkhaz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.
Parents: father - Tsurtsumiya Givi Razhdenovich (born 1932, pensioner of the Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation), mother - Gromova Isolda Kapitonovna (1939-2012).
Wife - Gogoladze Dodo Kapitonovna (cardiologist).
She has two children: daughter Leona and son Konstantin.
1987 - graduated from secondary school No. 14 in Sukhumi with a silver medal. At school he was actively involved in social work: he was the secretary of the Komsomol organization. Awarded with diplomas from the Central Committee of the Komsomol of Georgia and the Abkhaz Regional Committee of the Komsomol.
1987 - 1994 - Training at the Georgian Institute of Subtropical Economy - GISH. Qualified as a process engineer.
1995 – 1997 – Study at the Moscow State Law Academy.
1997 – 2001 – Continued his studies at Tbilisi State University (Sukhumi branch) at the Faculty of Law. Upon graduation from the university, he was qualified as a lawyer.
2003 – 2004 Graduated from a private school of professional rhetoric (legal and political science department), Moscow.
1999 – 2008 - President of the Public Organization “Commonwealth of Youth”. For the first time, the educational idea “Human Rights – the ABC of Life” was actively promoted by the above-mentioned youth organization. The pseudonym “SMELIN” is an abbreviation of the slogan of the organization “Commonwealth of Youth - Unity of Love and Morality.”
2008 - present. Chairman of the Board of Founders of the ANO “Institute for the Promotion of Human Rights”. Introduced the concept of “Right Affirmation”, which considers individual rights as a fundamental category for any creative changes in the life of society. The idea of legal affirmation presupposes systematic activities for the legal education of citizens, since, according to the author, only the assimilation by all people of their basic personal rights can become a true guarantee of the moral improvement of society and the growth of its well-being. The Institute for the Affirmation of Human Rights, which is engaged in the practical implementation of the concept of legal affirmation in life: develops information and educational technologies that make it possible to qualitatively improve the legal literacy of people throughout the country.
2015 – founder of the project in the field of IT technologies “ATAKKA”.
2016 – present. President of the All-Russian public organization “Federal Georgian National-Cultural Autonomy in Russia.”
Author of several publishing projects.
He has a number of commendations for his active citizenship, including Gratitude for his active citizenship and participation in the socio-political life of the country from the Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation.
President of the Federal Georgian National-Cultural Autonomy in Russia – Tsurtsumiya Georgiy Givievich
Registration date - 01/20/2016
The highest governing body of the Organization is the Conference of the Organization, convened by the Council of the Organization (hereinafter referred to as the Council) once every five years.
The statutory goal of the Organization is to independently resolve issues of preserving identity, developing language, education, and Georgian national culture by citizens of the Russian Federation who consider themselves Georgians living on the territory of the Russian Federation.
Organization address: 123056, Moscow, st. Krasina 27, building 2, room. 200
Email: [email protected]
phone: 7-499-251-41-23; 7-926-251-41-29
Moses Kim,
Member of the Council of the All-Russian Congress of Ethnojournalists “Culture of the World”
Photo: Nino Bagrationi
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On April 14, 2018, a presentation of the book by a journalist, public figure and press secretary of the Federal Georgian National-Cultural Autonomy in Russia took place at the Moscow House of Nationalities Andro Ivanova“Russia-Georgia. Together through the centuries."
The book is a brief analysis of Russian-Georgian relations and a collection of interviews and stories of prominent figures of Georgia and Russia with whom the author of the book spoke. His heroes are outstanding doctors, pianists, violinists, opera singers, artists, directors, public figures, scientists, clergy, that is, those people whose life and profession were connected with Georgia and Russia. The presentation took place as part of a conference dedicated to the celebration of Georgian Language Day and the 235th anniversary of the signing of the St. George's Tract.
Thanks to Russia, Georgian culture opened its way to Europe, -
I want Russia and Georgia to return to their brotherhood. It was not only in Soviet slogans: there was a real unity of peoples. I am Georgian, and at the same time I live most of my life in Russia. I have traveled this country far and wide. Nowhere did I feel any negative attitude towards myself because I am Georgian. Russia has become native to us. Our children are born here, our ancestors are buried here, -
The legendary director shared his thoughts.
Artyom Ivanovich Azirov, a 95-year-old veteran of the Great Patriotic War, retired colonel, member of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks) - CPSU - Communist Party of the Russian Federation since July 1943, when asked about his nationality, he always answers:
I am a Tbilisian!
Andro Ivanov's book includes a story about one of the most tragic pages of the Great Patriotic War - the battle in the Caucasus and Malaya Zemlya.
I wish for our large and friendly diaspora that we follow in the footsteps of our fathers and grandfathers, side by side with Russia. From the time of the Georgievsky tract to the present day, we have been close to Russia, -
The veteran completed his story.
Guram Dolendzhashvili, painted his first painting, “The Kremlin,” at the age of four. Now Guram Dolendzhashvili, an artist, honorary academician of the Russian Academy of Arts, represents Russia with Georgian landscapes: his work “Moonlit Nights in Imereti” opens one of the international projects - a calendar that contains 12 works by artists from all over the world.
Liana Isakadze, violinist, People's Artist of the USSR. She can rightfully be called a person of the world, she lives in Georgia, Germany, Russia, France, and her work is known throughout the world.
I love Moscow and play there endlessly. In general, I believe that the Russian people are the most honest in the world. -
Liana admits.
The artist wished the Georgian diaspora not to lose conscience:
Because our talent lies in our conscience. And if music is in a person, then it will save the world.
The collection also includes the latest interview with the People's Artist of Russia and Georgia Zurab Lavrentievich Sotkilava.
I love our Georgian people very much. When Margaret Thatcher arrived in Georgia, she was asked: why did she choose Georgia out of all the republics of the USSR? Thatcher replied that she wanted to meet a people who had never offended other nations. This is our main feature: we treat all peoples well, -
said Zurab Sotkilava.
In addition to the presentation, reports were made by activists of the Council of Young Leaders at the Georgian FNKA in Russia. Among the invited guests are the Ambassador of France to Russia Sylvie Bermann, Ambassador of the Section of Georgian Interests in the Russian Federation Georgiy Zakarashvili, Consul Zviad Kuditashvili, Vice-Consul Zurab Sinjaradze, former Ambassador of Georgia to the UN Peter Chkheidze, as well as other famous public figures, scientists, artists and journalists.
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