A Legacy from Colchis to Today
The Laz language, part of the South Caucasian language family, is closely related to Mingrelian and more distantly to Georgian and Svan.
Ruins of Archaeopolis (2010) by İsmail Avcı BucaklişiLAZ ENSTİTÜSÜ DERNEĞİ
These linguistic ties reflect a shared history rooted in the ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Lazica, regions that played significant roles in the cultural and political landscapes of the ancient Near East.
Living in one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions, the Laz have preserved names for various plants yet to be discovered by Western scientists.
River and Flowers (2024) by Nisa ÇokokumuşLAZ ENSTİTÜSÜ DERNEĞİ
Despite their rich oral heritage, the Laz language is currently classified as "definitely endangered." Globalization, urbanization, and assimilation have led to a decline in native speakers.
The urgency to preserve the language is heightened by the realization that it is not just a means of communication but a vessel carrying the collective memory, traditions, and identity of a people.
Spring (Purkinora) (2022) by Nisa ÇokokumuşLAZ ENSTİTÜSÜ DERNEĞİ
In response to these challenges
The Laz community has been proactive in utilizing technology to revitalize their language. Educational initiatives, such as Laz language classes in middle schools and online courses organized by the Laz Institute, aim to nurture a new generation of speakers.
For the first time, dictionaries and books in the Laz language have become available, and the community is developing keyboards and apps to keep their ancestral tongue alive.
Woolaroo, an innovative web application, contributes to these efforts by offering an interactive platform to explore and learn the Laz language. By allowing users to photograph objects and receive real-time Laz translations, Woolaroo makes language learning accessible and engaging.
Discovering the Laz People
For millennia, the Laz have thrived along the Eastern Black Sea coast, inhabiting the mountains of Turkey and Georgia. Their unique culture and language reflect a rich history and deep connection to their land.
As the indigenous inhabitants of this area, their rich cultural heritage traces back to the ancient civilization of Colchis, famously mentioned in Greek mythology's "Jason and the Argonauts." The Laz people’s unique language and traditions are living testaments to their resilience and enduring spirit.
The map of Colchis (Western Georgia) was kindly provided by Antiquariaat SANDERUS (www.sanderusmaps.com)
The Laz culture is intricately woven with the Black Sea coasts and its steep mountains. Due to their close connection with nature and the sea, they also encompass rich cultural elements such as falconry and highland culture. Agriculture plays a central role in daily life, with tea and hazelnut farming being predominant occupations.
Traditionally, cattle such as cows and oxen were invaluable to Laz households - not only essential for farming and transportation but also cherished companions treated almost like family members. The Laz diet reflected a deep connection to their land and sea; they consumed very little meat, relying instead on the abundant vegetables nurtured by the fertile soil and the rich supply of fish from the Black Sea.
Music and dance are vital expressions of Laz identity. Traditional instruments like the guda (bagpipe) and kemenç̌e (a type of fiddle) create the distinctive sounds of Laz music often used for celebratory occasions.
Explore the Ancient Kingdom of Colchis with Woolaroo
Woolaroo opens a window into the Laz world, allowing users to immerse themselves in the language and, by extension, the culture of the Laz people.
By integrating technology with cultural preservation, Woolaroo empowers both the Laz community and language enthusiasts worldwide to engage with this ancient tongue in a modern context.
Discover the Laz language in the world around you today with Woolaroo.
Laz Institute
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