Persian Domination In Georgia

The early modern period in Georgia was a time of significant change and upheaval, marked by Persian domination that reshaped the political, cultural, and social landscape of the region. This period saw the fragmentation of the Georgian Kingdom, the rise and fall of local rulers, and the deepening influence of neighboring empires. Here, we explore the intricate dynamics of Persian domination in Georgia, examining its impacts and the responses it elicited from the Georgian populace.

By the mid-15th century, most of Georgia's neighboring states had vanished, leaving it isolated and vulnerable. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 further severed Georgia's connections with Europe, initiating a period of decline and fragmentation. This era saw the division of the Georgian Kingdom into several smaller entities: the Kingdoms of Kartli, Kakheti, and Imereti, and the Principalities of Guria, Svaneti, Meskheti, Abkhazeti, and Samegrelo. This disunity made Georgia an easy target for larger empires seeking to expand their influence.

The 16th century witnessed the growing influence of Turkish and Iranian forces in the region. The Peace of Amasya in 1555, a treaty between the Ottomans and the Safavids following the Ottoman–Safavid War, carved out spheres of influence in Georgia, assigning Imereti to the Turks and Kartli-Kakheti to the Persians. However, this arrangement was short-lived, as the Ottomans attempted to overpower Persian influence, leading to renewed conflict. By the end of the Ottoman–Safavid War in 1603-18, the Safavid Persians had reestablished control over most of Georgia.

During the following 150 years, Georgia was a battleground for various internal and external conflicts. While some Georgian nobles accepted Persian overlordship, others led rebellions against it. One of the most notable incidents was in 1616 when Shah Abbas I of Persia, in response to a Georgian revolt in Tbilisi, ordered a punitive massacre that resulted in the deaths of an estimated 130,000 to 200,000 people. This harsh repression led to the deportation of thousands of Georgians to Persia and the brutal execution of Queen Ketevan for her refusal to renounce Christianity. By the 17th century, constant warfare had plunged both eastern and western Georgia into poverty.

The early 18th century saw a partial recovery in the region of Kartli, the most politically dominant Georgian area. Vakhtang VI, who reigned in this period, was noted for his efforts in law reform and economic improvement. He established the first Georgian-language printing press in 1709, marking a significant cultural advancement.

Following the disintegration of the Safavid Empire, Georgia found itself once again caught between major powers. The Treaty of Constantinople in 1724, signed by the Ottomans and Russians, divided large parts of Persia, including Georgia. However, Persian rule was quickly reestablished under Nader Shah of Iran in 1735. Despite heavy tribute imposed by Nader Shah, Teimuraz and Heraclius of the Bagratid dynasty remained loyal to him, partly to thwart the return of the rival Mukhrani branch. Nader Shah's reign saw Georgia's integration into Persian politics, with Teimuraz and Heraclius being granted the kingships of Kartli and Kakheti, respectively.

By 1762, Heraclius II had succeeded Teimuraz II as the King of Kartli, uniting eastern Georgia politically for the first time in three centuries. Facing threats from Ottoman and Persian forces, Heraclius II sought Russian protection. In 1783, he signed the Treaty of Georgievsk with Russia, establishing Kartli-Kakheti as a Russian protectorate. This treaty marked a significant shift, as Georgia moved away from Persian influence towards Russian suzerainty. However, this alliance did not prevent the 1795 invasion by the Persian Shah Agha Mohammed Khan, who was infuriated by the Treaty of Georgievsk. He captured and destroyed Tbilisi, temporarily reestablishing Persian rule over Georgia.

As the 18th century progressed, the influence of Russia in Georgian affairs became increasingly pronounced. The Treaty of Georgievsk, while initially providing some measure of security, ultimately led to increased Russian interference in Georgian politics. The treaty confirmed Georgia's break from Persian suzerainty and established the need for Russian confirmation and investiture of Georgian monarchs. However, Russia's involvement in the Russo-Turkish War and their subsequent troop withdrawal left Georgia vulnerable. This vulnerability was exploited by Agha Mohammed Khan of Persia, who, in 1795, invaded Georgia, capturing and burning Tbilisi to the ground. This act marked a reassertion of Persian dominance, albeit briefly, over Georgian territory​​.

Despite the overwhelming might of Persian forces, Georgia continued to struggle for independence. Erekle II, the king of unified Kartli-Kakheti from 1762 to 1798, was a key figure in this period. He made a valiant effort to resist Persian dominance, uniting eastern Georgia for the first time in centuries. Erekle’s rule was marked by a balancing act between seeking Russian support against Ottoman and Persian threats and maintaining Georgian sovereignty. This delicate balancing act was a testament to the complex geopolitical environment of the region and the resilience of the Georgian spirit in the face of foreign domination​​.

The period of Persian domination in Georgia had significant cultural and economic impacts. The repeated invasions, conflicts, and political upheaval led to widespread poverty and economic decline. Travelers like the Frenchman Jean Chardin, who visited the region in the 17th century, noted the dire conditions of the peasants, the arrogance of the nobles, and the ignorance of the clergy. This social and economic degradation was a direct consequence of the relentless warfare and political instability that marked this era​​.

Throughout the era of Persian domination, the Georgian people exhibited remarkable resilience and adaptability. Figures like Vakhtang VI, who tried to improve the legal and economic conditions, and Erekle II, who sought to unify and protect the nation, are emblematic of the Georgian response to foreign domination. Their efforts in culture, governance, and diplomacy highlight the enduring spirit of Georgian resistance and the desire for self-determination in the face of overwhelming odds​​​​.

The signing of the Treaty of Georgievsk in 1783 marked a significant shift in Georgian foreign policy. By aligning with Russia, Georgia hoped to secure protection against Persian and Ottoman encroachments. This treaty represented a strategic move by Georgian leaders to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the time. However, this shift towards Russian protection would later pave the way for a different kind of foreign domination, as Russia gradually extended its control over Georgian territories​​.

The era of Persian domination in Georgia was a tumultuous period marked by conflict, cultural exchanges, and significant political realignments. It was a time when Georgian resilience was tested to its limits, and the nation's cultural and political identity was forged in the crucible of foreign domination. The legacy of this era is evident in the enduring spirit of the Georgian people and their continued quest for sovereignty and self-determination.