Vatican

Vatican Project

Discovery, Research, and Publication of Georgian Manuscripts

An initiative of the Foundation aimed at discovering, translating, and reintegrating Georgian manuscripts preserved in the Vatican archives into the academic community.

Why the Vatican?

“Knowledge preserved in manuscripts belongs to all humanity — and especially to the people in whose language it is written.”

The Global Significance of the Vatican Archives

The Vatican Apostolic Archive is one of the most important repositories, housing centuries of documented memory of world history. It serves as a key source for interpreting global history, offering the opportunity to revisit known events from new, document-based perspectives.

The Historical Importance of Georgian Manuscripts

Georgian materials preserved in the Vatican archives form an essential foundation for studying Georgia’s history, church, and international relations. These documents reflect the country’s political, cultural, and religious connections with the European world, which is particularly significant in the medieval context.

The Idea of “Returning” Knowledge

The project aims to intellectually return historical sources—geographically distant—back into the Georgian academic and public sphere. This process creates an opportunity to base national history not only on secondary interpretations but on primary sources.

Main Directions of the Project

Discovery

Systematic identification and cataloging of Georgian manuscripts preserved in the Vatican archives and library.

Research

Historical, philological, and contextual analysis to determine the manuscripts’ period, authorship, linguistic features, and cultural significance.

Downoload

This process ensures that unique materials become a resource not only for a limited circle of researchers but for the broader academic community.

Publication

Scientific editions, volumes, annotated translations, and digital publications in both Georgian and international academic environments.

– Research outcomes

What the Project Passes on to Future Generations

XIV+

A Reliable Historical Foundation Knowledge based on primary sources reduces the subjectivity of historical interpretations and creates a more accurate and well-founded narrative.

New Research Opportunities Digitally accessible archives increase research potential and give the new generation the opportunity to work with materials that were previously almost inaccessible.

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A Deeper Understanding of Identity Direct engagement with historical sources strengthens cultural self-awareness and fosters a more critical and thoughtful approach to history.

Access and Engagement for Students and Researchers Providing access to manuscripts and involving them in the scientific process.

New Academic Sources For the study of Georgian literature, history, and philology.

A Strengthened International Academic Position of Georgian Cultural Heritage

Academic Partners

Universities, research institutes, and international partners play a key role in this process, providing methodological support as well as a platform for knowledge exchange.

— Tamaz Bekaia Educational Foundation

Researchers

Specialists in the Georgian language and literature who conduct philological analysis of the manuscripts.

Academic Partners

Leading Georgian universities and international research institutions that ensure the quality of the research.

Translators

Experts in Greek, Latin, and medieval Georgian who work on deciphering and translating the manuscripts.

International Experts

Specialists from the Vatican Library and librarians from various countries who facilitate access to the manuscripts.

This Project Belongs to the Entire Georgian Cultural Heritage

If you are interested in partnership, collaboration, or simply want to learn more about the Vatican Project, please contact us.