Dear Colleagues,

We presented to you the proposal to hold the next congress, HYPOGEA 2026, dedicated to the study of artificial caves, in Tbilisi, the capital of the Republic of Georgia.

The foundation of this proposal lies in the fact that Georgia is particularly rich in outstanding rock-cut monuments. On the territory of the country we encounter a wide variety of sites: from ancient artificial caves, dating back to the Bronze Age and excavated through the method of heating and cooling the rock, to cave sanctuaries of the Classical period, created in the brilliant style of Roman architecture. Especially remarkable, however, are the Christian monastic complexes, comprising dozens of rock-hewn churches, refectories, and cells—many adorned with wall paintings of extraordinary artistic mastery. Should HYPOGEA 2026 ultimately be held in Tbilisi, its participants would have the opportunity to become directly acquainted with these unique monuments through the planned excursions.

A second reason behind our candidacy to host this congress in Tbilisi is that Georgian scholars have accumulated nearly 150 years of experience in the scientific investigation of artificial caves in the Caucasus. To cite one example: in the early 20th century, the cave districts of Ani - the greatest medieval city of the Caucasus - were systematically studied and published in a substantial monograph by the distinguished Georgian historian David Kipshidze, a work that remains highly relevant and widely referenced to this day. From the mid-20th century onward, within the framework of Georgia’s foremost academic institution, the Academy of Sciences of Georgia, a specialized laboratory for the study of artificial caves was established.