A Bridge Between Cultures: Dato Magradze Celebrated in Italy

Do these words sound familiar to you? If not, let me explain…

“Tavisupleba” (in Georgian: თავისუფლება, meaning Freedom) is the national anthem of Georgia. Officially adopted in 2004 after the Rose Revolution the anthem’s lyrics were written by the revered Georgian poet David “Dato” Magradze. They are more than mere verses—they are a declaration of identity, resilience, and a celebration of liberty for the Georgian people. The anthem holds deep historical and emotional significance, representing a new era of national renewal.

A Literary Legacy Born in Tbilisi

David Magradze was born in 1962 in Tbilisi, into a family deeply rooted in Georgia’s intellectual tradition. His father, Elguja Magradze, was a respected writer and literary critic, instilling in Dato a profound reverence for literature from an early age.

He graduated in 1984 from Tbilisi State University, specializing in philology, and soon became a prominent figure in the Georgian literary world. During the 1980s, he took on the role of editor at Tsiskari, one of Georgia’s leading literary journals, where he nurtured new voices and helped preserve national cultural identity during times of political change.

Cultural Leadership and Political Engagement

Magradze’s influence is not confined to the literary world. From 1992 to 1995, he served as Georgia’s Minister of Culture, playing a vital role in cultural policy during the nation’s formative years of independence. In 1991, he founded the Georgian

Pen Club

The PEN Club is a global association of writers founded in London in 1921, dedicated to fostering friendship and intellectual cooperation among writers worldwide. Today, it operates through autonomous centers in over 100 countries.

advocating for freedom of expression and promoting literary collaboration across borders.

Notably, he was a key figure in the peaceful Rose Revolution of 2003, which paved the way for democratic reforms and the adoption of his anthem lyrics as a symbol of renewed national spirit. His involvement exemplified the power of words in shaping political change.

A Global Voice in Poetry

Dato Magradze’s poetry has reached readers worldwide. His acclaimed collections include Marula (1987), Nikala (2002), Salve (2004), The Steps on the Water (2011), and Giacomo Ponti (2011). His lyrical and philosophical style explores themes of identity, memory, and transcendence.

His work has been translated into numerous languages, including English, German, Russian, Italian, and Armenian. The Poetry Translation Centre and other literary organizations have brought his voice to an international audience.

He has also been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious Order of Honor of Georgia, and was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in both 2011 and 2018.

A Celebrated Figure in Italy

Magradze has developed a particularly strong cultural connection with Italy. Since 2009, he has participated in various Italian literary festivals, such as those held in Lugo, Genoa, Orta and Eboli. In recognition of his contributions to literature and freedom of speech, he was awarded the title of Cavalier by the Duke of Parma, Carlo Ugo di Borbone.

He is also a member of the World Academy of Poetry in Verona and has held the Diploma d’onore from the same institution since 2013.

His book Giacomo Ponti has been integrated into the curriculum of the Don Bosco School in Borgomanero, further cementing his impact on Italian cultural education. Its inclusion in educational settings testifies to how Magradze’s work is appreciated not only for its artistic value but also for its ability to inspire reflection on themes of civic engagement and shared humanity. Giacomo Ponti is a poetry collection that stands out for its clear, direct, and contemplative language. The book addresses universal themes such as freedom, human dignity, memory, and moral responsibility. Through a lyrical yet accessible style, Magradze invites readers to confront the challenges of our time, remaining faithful to a poetic vision that blends thought with emotional depth. The choice of title - bearing an Italian name - symbolically represents the union between the two cultures. The book has also been praised for its capacity to promote shared European values, such as solidarity, intercultural dialogue, and respect for cultural diversity. Giacomo Ponti offers students a genuine tool for reflecting on what it means to be global citizens today, viewed through the lens of poetry.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in Verse

A major upcoming event will once again spotlight Magradze’s unique role as a cultural ambassador. On June 7, 2025, he will present his latest poetry collection, The Bridge on the Horizon, at a prestigious event hosted by the Bourbon family at Palazzo Cotico in Piacenza. The event is expected to draw writers, diplomats, and cultural figures from across Europe, symbolizing the ongoing dialogue between Georgia and Italy.

This presentation is more than a book launch; it is a celebration of the shared values of liberty, creativity, and intercultural friendship that Magradze’s life and work exemplify.

A Voice That Crosses Borders

Dato Magradze’s poetic voice, shaped by the landscapes of the Caucasus and the aspirations of a modern nation, continues to resonate across continents. Through literature, diplomacy, and activism, he has built bridges between past and present, East and West, poetry and politics.

As Georgia moves forward on its democratic path, and as Europe looks increasingly toward inclusive cultural dialogue, figures like Magradze remind us of the enduring power of words to unite, inspire, and elevate. His legacy is not just Georgian - it belongs to the world.

Anna Olivo

Bibliography

Wikipedia, David Magradze, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Magradze.

Wikipedia, PEN International, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PEN_International.

Wikipedia, Rose revolution, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Revolution.

M. Razmadze, in Georgia Today, https://georgiatoday.ge/dato-magradze-to-present-poetry-in-italy-at-royal-invitation/.

N. A. , in clanDestino Rivista, https://www.rivistaclandestino.com/una-poesia-di-dato-magradze/.

N.A., in Giuliano Landofi Editore, https://ladolfieditore.it/index.php/it/chi-siamo/autori/magradze-dato.html.

N.A., in Dato Magradze Website, https://datomagradze.com/about/.

N.A., in Dato Mgradze Website, https://datomagradze.com/awards/.

N.A., in Panorama Journal, https://panoramajournal.org/masthead/bio-dato-magradze/.

Anna Lia Olivo