Acknowledgements

A view of the past is essential to understanding the present and the future. Parallel realities and significant differences provide many lessons. The work of many contributed to this website of the fascinating Dadiani dynasty. The debt owed to many individuals for the production of this website is substantial. I owe George Kalandia, Director of the Fund for Saving Dadiani Palaces enormous gratitude. His knowledge and professionalism made me enthusiastic about the project and aware of both the challenges and opportunities of historical research in Georgia. George generously provided numerous amazing photographs and drawings and reviewed the entire text. I offer him my esteem along with many thanks.

Irakli Pipia, who served an internship in the Office of Policy and Analysis earned my sincere appreciation by providing a great deal of research assistance. Lily Beraia, Director of the Dadiani Palace Historical Architecture Museum, and Nana Pipia, its Deputy Director, also refined my approach and assisted me during both of my visits to the engaging Zugdidi Museum.

Lika Mamatsashvili, Curator of Exhibits, and Maia Kutateladze Researcher, at the Georgian National Museum did a great deal of photographic research, and provided captions and photographs which benefitted our work greatly. I was pleased to work with them.

I am indebted to George Dadiani, Founder and Chairman of the Dadiani Union, who introduced me to his ancestors and convinced me that a systematic and comprehensive treatment of the topic needed to be undertaken. He has been a source of steadfast support and patience.

Again, it is a pleasure and privilege to work with Boris Gagua, Director of the National Parliamentary Library. His willingness to help with all aspects of this project, and his continuous support and guidance are much appreciated. Lali Kereselidze, Ia Gorgisheli, and David Mchedlishvili translated the text into Georgian and produced the Georgian website. They are highly knowledgeable in their fields, and their commitment to the Library’s mission is outstanding.

My own staff deserve abundant appreciation. Lance Costello organized the text and photos and James Smith, a brilliant editor, contributed to the betterment of the text. Matthew MacInnes started the website, but it was completed by Scott Taylor who went the extra mile to finish it. Samantha Grauberger, my administrative assistant kept the project on track. Her rapport with members of the team is a noteworthy addition to any project.

In closing, I express the hope that one of the consequences of this site is that up and coming historians will realize the need to study Georgian history and will be motivated to fill in the facts and gaps in knowledge which have been influenced by social, political and cultural forces. I also hope that young minds learn to appreciate Georgia’s vibrant and complex history, and the importance of a longer term perspective. Again my thanks to all including you, the readers.

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