The reception and award ceremony for the participants of the 'Rehabilitation of the Skyscraper Tower in Arkhoti project, awarded by 'Europa Nostra,' was held at Orbeliani Palace.
The President of Georgia addressed the participants of the event and spoke about the significance of the project and the importance of international funds and partners' involvement and support in its implementation:
Today is a very happy day, and we have great news—the winning project of 'Europa Nostra' has been awarded, which focuses on the restoration of the tower in Khevsureti.
Europa Nostra' has already awarded Georgia several times in various areas, and this feels like a unique yet significant story, as it pertains to culture, and we have practically already entered Europe through culture. 'Europa Nostra' represents our connection to Europe, and every time Georgia is recognized in one way or another—especially in terms of cultural heritage—we take a step forward towards Europe, and Europe recognizes us.
This project is notable for its emphasis on the involvement of society and the community, which is one of the most interesting aspects of it. Indeed, this is crucial for us because while we have democracy, we need much more—greater participation from society and citizens in various projects and initiatives.
The significant contribution of the local community and families to the restoration of this tower serves as an excellent example for others and for all of us, especially the youth. We must be involved in building and rebuilding our European future—this is our main goal and path.
I would also like to emphasize that this project probably would not exist without our European partners. Neither we nor they have counted the 33 years of collaboration, and our partners in various fields have supported the development of many areas and projects in our country. A normal country should never forget this, and I believe that we are a very normal country that understands the meaning of gratitude.
France, Poland, Great Britain, and international funds participated in this project, making it one of those significant international joint efforts. We are very grateful for their support. It is important for everyone to exchange cultures and get to know each other better.
I won't continue speaking; those involved in the project will express it much better. We will also watch the film, which I find very interesting.
I would like to emphasize that this project relates to Pirikita Khevsureti, our border, and thus it is very valuable. We must be present there and not abandon our border. Today, one tower holds significant meaning; the villages that are still inhabited, where people occasionally return (and we should encourage this), are very important for the country.
I want to thank everyone who participated in these projects, and congratulations to all on this significant day!”
As Salome Tsiskaraulebi, representative of the Tsiskarauli family and co-manager of the project, stated, it has been her long-time dream for the ancestral tower of the Tsiskaraulebi, which was bombed by Russian shells in 2001, to be restored.
When Marine Mizandari contacted me about the project, the first question I asked was who was financing it. She told me that it was European funding, which meant, for me, quality, stability, and a guarantee that this work would be done very well.
If it weren't for this European funding, we wouldn't be able to do it. You know better than I do that similar rehabilitations and financings, especially in the field of cultural heritage restoration, mainly come from Europe," said Salome Tsiskarauli.
The head of the project 'Rehabilitation of the Tsiskaraulebi Tower in Arkhoti,' Marine Mizandari, noted that a lot of experience was gained through relationships with French and British partners. Associated partners from Poland also provided significant assistance. It was an extraordinary collaborative project, with volunteers serving as the main driving force.
Reviving the locality is very important. The people who live there today are heroes and defenders. This guardianship is a challenging mission, and they need support and proper development," Marine Mizandarი said.
As volunteer Giorgi Burjanadze said, this project represented a significant unity for the continuation and protection of the country's history.
The co-manager of the project 'Rehabilitation of the Tsiskarauli Tower in Arkhoti,' Salome Tsiskarauli, gave a speech at the event, along with project leader Marine Mizandari, art critic and project participant Manana Suramelashvili, architect Nana Mepharishvili, and project volunteer Giorgi Burjanadze.
