The Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Gakharia visited the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University to mark the 103rd anniversary of its establishment and together with the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, Mikheil Chkhenkeli and the Rector of the university, Giorgi Sharvashidze visited the ongoing renovation works of the second building.
Mikheil Chkhenkeli: "Today is the anniversary of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University and together with the Prime Minister, we are happy to inspect the renovation of the second building on this historic day. I am incredibly pleased, that soon, the university will boast a building in compliance with modern standards.
I would like to congratulate everyone with this beautiful and historic day, especially the students, professors, faculty members, and the members of academia.”
Owing to the decree of the Government of Georgia and with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, a total of 27 million GEL will be spent for the renovation of the second building. The first stage of internal repair works started back in 2018, for which a sum of GEL 5.7 million was allocated by the Ministry. As part of the first phase of the project, the building was strengthened, the roof and windows were replaced, the facade, bathrooms and central heating system were refurbished.
The second phase started in 2019 and will be completed by the end of 2021. During this period, the building will be fully regenerated, fire and cooling-ventilation systems, elevators will be arranged. After the renovation, the second building will fully meet all modern international standards.
The second building of TSU was built in 1940 by its architect Mikheil Savishvili, taking into account the architecture and style of the first building of the university.
As for the first, historic building of Tbilisi State University, its restoration was funded by the Cartu Foundation with a generous sum of USD 10 million. During the period of renovation (2008-2011), its roof, the entire exterior, and windows were refurbished, water and heating systems, electrical grid wiring was installed. Additionally, a brand-new AC system was introduced throughout the building, as well as rejuvenating the inner rad.
The first national university in the Caucasus was opened on January 26, 1918, on the day of commemoration of David the Builder. During its inauguration, the Board of Professors elected Petre Melikishvili as the first rector of the university, and Ivane Javakhishvili himself headed the Faculty of Wisdom. In 1989, Tbilisi State University was named after its founder Ivane Javakhishvili.