This is a tribute to Georgi Vanyan (1963-2021): His life, his work and his legacy.
Georgi Vanyan was a legendary Armenian peacemaker known for his efforts to promote communication and understanding between Armenians and Azerbaijanis. He organized the first and only Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Armenia in 2007-2009, as well as the Days of Azerbaijani Cinema in 2012. Vanyan was also a founding member and chairman of the Caucasus Center for Peace-making Initiatives.
Vanyan was the founder of the Tekali Peace Process, a visionary grassroots initiative aimed at building peace on a human level. The Tekali Process brought together Armenian and Azerbaijani citizens in the ethnically Azerbaijani village of Tekali, Georgia to talk openly and peacefully with each other, share meals, and stay together in the villagers’ homes.
Though Vanyan had great hopes for continuing his work, he passed away much too soon on October 15, 2021, after falling ill with COVID-19. In this tribute, Emin Milli – who was together with Vanyan during his last days and conducted Vanyan’s last interview – recounts Vanyan’s achievements and sacrifices in pursuit of peace between the people of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and calls us to honor Vanyan’s legacy by keeping the Tekali Process alive.
Photos from Tekali by Onnik J. Krikorian.
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