The issue of ethnic identity and aspects of cross-cultural orientation of the Greeks in Georgia (the example of Ts'alk'a Greeks)

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the issue of ethnic identity has gained in importance among Georgia's multiethnic communities. Groups of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds faced the challenge of choosing a common language of communication, and they must address issues related to their ethno-cultural preferences. Using the example of Ts'alk'a Greeks - the largest Greek community in Georgia - this article discusses aspects of maintaining an ethnic identity in a multiethnic environment, and identifies visible trends of cross-cultural orientation. How do Greeks manage to preserve their ethnic identity, and what is their strategy based on? What determines the orientation of Greeks towards the different groups? The present study argues that culture (i.e. language, religion, traditions, customs, etc.) is crucial in this regard.