UNESCO discusses Gelati Monastery re-nomination

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will discuss the Gelati monastic complex re-nomination issue on conference in Paris, according to the Georgian Minister of Culture and Monuments Protection Guram Odisharia.

During the press-conference Odisharia said, that Georgian delegation will attend UNESCO conference - 37^th session, to solve the problem of Gelati Monastry and Bagrati Cathedral, on November 18.

There is a possible danger that the Bagrati Cathedral will not be recognized anymore by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Both monuments Gelati monastic complex and Bagrati Cathedral are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site more than 18 years.

"Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastry were recognized by UNESCO together as one nomination. Unfortunately, Bagrati Cathedral may not be under the protection of UNESCO. There are some questions about the Gelati Monastry. said Guram Odisharia.

The rehabilitation of the medieval monument Bagrati Cathedral of the Dormition officially completed in September of 2012. Although UNESCO urged state authorities, that the rebuilding can damage the integrity and authenticity of the site, the monument was restored. The addition of the drum and dome was against the wishes of UNESCO.

"Unfortunately after the rehabilitation, Bagrati Cathedral lost its peculiarity, stated the Minister of Culture and Monuments protection, Guram Odisharia during press conference.

The U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation supports the restoration of the medieval Gelati Monastery with $ 600,000 Dollars. The rehabilitation project will be conducted by the International Art Center, the leading Georgian NGO.

During the general conference in Paris, the Georgian Delegation will apprise UNESCO of the Gelati Monasterys restoration project to achieve the re-nomination of monument.