The Ancient Georgian Script & Manuscripts Exhibit took place over two inspiring days, first at the Consulate General of Georgia in San Francisco on Thursday, September 22, and then at the Georgian Heritage Foundation on Sunday, September 25. This special event celebrated the rich history of Georgian manuscripts and the evolution of Georgia’s ancient script, showcasing three distinct writing systems.
Through the centuries, responding to the challenges of different epochs, the Georgian Script has evolved into a unity of three writing systems, each with its own independent characteristics and cultural significance. These three varieties of the Georgian alphabet - Asomtavruli, Nuskhuri, and Mkhedruli - developed at different stages of Georgia’s history and continue to be practiced today. They reflect the diversity and identity of Georgia, playing distinct cultural and social roles.
Visitors had the unique opportunity to explore this world of ancient scripts, view centuries-old Georgian manuscripts up close, and hear a presentation from the Georgian National Centre of Manuscripts on the evolution of these three writing systems. We are proud to note that, in 2016, the "Living Culture of Three Writing Systems of the Georgian Alphabet" was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This remarkable exhibit would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the National Centre of Manuscripts (ხელნაწერთა ეროვნული ცენტრი), and we extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed:
Zura Samarghanishvili, for personally delivering the manuscripts from Tbilisi to the United States and for his immersive presentations, which sparked enthusiasm and curiosity among attendees about Georgian heritage and language.
Consul General Levan Beridze and Consul David Kurtanidze, for their exceptional efforts in planning, preparing, and seamlessly executing the event, as well as for their continued support.
To all the guests who attended, your engagement and presence made this exhibit truly special.
A special thank you to Lina Mosashvili for beautifully capturing the exhibit through her photography. Your talent continues to enrich our memories, and we are sincerely grateful.
