Oct 5, 2013

Another Visit to Tbilisi's Catholic Armenians

Tbilisi, Georgia © Onnik James Krikorian 2013

As I mentioned in a previous post, a message posted to a mailing list saw me pay a visit to an Armenian Catholic center in Tbilisi. Although Armenians are mainly Apostolic, Catholic Armenians are still an important minority in both Armenia and Georgia. Today’s return visit wasn’t just to photograph the kids at the center though. It was also to help them with their English language skills.

Now, while I’ve taught many Armenian, Azerbaijani, Georgian, Abkhazian and Ossetian journalists and activists either conflict sensitive reporting or new and social media skills, I’ve never taught English to anyone, let alone children. Thankfully, another Brit turned up to help out and she happened to be from around Bristol, the city that I’ve spent most of my life in back home in England.

Coincidentally, Bristol is also twinned with Tbilisi although that’s perhaps for another post. Anyway, great kids and a great time. Some photos from today.

Tbilisoba 2024

Oct 17, 2024

Earlier this month, Tbilisi celebrated Tbilisoba, the city’s annual harvest festival. Over the years it has changed significantly and seems smaller than before. I first covered the event in 2011 but the best so far remains 2014 when there was more representation of traditional Georgian folk dance and music as well as by ethnic minorities such as the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities. This year, that was held relatively far away from Tbilisi’s Old Town and Rike Park with very little publicity or in some media any at all. Nonetheless, those that attended appeared to enjoy themselves sufficiently and I managed to photo stories.

One Caucasus Festival in Georgia Bridges Regional Divides

Sep 1, 2024

This month, against the backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains, a unique four-day festival in Georgia celebrated its tenth anniversary. Held annually in August, the multi-disciplinary One Caucasus festival aims to rediscover a spirit of unity and cooperation that once flourished among the diverse nations of the region.