article Philosophical Aspects of Georgian-Turkish Cultural Interactions

Abstract

Georgian-Turkish cultural interactions encompass a broad and profound range of themes, integrating not only historical and political contexts but also the diverse connections established between the two cultures. These interactions have found expression in various intellectual traditions and spiritual legacies. Both cultures have placed strong emphasis on moral conduct and spiritual values, which have been shaped by fundamental socio-political, moral-ethical, and religious considerations. Viewed through a cultural studies perspective, these relations can be interpreted as a dialogue that is both socio-cultural and religious-philosophical, fostering a synergy of mutual understanding, harmony, unity, goodwill, and creative collaboration among people.

Even though Georgian and Turkish general philosophical perspectives on the concept of time are fundamentally different, there are still areas where they intersect. For instance, Georgian philosophy pays special attention to the preservation of historical memory and the role and function of past life experiences in shaping the present, while Turkish philosophy primarily perceives time through the lens of the purposive actions—both individual and collective—directed from the present toward the future. Consequently, these differences have facilitated their cultural exchanges, allowing both sides to gain a richer understanding of one another’s cultural consciousness.

Within the realms of Turkish and Georgian thought, we can identify several rich and fruitful periods that contribute to our understanding of their literary and philosophical heritage. Noteworthy figures from the medieval era include Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī, Yunus Emre, and Haji Bektash Veli, alongside Georgian luminaries such as Ioane Petritsi, Ephrem Mtsire, and Shota Rustaveli. These individuals achieved significant acclaim, both in neighboring regions and far beyond, establishing themselves as prominent voices of the Eastern Renaissance, whose contributions to world culture are invaluable. Looking ahead to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, we find the creative endeavors of Turkish and Georgian thinkers equally compelling, particularly in terms of shared ideas and socio-political themes. This period saw the emergence of influential figures in cultural and public spheres of their respective nations including, Ziya Gökalp, Ahmet Ağaoğlu, and Bahâ Tevfik from Turkey, as well as Ilia Chavchavadze, Archil Jorjadze, Varlam Cherkezishvili, and Mikhako Tsereteli from Georgia.