Akhaltskha.Net’s interview with Gevorg Petrosyan, who is a famous craftsman from Akhaltskha and was an active public figure in the 1990s.

Akhaltskha.net: Mr. Petrosyan, you have done and still do a lot with your beautiful craftsmanship and try to preserve the works of craftsmen in Akhaltskha. After seeing these wonderful works, the first question that comes to a person’s mind is how you learned this marvelous craft.

Gevorg Petrosyan: Akhaltskha has been known as a city of arts and crafts since ancient times. Craftsmanship, including the work of smithies has always been more developed in this city than in other cities of Georgia. Akhaltskha even used to have a street that was like a full hall of studios that was called “Damarchanots” or “Damarchineri Maila”. When we would come home from school, we would go and stand near those craftsmen and learn something from them. These days Akhaltskha is in quite poor conditions, and we’re trying to do whatever we can to maintain all that existed in Akhaltskha and transmit the knowledge to the youth until the time comes when Akhaltskha has many craftsmen once again.

Akhaltskha.net: Perhaps you have also learned something from your ancestors. For instance, you have learned from your uncle and grandfather who were also craftsmen and were good professionals.

G. P.: My uncle and grandfather were known for making heaters placed on walls (“Pechnik”). As I said, I learned how to become a craftsm ... »»»