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Georgia: A Nation of Legends with Dr. Nina Wieda

Georgia: A Nation of Legends with Dr. Nina Wieda


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The ancient nation of Georgia straddles the highest mountain range in Europe, at the point where the Caucasus mountains create a natural dividing line between Europe and Asia. From the snowy peaks, Georgian territory descends to the sub-tropical Black Sea coast, the site of the ancient city of Colchis, where the mythical Argonauts came for the Golden Fleece.  
A modern state and a coveted geopolitical player today, it retains its millennia-long history, distinctive language and alphabet, and the unique culture developed in dialog with the greatest civilizations of the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.  Georgia’s polyphonic singing – still practiced at weddings, feasts, and informal gatherings - has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural treasure. Georgian singing has no equivalents in the world, with the exception of the musical tradition from the island of Corsica – one of the world’s cultural mysteries.  
One of the world’s oldest wine-making regions, Georgia is home to a tradition of hospitality, feasting, and toast-making. Its mountain slopes and high-altitude valleys are studded with ancient towers – the witnesses of the nation’s turbulent and storied history. 
Led by an expert on Georgia Nina Wieda, this interactive seminar will introduce its participants to the fascinating world of Georgia. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with increased knowledge about Georgia and its cultural treasures.
This conversation is part of a four-part series on Eurasian Culture with Nina Wieda. Each session is designed as a stand-alone seminar as well as part of a four-week series.

Nina Wieda-Tyurina is a native of the Caucasus living in Chicago, USA. She holds a Ph.D. in Slavic from Northwestern University and an MA in Nationalism Studies from Central European University. Nina also has experience in journalism, advertising, and consumer research – her writing has been published in three languages. She wrote her Master's thesis about the Northern Caucasus region. Dr. Wieda currently teaches at Northwestern University near Chicago.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 13 reviews
85%
(11)
15%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
L
Laurie (Phoenix, US)
Excellent

Wonderful presentation, bery interesting and well,presented!

M
Margaret Fearey (Milton, US)

Professor Wieda’s usual tour de force. Excellent level of information and visuals. I know something of the areas on which Prof. Wieda presents, and I always learn new things and hear interesting questions raised.

L
Larry Levine (Monterey, US)
Excellent presentation!

Dr. Nina Wieda’s presentations are always excellent: well-prepared, enthusiastically presented, and very diverse in terms of history, religion, and culture, including music and dance. Georgia is an ancient, very interesting and beautiful country, and the words, maps, photography, and music and dance videos really brought the country to life.

L
LB (Palmyra, US)
Excellent overview of the republic of Georgia

This was a broad overview of culture and history. Very informative.

A
A.B. (Portland, US)
Fascinating Overview

This was an interesting and comprehensive presentation, and easy to listen to and watch. It was well organized both in terms of content and photos. I now have a deeper understanding and appreciation of a country that's always fascinated me. Now I REALLY want to visit; after the presentation ended, I checked: several major US airlines fly there...

Customer Reviews

Based on 13 reviews
85%
(11)
15%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
L
Laurie (Phoenix, US)
Excellent

Wonderful presentation, bery interesting and well,presented!

M
Margaret Fearey (Milton, US)

Professor Wieda’s usual tour de force. Excellent level of information and visuals. I know something of the areas on which Prof. Wieda presents, and I always learn new things and hear interesting questions raised.

L
Larry Levine (Monterey, US)
Excellent presentation!

Dr. Nina Wieda’s presentations are always excellent: well-prepared, enthusiastically presented, and very diverse in terms of history, religion, and culture, including music and dance. Georgia is an ancient, very interesting and beautiful country, and the words, maps, photography, and music and dance videos really brought the country to life.

L
LB (Palmyra, US)
Excellent overview of the republic of Georgia

This was a broad overview of culture and history. Very informative.

A
A.B. (Portland, US)
Fascinating Overview

This was an interesting and comprehensive presentation, and easy to listen to and watch. It was well organized both in terms of content and photos. I now have a deeper understanding and appreciation of a country that's always fascinated me. Now I REALLY want to visit; after the presentation ended, I checked: several major US airlines fly there...