Tbilisi State University celebrates 96th anniversary

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) has celebrated its 96th anniversary. 

It was the first national University in the Caucasus region and opened in 1918. 

It paved the way European-type higher schooling in Georgia, based on Georgian educational traditions. The idea of a foundation University first emerged in the early 19th Century amid intensification of the struggle for liberation from the Russian Empire. 

The national University in the Caucasus was opened on January 26, 1918 - the day of commemoration of King David the Builder (according to the new calendar on February 8).

In 1989 the Tbilisi State University was named after its founder Ivane Javakhishvili. 

The President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili attended a special ceremony celebrating the opening of the University, where statues of the TSU founders Petre Melikishvili and Ivane Javakhishvili were unveiled.

In his speech Margvelashvili congratulated the students, professors and alumni on the University’s 96th anniversary and stressed the importance of the University in Georgia. 

"University is the basis of science and the centre of youth but as well as that, it is both a place of mental and moral formation of people. This University performed, performs and will play a key role in the process of establishing the identity of our country. I am connected to this University for many reasons including a relationship with science and other values this University holds,” Margvelashvili said.

 TSU, it’s staff and students were also congratulated by Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili and other high officials.

"Ninety-six years ago, a Georgian scientist established a European style high school. Even in the beginning of the 20th century, this kind of education centre was established where national and European values could be merged,” Garibashvili said in a written statement. 

University students made the video clip, which featured the history of the University. 

TSU offers a wide variety of degree programs at Under-Graduate, Graduate and Doctoral levels, as well as short courses offered in English to attract students from all over the world. 

The internalisation of TSU is fast- paced and it aims to create a multicultural environment that will enhance teaching and research opportunities. TSU promotes equality to access education and believes in engaging and valuing all students and staff. 

The University hosted a photo exhibition entitled First Students.