Project title: Overcoming disinformation and nostalgia surrounding Stalin: A new identity for the city of Gori - Stage 1
Supported by: Georgian Information Integrity Program(GIIP) / USAID 
Budget: GEL 23,460
Duration: 12.01.2022 -  31.03.2022

Disinformation narratives that are primarily based on the sentiments and nostalgia towards Stalin in Shida Kartli have been passed down from generation to generation and continue to play a key role in the region's identity and self-identification. Due to the constant instrumentalization of Stalin's legacy, the region is still nurtured by the myths surrounding Stalin.

Considering the above-mentioned issue,  it is important to contribute to the de-escalation of the deepening nostalgia towards Stalin and Soviet times and to intervene in passing on these views to future generations without any critical approach. The identity of Gori being this intertwined with Stalin’s figure (both internal and external perceptions) does not allow the citizens to imagine a different positioning of their region or alternative means of developing its tourism potential. 

Via highlighting the city’s pre-Soviet historical past, restoring the images from this period, and creating an “identity map” for the central city of the region (Gori), the project aims at providing a new identity and a source of positive self-identification all while bypassing the role of Stalin. The project’s approach is to not only deliver the idea to the local population but more importantly, to incorporate them, as the main audience of the project, in creating and upholding this renewed narrative. 

With research-based stories and personalities, based on archival materials and historical analysis, a new "identity map" of the city will be created, highlighting the distinctive historical moments and figures that underline the city's uniqueness and rich history. 

The project will also contribute to the generational dialogue, engaging the teachers and students in discussing their city, its unique history, and alternative identity. The “identity map” and corresponding informational banners/items displayed across the town will serve as a starting point for kicking off the dialogue. 

Project Objectives

- Contribute to the greater knowledge of and awareness about the alternative history of Gori / Shida Kartli and replacing the figure of Stalin as an element of pride

- Identify, analyze, interpret, and visualize historical and archival materials concerning the history of the region/city; 

- Create a new (online and physical) “identity map” based on the city’s history, superseding the figure of Stalin as the most important source of pride; 

- Engage locals in re-discovering city’s new identity;

- Highlight hitherto unknown people, locations, places of memory of trauma and triumph, and important moments in the (pre-Soviet or independent to Soviet regime) history of the city.

Project activities:

- Researching the history of Shida Kartli and its inhabitants, important historical events, and places;

- Collecting oral histories from a part of the population on specific issues and personalities;

-  Identifying online and physical platforms where the researched and processed information will be placed; 

- Communication with the local authorities, acquiring necessary permissions;

Project Activities