Lazeti - Past and Reality

Abstract

The work focuses on one of the prominent ethnic groups of historical Colchis — the Lazebi (also known as Chanebi). Today, the Laz people live compactly only in one village in present-day Georgia, which is Sarpi. Others reside in small numbers across various towns and villages throughout Georgia, where only a faint memory of their ethnic roots remains. A significant portion of the Lazeti population now lives in the modern Republic of Turkey.
The work also explores their historical past and highlights how they have been excluded from the narrative of modern, civilized Europe and from the cultural legacy commonly referred to as the ancient civilizations of the Middle East, Anatolia, and Mesopotamia.
The author expresses hope that future works in world history will correct this oversight and restore the Lazeti to their rightful place in history. This work does not aim to provoke a wide-ranging discussion; rather, it poses a single question — one the author hopes will finally receive a just and truthful answer.