Agarani Fortress

Agarani (Georgian: აგარანი), also known as Kojori Fortress or Azeuli Fortress or Kor Ogli Fortress is a Georgian feudal fortress located near Tbilisi, Kojori in Kvemo Kartli region. In historical sources it is often referred to as "Agarata Fortress", which defended the main road to Tbilisi from the south, on the way of important caravan route.

Ruins of the Agarani fortress
Agarani Fortress
აგარანის ციხე
Near Kojori in Georgia
The fortress ruins with Kojori settlement on the left
Agarani Fortress is located in Georgia
Agarani Fortress
Agarani Fortress
Location within Georgia
Coordinates41.641°N 44.691°E / 41.641; 44.691
TypeFortress
Site information
Open to
the public
Open
ConditionRuined
Site history
MaterialsStones and Brick
Airfield information
Elevation1,241 metres (4,072 ft) AMSL
Official nameKojori Fortress
DesignatedMarch 26, 2006 (2006-03-26)
Reference no.1561
Item Number in Cultural Heritage Portal6855
Date of entry
in the registry
October 3, 2007 (2007-10-03)

Geography

The fortress was built at the top of Azeuli Mountain (1350 m a.s.l.) on Didi Kedi Range of volcanic origin, a part of Trialeti mountains.

History

The fortress was mentioned in The Georgian Chronicles, but the time of its construction is unknown. In the 1060s King Bagrat IV took it over from emir Fadlon. During the "Great Turkish Invasion" (1080) the fortress was captured by the enemy, and that is when it received the name "Kor Ogli". This name was still used on Soviet topographic maps. In July 1118, David the Builder besieged Agarani in one day, and in 1123 gave it to Ivane Orbeli. The Orbelis later rebelled against the King Georgy III, and lost their possession. "Agarani Fortress" was a summer residence of Georgian kings. According to the chronicles, Queen Tamar was brought ill to Agarani and here she died, but her burial place is unknown. From 15th century the fortress belonged to Sologashvili family, when it was called "Kojori Fortress". According to Vakhushti Batonishvili, it was previously known as the "Azulula Fortress". In February 1921, the Georgian cadets of Officer School died in a battle against the Red Army, which happened by the fortress.

Bibliography

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