Religion and the Borderland Experience: Javakheti Armenians in the Context of Post-Soviet Georgia's Religious Transformation

Abstract

In the intricate tapestry of post-Soviet Georgia's religious landscape, the Armenian community in Javakheti, a region straddling the boundaries of Georgia and Armenia, presents a compelling case for investigating the interplay between religious identity and the lived experience of a borderland. This study delves into the multifaceted dimensions of religious identity formation, cultural exchange, and coexistence within the distinct geographical context of Javakheti, a region imbued with a rich historical heritage and an intricate ethnic tapestry. The dissolution of the Soviet Union has ushered in a resurgence of interest in understanding how religion intersects with ethnic identities, making this study both timely and academically imperative. In the wake of this seismic shift, religion has emerged as a potent force in ethno-national consolidation, particularly in the North Caucasus region. Within the context of Georgia, Georgian Orthodoxy has often functioned as a symbol of "Georgianness," sometimes overshadowing other religious traditions and leaving religious minorities, including the Armenian community, relatively underexplored in academic discourse. Scholarly examinations of the Javakheti region have predominantly gravitated towards subjects such as separatism, challenges associated with ethnic integration, processes of acculturation, and the complexities of interethnic conflicts. However, the religious landscape in the region has often remained a peripheral concern. This research seeks to rectify this scholarly oversight by conducting an in-depth analysis of the religious and socio-cultural dimensions of the Armenian community in Javakheti, a region that has long served as a crossroads of cultures and a crucible of religious diversity. The research adopts a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating elements of sociology, anthropology, and ethnography to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricate religious dynamics at play in Javakheti. In its methodology, the study eschews purely atheistic, secular, or state-centric perspectives, instead embracing a viewpoint deeply rooted in local culture and religion as observed in the daily lives of the Armenian community. The study focuses on the Armenian community in Javakheti and aims to provide an in-depth understanding of how the geographical location of this borderland shapes their religious identity and experiences. Drawing on extensive ethnographic research, biographical-narrative interviews, and visual documentation, this research investigates the multifaceted dimensions of identity within the Armenian community. It examines how the proximity to both Georgia and Armenia influences religious practices, beliefs, and the overall sense of identity among Javakheti's Armenians. The research uncovers the role of the "Armenian Apostolic Church" as a pivotal institution in mediating the borderland experience and fostering a sense of connection to Armenia while coexisting within the framework of Georgia. Also, it delves into the narratives of community members, shedding light on their personal stories and the profound impact of religion on their daily lives, rituals, and traditions. Furthermore, this study explores the dynamics of religious diversity and interfaith relations within the borderland context, examining how Armenians in Javakheti interact with other religious groups and communities in the region, such as Georgian Orthodox Christians. By situating the religious identity of Javakheti's Armenians within the context of a borderland, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding religious identity formation, cultural exchange, and coexistence in post-Soviet border regions.