Tao-Klarjeti (historical region)

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Tao-Klarjeti
Historical region
Map of modern Tao-Klarjeti, region Georgia lost in 1921
Area	Caucasus
Region	Western Asia

Tao-Klarjeti (Georgian: ტაო-კლარჯეთი, romanized: t'ao-k'larjeti) is a Georgian historical and cultural region in north-eastern Turkey.^[1] The region is based around two river basins - Chorokhi and Kura (Mtkvari), and also partially includes the upper source of the Aras river. In modern usage it most often denotes the territory that was administered or claimed by Georgian Democratic Republic but is nowadays part of Turkey due to the Soviet-Turkish deal in 1921.

The term "Tao-Klarjeti" is based on the names of two most important provinces of the region — Tao and Klarjeti.^[2] The term is equivalent to “Zemo Kartli” (i.e., Upper Kartli or Upper Iberia) and is also a synonym for historical Meskheti.^[3]

Cultural and historical heritage[edit]

Many important Georgian cultural monuments from the middle ages are located on the territory of Tao-Klarjeti and many of them are preserved as ruins. Several monuments of medieval Georgian architecture – abandoned or converted churches, monasteries, bridges and castles – are scattered across the area.

Best known are the monasteries of Khandzta, Khakhuli, Ancha, the churches of Oshki, Ishkhani, Bana, Parkhali, Doliskana, Otkhta Eklesia, Opiza, Parekhi and Tbeti.

Gallery[edit]

• 
  Oshki Cathedral
• 
  Khakhuli Church
• 
  Dolisqana Church
• 
  Bana Cathedral
• 
  Tbeti Cathedral
• 
  Parkhali Church
• 
  Otkhta Eklesia
• 
  Ekeki church
• 
  Ghulivati Castle
• 
  Kajeti Castle
• 
  Artanuji Castle
• 
  Tortomi Castle

References[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tao-Klarjeti.

• (in Georgian) "Tao-Klarjeti". (2006) Valeri Silogava and Kakha Shengelia. Caucasian University Press, Tbilisi. ISBN 99940-861-7-0