IMPORTANCE OF TAO-KLARJETI IN THE HISTORY OF TURKEY AND GEORGIA

Abstract

Tao and Klarjeti regions, which have been mentioned since ancient times, have been used together in the academic literature due to their proximity, even though they are two separate geographical settlements. Today, this region corresponds to the northeast of Anatolia. In general terms, Klarjeti, Artvin and its surroundings; Tao, on the other hand, constitutes Erzurum and its surroundings.

This geography has been the centre of struggles and wars for many years. In particular, it was the domain of the Roman and Sassanid Empires, and the Coruh River was accepted as the border in these wars. As a result of the Arab raids advancing towards Georgia and its interiors, Ashot in the Bagratid dynasty established a strong principality by making Ardanuc the centre. Then he turned this region into an important religious and cultural life area.

On the other hand, since the beginning of the 11th century, the Seljuk Turks organized expeditions on Tao and Klarjeti. Sultan Alp Arslan and Sultan Meliksah made these regions Turkish lands and a significant Turkish population flocked to this area. From this century onwards, the region has been dominated by Turks and Georgians. In this article, a general evaluation has been made about the Tao-Klarjeti region, which has historical importance for Turks and Georgians, and it has been tried to reveal in which aspects it is important for the Turkish and Georgian nation.

Key words: Turks; Georgians; Tao-Klarjeti; Seljuks; Bagratids.