Oldest university in the Caucasus region-Tbilisi State University turns 100

Georgia is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the oldest university in the Caucasus region-Tbilisi State University (TSU) today.

Praising the founder of the university Ivane Javakhishvili for his special contribution in the creation of the educational institution for Georgians, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said TSU has not only been an educational institution but the birthplace of the country’s struggle for independence from the Russian imperialism.

The representatives of state and religious institutions from Georgia and abroad attended the conference dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Tbilisi State University. Photo by the PM's press office

Kvirikashvili said it is symbolic that in 1918 when the university was founded, the country first declared national independence from Russia and the Democratic Republic of Georgia was born.

These dates have special importance in our history. 2018 is especially festive for Georgia and we are obliged to celebrate it with honour in respect to our ancestors”, PM Kvirikashvili said.

Welcoming the opening of departments of Georgian language and literature in foreign universities, Kvirikashvili said it is also important that TSU has been the pioneer in developing Abkhazian and Ossetian languages and scientific research.

I believe that the work that our famous scientists launched 100 years ago and have been doing with great enthusiasm will be continued with dignity and receive new life [in the future]”, Kvirikashvili told the audience.

TSU was founded in 1918 in Georgia’s capital of Tbilisi by famous Georgian scientist Ivane Javakhishvili and other professionals.

It has been named among Europe’s best 400 universities by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016-2017.

• It is the only university in the region on the list, ranking 301st among Europe’s 400 best universities.
• In the world ranking, the university takes 801st place among the world’s 980 best universities.
• It has over 180 partner universities in around 50 countries.