Mariam Veliashvili

Please tell us about your research project.

I am currently in the second year of my PhD in Comparative Literature at Université Grenoble-Alpes (UGA) in France. My research explores urban writing, particularly urban newspaper columns from the 1920s and 1930s in English, French, Japanese, and Russian. I examine how these texts transition from press to literature and investigate whether this short form – blending elements of both journalism and literature – served as a foundational modernist mode of urban writing.
During my stay at the Maison Française d’Oxford, I will primarily consult literary and journalistic archives at the Bodleian Libraries. These resources include rare interwar newspapers and journals unavailable in France, which are essential for building a representative corpus. Additionally, I look forward to participating in seminars at the Maison Française d’Oxford and Oxford University. Finally, this residency will allow me to engage with researchers across disciplines – from comparative literature to urban studies – broadening my perspective and strengthening the international dimension of my research.

Could you please tell us a bit more about your scholarship/exchange programme?

I have been awarded a mobility grant through the GATES (Grenoble ATtractiveness and ExcellenceS) program, as part of a partnership between MaCI (Maison de la Création et de l’Innovation, Université Grenoble-Alpes), the Maison Française d’Oxford, and Oxford University. This funding supports international mobility for doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences. Thanks to this grant, I will spend one and a half months at the Maison Française d’Oxford, where I will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers, access valuable archival resources, and broaden the international perspective of my research.

First impressions of Oxford/the University?

Oxford is captivating. The entire city exudes an academic atmosphere, where history and scholarship feel tangible in every corner. Walking through its streets, I often find myself in awe of the centuries of knowledge these buildings hold. The architecture, the libraries, and the vibrant intellectual energy make it such an inspiring place to be. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to spend time and conduct my research here.