Tony Hanmer, a Canadian-British writer and photographer, has been living in Georgia for 25 years. He shares some of his most memorable experiences and achievements in this country, from meeting presidents and ambassadors to becoming blood brother to a Svan.
A Life-Changing Trip
Tony Hanmer first visited Georgia in July 1999, as part of a humanitarian aid convoy from Moscow to Tbilisi. He was immediately captivated by the beauty, diversity and hospitality of the country and its people. He decided to move here permanently in December of the same year, leaving behind his career as a teacher and translator in Russia.
Since then, he has lived in various places in Georgia, including Tbilisi, Zugdidi, Mestia and Ushguli. He has witnessed the dramatic changes that the country has undergone, from the chaotic and dangerous times of Shevardnadze’s rule to the modern and dynamic era of Saakashvili and beyond. He has also learned to speak Georgian and Svan, two of the oldest and most complex languages in the world.
A Passion for Svaneti
One of the regions that Tony Hanmer has been most fascinated by is Svaneti, the mountainous area in the northwest of Georgia, known for its ancient culture, traditions and architecture. He first visited Svaneti in 2001, and was amazed by the stunning scenery and the fortified towers that dot the landscape.
He later moved to Mestia, the administrative center of Svaneti, where he opened a guesthouse and a bookshop. He also became involved in various projects to promote and preserve the local heritage, such as restoring old houses, documenting oral history and supporting education and tourism.
In 2007, he moved to Ushguli, the highest village in Europe, where he spent two winters with his wife and daughter. He became blood brother to a Svan who was related to the Aprasidze clan, the former rulers of Upper Svaneti. He also wrote a book about his experiences, called Svaneti: A Personal Journey of Discovery.
A Prolific Writer and Photographer
Tony Hanmer has been writing and photographing for various publications, both in Georgia and abroad, for many years. He has contributed to Georgia Today, The Financial, Investor.ge, The Messenger, The Georgian Times, The Spectator, The Moscow Times, The Globe and Mail, and others. He has also published several books, including The Centenarians of Svaneti, The Tower People of Svaneti, and The Road Trip.
He has covered a wide range of topics, from politics and society to culture and nature. He has interviewed presidents, ambassadors, ministers, celebrities, artists, scientists, and ordinary people. He has also shared his personal stories, opinions and insights on various aspects of life in Georgia.
He has received several awards and recognition for his work, such as the Medal of Civic Sacrifice from President Saakashvili in 2013, and the Heroes of Hope award from Imedi TV in 2012. He has also participated in many exhibitions, festivals and events, both locally and internationally.
A Love for Georgia
Tony Hanmer has expressed his gratitude and admiration for Georgia and its people, who have welcomed him and made him feel at home. He has also expressed his hope and optimism for the future of the country, which he believes has a great potential and a bright destiny.
He has said that he considers Georgia as his second homeland, and that he plans to stay here for the rest of his life. He has also said that he wants to continue writing and photographing, and to share his passion and knowledge with others.
He has invited everyone to visit Georgia and to discover its beauty, diversity and charm. He has also encouraged everyone to follow their dreams and to pursue their happiness, as he has done.
