Project title: Providing the International Conference – “Uncovering the Truth: Mass Graves of the Great Terror (1937-1938) in Batumi, Georgia” and the joint publishing of the book on the victims of the great terror in Adjara

Supported by: Juliusz Mieroszewski Centre for Dialogue, Poland

Overall Budget: 42,200.00 EUR

Duration: 10.07.2023 - 31.05.2025

Project Objective:

The project aims at the correct and precise examination of the Soviet past as a cornerstone of proper rethinking of its wrongdoings, and crimes against humanity and Actively introducing them to the wider public in Georgia and abroad.

Today, the manipulation of historical narratives is primarily directed toward Ukraine, Poland, and Eastern Europe, serving the larger context of the war launched in Ukraine. However, Central Asian countries, Georgia, and Armenia are also periodically targeted. Historical revisionism serves as a catalyst for the Kremlin's geopolitical interests, including aggressive foreign policy and populist nationalism. By downplaying Russia's historical wrongdoings, exaggerating its achievements, and grossly falsifying facts, the Kremlin aims to mislead both domestic and international audiences. 

The aim of the project is to understand the Soviet past from the perspective of the first mass graves of the victims of the repressions of 1937-1938 discovered in Adjara. To achieve this, a conference will be planned with the involvement of leading scientists working on the issue. The goal is to facilitate an exchange of ideas so that steps can be formulated for further study of the mass graves and raising public awareness. Additionally, the project aims to publish the first "Book of Remembrance" in Georgia. This book will include brief biographical data of all people repressed in Adjara, alongside scientific articles.

Activities:

-  Organizing an international conference about the first mass graves discovered in Adjara in October 2023.

-  Preparation and publication of the book on the victims of the great terror in Adjara, in the Georgian language containing scholarly articles and biographies of victims of political repressions in a total of 300 copies. 

- Presentation of the book and holding of open lectures in higher education institutions, schools, and libraries.

Initial Budjet and Activities

Amendments to the contract 

Ongoing activities and budget

Contract