Distinguished Scholar Mirra Khotilashvili Inal-Ipa, has passed away at the age of 95

SUKHUM / AQW'A ― Mirra Khotilashvili-Inal-Ipa, a revered historian, archaeologist, and honoured cultural figure of Abkhazia, has passed away at the age of 95. Serving as the chief consultant for the Department of Ancient and Medieval History at the Abkhazian State Museum, she was a recipient of the prestigious 'Akh'dz-Apsha' Order of the Third Degree.

Born in Tbilisi on 5 December 1928, Mirra Khotilashvili completed her education at the Tbilisi State Institute of Subtropical Agriculture in 1951. Her career began in rural management in the Gulripsh District, but it was her move to Abkhazia that marked a turning point. There, she met and married Shalva Inal-Ipa, a fellow researcher, in January 1952. Influenced by her husband, she embarked on a lifelong journey into the realms of Abkhazian history, ethnography, and archaeology.

Her career was distinguished by active participation in archaeological expeditions from the late 1950s, and she was deeply dedicated to exploring Abkhazian heritage. Mirra earned a second degree in History from the Sukhum Pedagogical Institute in 1974 and held several key positions at the Abkhazian State Museum, eventually becoming the chief curator in 1971.

By 2015, she had become the principal scientific consultant at the museum, responsible for significant contributions to the cataloguing of archaeological collections and the inventory of numismatic and precious metal artefacts. She also created specialized inventory books for these collections, ensuring their preservation and systematic study.

+ Celebrating the 95th Birthday of Esteemed Scholar Mirra Konstantinovna Khotilashvili-Inal-Ipa

+ Batal Kobakhiya on Mirra Khotilashvili-Inal-Ipa: A Living Legend in History and Museum Work

During the tumultuous Georgian-Abkhazian war of 1992-1993, Mirra, alongside the museum's director and other colleagues, worked tirelessly to safeguard the museum’s invaluable exhibits from destruction and theft. Despite the personal tragedy of losing their son, Adgur Inal-Ipa, during the conflict, she and Shalva continued their scholarly pursuits.

Authoring over 50 scholarly works on various disciplines, including archaeology and ethnography, her contributions have been foundational. Her seminal work, "Reading Book on the History of Abkhazia," published in 2010 and updated in 2020, has become an essential resource for educators.

Mirra's commitment to her field was recognised with numerous awards, including the "Veteran of Labour" medal and the "Akh'dz-apsha" Order. In 2016, she was honoured as an Honorary Doctor by the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Abkhazia, marking her indelible impact on academic and cultural studies in Abkhazia.

Publications:

"A Reader in the History of Abkhazia." Extended edition. Sukhum, 2020 (in Russian).
"History and Ethnography of Abkhazia: Collection of Articles." Sukhum, 2019.
"The Magical Dream of Damey. A Tale of the Atsanas." Sukhum, 2014 (in Russian and Abkhazian).
"A Reader in the History of Abkhazia." 2010 (in Abkhazian).
"The Organ. A Brief Historical Outline. The Pitsunda Organ." 2005, with reprints in 2006, 2007, and 2014.