In a ceremony commemorating Georgia's independence restoration week, a tribute was paid to Iason Lortkipanidze, the nation's first State Bank manager. A memorial plaque was unveiled in his honor at 12, Anton Purtseladze street in the capital city. This initiative, led by the National Bank of Georgia, received backing from the Tbilisi City Council.

Iason Lortkipanidze emerges as a truly multifaceted figure in Georgian history, leaving his mark on far more than just finance.  While he is recognized as the first manager of the State Bank of Georgia (1919-1921) and played a pivotal role in establishing the Central Bank, his contributions spanned a wide range of national endeavors. Lortkipanidze was instrumental in the founding of a Georgian University, serving on the founding commission and leading its financial department. He championed literacy initiatives by heading the society dedicated to spreading literacy among Georgians. His commitment to his nation is further exemplified by his role as a signatory to the Act of Independence of Georgia. Even the cultural landscape of Georgia benefitted from his leadership. Under his direction, the final resting place of the admired poet Nikoloz Baratashvili was located in Ganja, allowing his remains to be returned to Georgia. Interestingly, Iason Lortkipanidze was also the elder brother of the famed Georgian writer Niko Lortkipanidze.

Notably, Lortkipanidze resided at 12, Anton Purtseladze street from 1917 until his passing in 1949. This address is situated near the historical building of the State Bank, where a memorial plaque was unveiled in his honor today. Natia Turnava, Acting Governor of the National Bank of Georgia, emphasized the importance of recognizing Lortkipanidze's achievements for the country and history during the unveiling ceremony.

 

"It is our duty to remember the heroes of independence and to properly appreciate their contributions to our country and history. Iason Lortkipanidze stands out as a notable figure in Georgia's history who made a lasting impact. I thank the Tbilisi City Council and the City Hall for supporting this initiative. I am glad that Iason Lortkipanidze's descendants are here with us today, and I am sure they are proud of this moment. This is the least we can do to immortalize the name of Jason Lortkipanidze," said Natia Turnava, Acting Governor of the National Bank of Georgia.

According to Tamar Lortkipanidze, a descendant of Iason Lortkipanidze, it is symbolic that the unveiling of the memorial plaque for Jason Lortkipanidze coincided with the week of May 26.

"It is a very important day for me and our family. Many thanks to everyone who participated, including the initiators, the National Bank of Georgia, the City Hall, and the City Council," she said.

The unveiling of the memorial plaque was attended by Giorgi Tkemaladze, the chairman of the Tbilisi City Council, Andria Basilaia, the deputy mayor of Tbilisi, members of the City Council, and descendants of Iason Lortkipanidze.

In addition to the memorial plaque, the Tbilisi City Council has decided to name one of the streets and squares of the capital after Iason Lortkipanidze in the near future. This issue was initiated today by the Names and Symbols Commission of Tbilisi City Council.