Mutual Literary and Cultural Relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan during the Late Soviet Period: Translation as Cultural Diplomacy and Ideological Negotiation


Öztürk G. (Yürütücü)

  • Proje Türü: Diğer Ülkelerden Üniversiteler Tarafından Desteklenmiş Proje
  • Proje Grubu: Sosyal Bilimler
  • Projenin Yürütüldüğü Birim: Fen Edebiyat Fakültesi
  • Başlangıç Tarihi: Ekim 2025
  • Bitiş Tarihi: Haziran 2026

Özet

My research project investigates the mutual literary and cultural relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan during the late Soviet period, with a specific focus on translation as a vehicle of cultural diplomacy and ideological negotiation. By exploring translated literary works, archival materials, and intellectual networks, the study seeks to uncover how multilingualism and cross-border collaboration shaped shared cultural imaginaries in the South Caucasus.

This project falls directly within the remit of the Oxford Nizami Ganjavi Centre, as it contributes to a deeper understanding of the literary and intellectual history of the Caucasus, with particular emphasis on Azerbaijan’s role in regional cultural exchange. The analysis not only foregrounds Azerbaijani literary figures in Georgian translation, but also examines how Soviet policies influenced interethnic literary representation.

Support from the ONGC would enable me to access primary sources in the Bodleian Library and Oxford’s archival collections, as well as to consult with scholars and translators affiliated with the University. It would also help cover reproduction fees and minor expenses related to archival and research activities.

This small-scale grant will significantly contribute to the advancement of the archival component of my research and offer a fresh perspective to the ONGC’s broader academic engagement with cultural interaction in the Caucasus.