NINO SIPRASHVILI
Academic Biography:
- BA Studies: History, Politics and Culture, University of Georgia, 2005-2009
- MA Studies: Social Anthropology, University of Bergen, 2012-2014
- Research Assistant, Turkey as a F(actor) in the Caucasus, German Institute for Security and International
- Affairs, April 2015-July 2015
- Supporting the Repatriation of People Deported from Georgia in the 1940s, European Center of Minority Issues, August 2011-October 2011
Brief Description of the Doctoral Project:
“Islamic Discourse: Between Local practices, Transnational Islam, Georgian Nationalism and Liberal values”
After the collapse of the Soviet Union Christianity became an inspiration for the people of Adjara for building a renewed
Georgian identity. This followed a nation-wide trend, enforcing a narrative that Adjarans truly belong to the Georgian
nation. At the time Islam was often viewed as an outdated religious practice, associated with the undesired Soviet and
pre-Soviet past. However, the fall of the iron curtain opened borders, which made both knowledges about western
liberal values and transnational resources of Islamic knowledge accessible. Young Adjarans were now travelling from
Georgia to Turkey to get secular and religious education. As they returned they started influencing and rebuilding the
Muslim community in Adjara.
The broader purpose of the research will be to explore religious transformation in Adjara post the Soviet era, as various
types of information have become accessible and the connection with neighbouring Turkey re-established. A specific
focus will be how Muslims are reshaping Islam in Adjara, and how this is exerting influence over the wider population.
Moreover, a goal with the research is to study the Adjaran Muslim discourse which is built and shaped through the
interrelation of different influences like local practices, transnational Islam, Georgian nationalism and western liberal
values.
Conference Participations, Scientific Talks, Poster Presentations:
● Afro Georgians: African Migrants living in Georgia” [with Data Chigolashvili and Manana Tsereteli], 3rd
Annual Conference in Humanities at the University of Georgia, 2011, The University of Georgia Press, pages
from 352 to 367
● 3rd Annual conference in University at the University of Georgia, 2011, Tbilisi, “African Migrants living in
Georgia” (with Davit Chigholashvili and Manana Tsereteli)
● Ethnology and Archeology in Armenia and Neighboring Countries, 2010, Yerevan, “Religious Opposition in
Pankisi George”
Grants (own Grants and Participation in Grants):
Eurasia Partnership Foundation, Mphil student/Researcher, Anthropology of Development, University of
Bergen 2012-2014
Contact Information:
nino.siprashvili.2@iliauni.edu.ge