The unique manuscript of ‘World Geography’ by Vakhushti Batonishvili, as the main exhibit of the event at the National Centre of Manuscripts, will be displayed for the public. Alongside the original exhibits, the photographs will be presented in addition. For the first time, the audience will have a chance to see the extended format of the maps altogether.

13.30 - presenting the album: ‘Vakhushti Batonishvili and the World Geography’ (the Center’s exhibition hall).
The publication unites 27 unique maps which were created according to the European cartographic standards and knowledge of the 18th century. The maps will be accompanied by two introductory texts of a historian and geographer. Texts and annotations will be in Georgian and English. The atlas is intended for educational space as well as for a wide public.

15.00-17.00 - launching the educational activities (the educational space and yard).
Activity: ‘Mihaly Zichy’s the Knight in the Panther Skin in My Colors’:
The activity is for preschool and early years school children. Coloring pages according to the illustrations of Zichy will be distributed to children. With the help of this activity children are about to learn that Georgian society in the 19th century invited the european artist to illustrate one of the most distinguished Georgian books.

15.00-17.00 - ‘Assemble Europe’ - children will try to assemble puzzles of various european countries made according to the ‘World Geography’ of Vakhushti Batonishvili. Posters of the same country will be given to children as presents.

15.00-17.00 - photo consent: ‘Become a character of the Knight in the Panther Skin according to Zichy’s illustrations’ (the Center’s educational space).

The activity is intended for middle and high school students, and for those youngsters who are attracted to photography. Decoration according to Zichy’s one of the illustrations is to be set up for photo shooting at the Centre. Guests will themselves revive the scenes from the poem, and will have an opportunity of taking pictures in front of the decoration. Designated jury will name three groups of winners (photographer, personage from photo).

17.00 - discussion panel for students: ‘Vakhushti Batonishvili and the World Geography’. (conference hall of the Centre). The lectures will give students of history, geography and humanities the opportunity to get acquainted with the origins of Georgian cartographic and geographical thinking that was based on European knowledge. The panel leaders are: Nestan Bagauri (historian, head of the department of exhibition and educational programs of the National Centre of Manuscripts) and Giorgi Dvalishvili (geographer, professor of the Tbilisi State University).