Over 150 persons took part in an action in protection of a historical square in Tbilisi

An action in protection of the square named after Lado Gudiashvili, one of the oldest squares in Tbilisi, passed off in Georgia on November, 3. 150 people participated in it.

For already a year non-governmental organization “Tbilisis Amkari” has been opposing destruction of the square named after Lado Gudiashvili and dealing with rehabilitation works in the historical part of the city. In his interview to the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent activist of the NGO Aleko Elisashvili said that the square was the only one in Tbilisi that preserved its authenticity, therefore, the organization’s purpose was to maintain it as it is.

“We have no problems with the investor (“Irao Magnat Gudiashvili company owning the territory of the square since 2011 – Note by the “Caucasian Knot”) to the effect that they can build a hotel, a restaurant or a store here without totally destroying the square for construction. Let them restore these buildings inside and build whatever they wish”, Elisashvili declared.

According to him, during the past year the organization managed somewhat to hold up the process of destruction and dismantling although dismantling of two buildings still started.

Maria Morgveladze, student of Tbilisi State University, always comes to take part in these actions together with her friends. “We used to come here even in winter because we think that the city must not be destroyed, on the contrary, all these historical buildings must be preserved”, the girl said.

In his turn, art historian Teo Khatiashvili considers that instead of restoration “falsification of historical buildings” is going on in Georgia.