The aim of the conference is to bring together scholars and researchers who are interested in the protection of endangered cultural heritage and are ready to share their experiences of difficulties and challenges that exist in this field.

20% of Georgia’s territory has been occupied by Russia for several decades. Similar to most of the region Shida Kartli’s (Tskhinvali, Akhalgori and administrative units of Java and Znauri), the territory of Abkhazia is entirely occupied. As a result of the Russian-Georgian war of 2008 additional territories of Shida Kartli have been occupied. The process goes on until now in the form of creeping occupation. During all this time, the existing tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Georgia located in Abkhazia and Shida Kartli are under the constant risk of demolition, damage and destruction. Information regarding inappropriate interventions on the architectural sites often appears in the media and the social networks. As a result of the conflict situation, the Georgian researchers are deprived of the possibility to visit and check the condition of heritage sites, asses the danger, make an inventory or create appropriate photo-video documentation of the cultural monuments. In light of the difficult political situation, we consider it appropriate to share global experiences. By that, we mean tools for the protection of cultural heritage monuments in occupied territories analyzed in the context of international law. Accordingly, that is determined as the main topic of the conference and the advantage in the process of selection of papers will be focused on that.

This type of event is intended to create a real precondition for greater public awareness; About the rights and opportunities for international support in such similar difficult circumstances regarding the protection and preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the occupied territories; Take specific steps and outline possible action plans with international partners.

Topic of the conference:
- Examples and experience of the application of international humanitarian law in relation to the protection of tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the occupied territories;
- Possible threats to tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the occupied territories;
- Intentional damage or destruction of cultural heritage monuments with the aim of the alteration of history and cultural genocide;
- Impact of conflict on cultural heritage (risks, dangers, results, prevention);
- General historical and cultural context of existing cultural heritage monuments in Abkhazia and Shida Kartli.
- General historical context regarding Abkhazia and Shida Kartli.

If you would like to present a paper at the conference, please fill out the application form and submit an abstract at the following link:
http://www.gch-centre.ge/2020/01/29/application-form/

Full papers of the accepted applicants will be published in the bilingual conference proceedings. The e-version of the proceedings will be published on the official websites of the organizing and partner institutions.

For further information please follow the link:
http://www.gch-centre.ge/en/2020/01/29/internationalconference1/