Ajam Podcast #5: Urbanism & Informality in Tbilisi

Episode 5 November 05, 2018 00:29:36
Ajam Podcast #5: Urbanism & Informality in Tbilisi
Ajam Media Collective Podcast
Ajam Podcast #5: Urbanism & Informality in Tbilisi

Nov 05 2018 | 00:29:36

/

Show Notes

In this episode, we discuss urban development in post-Soviet Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Rustin is joined by Elena Darjania, a Tbilisi-based architect and urban planner, and Otar Nemsadze, an architect and organizer of the first [Tbilisi Architecture Biennale ](biennial.ge/). The conversation covers the transformation of the Georgian capital during the 19th and 20th centuries-- from a medieval walled city, to a Tsarist administrative center, a Soviet capital, and finally a post-soviet city undergoing privatization and attempting to attract foreign investment. The guests address problems and issues facing urbanists and activists, such as traffic congestion, deregulation in the construction and real estate industry, as well as inadequate services and infrastructure for residents. Additionally, Otar and Elena talk about the major theme of Tbilisi Architecture Biennale-- "informality," or the process in which inhabitants make alterations and adjustments to the built environment to address their changing needs. Rustin closes out the episode with [Lili Gegelia's "Gazafxulis Bralia"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaW_ZhUBUuM)

Other Episodes

Episode 2

October 04, 2018 00:40:32
Episode Cover

Ajam Podcast #2: Ahvaz & Xinjiang

In this episode, Kamyar and Rustin parse out the different narratives circulating around the September 22 terrorist attack in Ahvaz/Ahwaz. They discuss Narges Bajoghli's...

Listen

Episode 32

January 25, 2021 00:34:13
Episode Cover

Ajam Podcast #32: Chinese Muslims and Imperial Japan

In this episode, Rustin and Ali interview Dr. Kelly Anne Hammond, Assistant Professor of East Asian History in the Department of History at the...

Listen

Episode 12

April 08, 2019 00:36:15
Episode Cover

Ajam Podcast #12: The Rise & Fall of Khoqand

Central Asianists rejoice! In this episode, Rustin speaks with Scott Levi, Professor and Chair of History at Ohio State University. He is the author...

Listen