ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Wachtang Djobadze

Wachtang Djobadze, also known as Vakhtang Jobadze, was a Georgian art historian and professor at California State University in Los Angeles. Born on March 8, 1917, he spent his early life under the Soviet Union's rule before emigrating to the United States.

During this period of exile, Djobadze became one of the few Georgian scholars who had the opportunity to travel to Turkey due to its historical Tao-Klarceti region and numerous Middle Age Georgian churches and monasteries in Antakya. It was during these travels that he studied and described various monuments, including those featured in his notable works.

Materials for the Study of Georgia Monasteries in the Western Environs of Antioch on the Orontes (1976), Archeological Investigations in the Region West of Antioch On-The-Orontes (Stuttgart : Steiner-Verlag-Wiesbaden-GmbH, 1986), and Early Medieval Georgian Monasteries in Historic Tao, Klarjet, and Savset (Stuttgart : Steiner-Verlag-Wiesbaden-GmbH, 1992) are some of the notable studies that showcase his expertise.

One significant discovery made by Djobadze was the remains of a medieval Georgian monastery located in Cyprus. This find dates back to the Middle Ages and is an important contribution to the field of art history.

Djobadze's academic career spanned several decades, with him serving as a professor at California State University in Los Angeles. He passed away on February 10, 2007, in Carlsbad, California, but was later buried in Tbilisi, Georgia, following his wish to return home after his passing.

Throughout his life and work, Djobadze played an essential role in shedding light on the rich cultural heritage of Georgia through his studies and writings. His contributions to art history remain a testament to his dedication and expertise as a scholar.