Kartli

Kartli (Georgian: ქართლი) is a historical region in central and eastern Georgia, traversing the basin of the Mtkvari (Kura) River. It encompasses a variety of sub-regions, and throughout its history, it has served as a core area for the formation of Georgian statehood and cultural identity.

Geography and Subdivisions:

Historically, Kartli is divided into Inner Kartli (Shida Kartli), Lower Kartli (Kvemo Kartli), and Upper Kartli (Zemo Kartli). Inner Kartli is the central part, encompassing the historical cities of Gori and Kaspi. Lower Kartli lies to the south and includes areas around the city of Rustavi. Upper Kartli covers the area southwest of Tbilisi and includes the Meskheti region (often considered separately). These regions are not always strictly defined, and their borders have shifted throughout history due to political and administrative changes.

History:

Kartli played a crucial role in the early history of Georgia. According to traditional Georgian accounts, it was the Kingdom of Iberia (also known as Kartli) that adopted Christianity in the 4th century AD, a pivotal event that shaped Georgian culture and identity. The city of Mtskheta, located in Kartli, served as the early capital of the Iberian kingdom.

Over the centuries, Kartli experienced periods of independence, foreign domination, and internal fragmentation. It was frequently contested by neighboring empires, including the Persian, Ottoman, and Russian empires. The region's strategic location made it a battleground for competing powers.

In the 18th century, the Kingdom of Kartli, united with the Kingdom of Kakheti to form the Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti, which later came under Russian protectorate and was eventually annexed by the Russian Empire in 1801.

Culture and Language:

The Kartlian dialect of the Georgian language is considered the standard literary language of Georgia. The cultural traditions of Kartli have significantly influenced Georgian national identity, including its architecture, literature, music, and religious practices. Many important historical monuments, churches, and fortresses are located within the Kartli region.

Modern Era:

Today, the historical territory of Kartli is divided among several administrative regions (Mkhare) of Georgia, including Shida Kartli, Kvemo Kartli, and parts of Mtskheta-Mtianeti and Samtskhe-Javakheti. The name "Kartli" is still widely used in a historical and cultural context, and its heritage remains central to Georgian national consciousness. The ongoing occupation of parts of Inner Kartli by Russia (since the 2008 Russo-Georgian War) continues to be a significant political issue.