Mariam Lortkipanidze as a Researcher of the History of Medieval Abkhazia and Scientific Supervisor

The purpose o f the report is to present the role o f Mariam Lordkipanidze in the study o f the medieval history of Abkhazia; Her special contribution to the monographic study o f the history o f the „Abkhazian kingdom“; An accurate assessment of the content o f this state and its Georgian content, regardless o f the Soviet conjuncture. The study also aims to convey the multifaceted portrait o f Mariam Lordkipanidze as a teacher and research supervisor; her attitude to the research topic as a highly qualified scientist; Training and exchange of research methods with young scientists. The article discusses her personal qualities (strengths and weaknesses), the reasons why she had so many pupils / students, but, compared to other scientists, few doctoral students. Her lectures and the logic of her conversation testify to her erudition and excellent knowledge o f the grammar of the Georgian language. The study is based on the analysis o f fundamental and other types (popular science, journalistic) works of Lordkipanidze, works corrected, edited and commented by him (archival material), oral transmissions (personal relationships). The article discusses the qualities o f Mariam Lordkipanidze, which characterize her as a great scientist and an excellent teacher, especially her quality - to accept and not consider a mistake a different opinion if it is based on scientific arguments; It is especially shown that M. Lordkipanidze can not only accept a different opinion, but also, contrary to his own opinion, help a young researcher in additional argumentation of his opinion. Such things characterize only a real scientist and a great person.