Crossing Frontiers: Challenges and Opportunities of the Tao-Klarjeti Monasteries as Transboundary Cultural Heritage of Georgia and Türkiye

The concepts of ‘transboundary heritage’ and ‘serial heritage’, introduced by UNESCO, aim to protect cultural heritage that spans the borders of more than one country. The Tao-Klarjeti region, the focus of this study, extends across the north-eastern border of Türkiye and south-western border of Georgia, and it is home to numerous monasteries that were significant centres of Georgian Orthodox culture in the Middle Ages. They now form part of a fragmented cultural landscape divided by national borders. Although these monuments are protected individually, their interrelationships are essential in achieving comprehensive and holistic conservation. This study examines the challenges and opportunities of recognising the Tao-Klarjeti monasteries as transboundary cultural heritage. It offers a comparative evaluation of heritage policies, restoration protocols, conservation practices, tourism strategies, and international collaborations between Türkiye and Georgia. Furthermore, it discusses joint management models, the potential for World Heritage List designation, and opportunities for cultural diplomacy. Cultural heritage should not be viewed solely as the preservation of historical monuments, but also as an opportunity for cross-border cultural dialogue and cooperation. Tao-Klarjeti demonstrates that cultural heritage can serve as a unifying force that transcends geopolitical boundaries, providing a model for transnational conservation efforts.