This summer semester of 2025 was especially memorable for me, as I traveled from Georgia to Austria to attend the fifth semester at the Faculty of History at the University of Graz. I am a PhD student in Cultural Studies at Ilia State University in Tbilisi, specializing in Christian medieval art. My doctoral thesis focuses on a mural painting in Upper Svaneti, a mountainous region of Georgia. The heart of my research lies in a comprehensive analysis of church murals, aiming to uncover the theological symbolism within their program and to explore the stylistic and compositional intricacies. It investigates both the artistic-historical dimensions and the broader contemporary cultural-historical context.
At the University of Graz, I was fortunate to have Prof. Dr. Barbara Stelzl-Marx as my academic supervisor. Her kindness, warmth, and hospitality made my stay truly welcoming, and I am deeply grateful for her support. She introduced me to the academic community and encouraged me to attend the conference „Die ‚5er-Jahre‘: 1945 | 1955 | 1975 | 1995. Zäsuren der österreichischen Zeitgeschichte“ where I encountered fascinating interpretations and approaches to these critical historical periods. I also had the honor of attending the presentation of Professor Stelzl-Marx’s book, „Roter Stern über Graz: 75 Tage sowjetische Besatzung 1945“, As a citizen of a post-Soviet country, this experience held particular significance for me.
I am confident that the knowledge, skills, and perspectives I gained during my time at the University of Graz will have a lasting impact on both my dissertation and my future academic pursuits. This enriching experience has broadened the international scope of my research and will continue to inspire my scholarly journey.
An Erasmus + Experience in Graz – LBI für Kriegsfolgenforschung