April 2025

by Derek Pickup

The Bristol Tbilisi Association Talk was given by the author Peter Nasmyth. Peter, who has written several books about Georgia, the latest being "The Georgian” which explores the Georgian character and is well worth reading. Peter spends his time between the UK and Georgia and is a part owner of Prospero’s book shop in Tbilisi. Peter has long been a friend of the BTA and has regularly given us talks about his activities in Georgia, from walking in the mountains to his work with the Georgian National Trust of which he is one of the founder members.

Peter’s talk focused on examples of historic buildings at risk in Tbilisi, but he also gave us an update of the work of the Georgian National Trust of which he is one of its founder members. The National Trust with the support of various grants and a team of volunteers have restored one of the historic watchtowers In Akhieli in Hevsuretil:

Rehabilitation of Tsiskarauli tower in Akhieli was funded by ALIPH foundation and organized by the National trust of Georgia, project started in 2021 and continued for three years:

Peter’s talk was about the threatened historic buildings in and around Tbilisi and he highlighted two specific examples of buildings at risk:

1. Tbilisi Archaeology Museum of Georgia

The Museum was being created from the conversion of three water tanks which are no longer used. The conversion has only been partially converted and was abandoned, below is a copy of the plans for the full conversion. The interior is fascinating, and it would be wonderful to see the project completed

2.A former 19th Century Dacha in Kojori:

The building has been abandoned for many years but recently some refugees moved into part of the building. If restored this will be an outstanding example of this type of building.

These are examples of the types of projects that the Georgian National Trust would like to take on board. Further details of the National Trust are available on their website:

Main | The National Trust of Georgia

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