Sikhism in Georgia (country)
.svg) | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 200 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Tbilsi · | |
| Religions | |
| Sikhism | |
| Languages | |
| Georgian • Punjabi • Hindi • Urdu |
Sikhs in Georgia are a religious minority in Georgia. There is estimated to be 200 Sikhs living in the country.[1]
History
[edit]Since the early 2000s, Sikh farmers from Punjab, India have been moving to Georgia due to the availability of fertile farmland and its affordability.[2] [3] Additionally, the Government of Georgia had made it easier for immigration from those with a farming background as the country had not utilised its agricultural resources.[4]
Many Punjabi farmers believed that Georgia would soon be a part of European Union therefore making it easier for them to migrate to Canada and the US. [5]
Demographics
[edit]There are currently no official census of Sikhs in Georgia but at its peak there were estimated to be close to 1,800 - 3,000 Sikhs living there. However since backlash from locals, immigration rules have become stricter with permanent residency and visitation.[6] A large number of Sikh farmers left Georgia as a result of this. [7]
- In 2012, it was reported there were 100 Sikhs in Tbilisi and 45 Sikhs living in Tsnori. The remainder living in other small communities across the country in Gardabani, Gurjaani, Rustavi and Mingrelia region. [8]
The Algeti Valley, Georgia is a one area where Sikh farmers are working.
Language
[edit]Some of the Sikh farmers have learnt the Kartuli dialect of the Georgian language, which is known to be extremely hard to master. [9]
Gurdwara
[edit]In 2013, a Sikh businessman donated 2 acres of land for a Sikh Gurdwara in Tbilsi. [10]
References
[edit]- ^ "The Georgia Giants". www.tribuneindia.com.
- ^ Burke, Jason (7 January 2013). "Punjabi farmers find pastures new (and cheap) in Georgia". The Guardian.
We are paying $950 [£580] for each hectare for a 99-year lease. You'd not get much for that in the Punjab. I'm not sure if the farm is in the north or south but it is sort of over by Turkey and Armenia
- ^ Chaba, Anju (21 March 2024). "Punjab farmers take over fields in Georgia, reap a rich harvest". Indian Express.
A large chunk of fertile land, which was lying uncultivated in Tsnori, was available at a price lower than Punjab
- ^ Gaedtke, Felix; Parameswaran, Gayatri (21 February 2013). "Georgia farms face Indian 'invasion'". Al Jazeera.
Georgia has stepped up the immigration of people with agricultural know-how and farmland sales to foreigners, as the country's abundant and agriculturally potent conditions have not been properly utilised by local farmers.
- ^ "The Georgia Giants". The Tribune. 25 March 2018.
- ^ Chaba, Anju (21 March 2024). "Punjab farmers take over fields in Georgia, reap a rich harvest".
Though the Georgian government banned the sale of agricultural land in 2014, following protests by some local farmers, this does not affect the relations of the Punjabi settlers and their Georgian neighbours, and the reason is their shared vision of growth and mutual prosperity," said Brar, adding that farmers are now facing some permanent residency (PR) issue as earlier PR was taking place after six years of stay in Georgia, but now the period has been increased to 10 years.
- ^ Dolidze, Tatuka (22 September 2022). "One community, two homelands". Chaikhana.
Despite their efforts, however, tensions remain. About half of the community left after changes in the government led to stricter immigration and land-ownership laws.
- ^ Dolidze, Tatuka (22 September 2022). "One community, two homelands". Chaikhana.
- ^ Estrin, James (13 November 2013). "Sikh Farmers in Stalin's Birthplace". The New York Times.
- ^ Dogra, Chander (6 January 2013). "Once the gurudwara comes up... it will feel more like home". The Hindu.
- ^ Prickett, Ivor. "Punjabi Farmers in Georgia". Panos Pictures.
Near the town of Rustavi, some 30km south of the capital, a Sikh temple, or Gurdwara, is being built to accommodate newly arrived worshippers.