David Gareja Monastery

Photos and Text by Paata Vardanashvili

Davidgareja Monastery Complex is located in the Kakheti region of Eastern Georgia, on the half-desert slopes of mount Gareja. The complex was founded in the 6th century by one of the thirteen Syrian monks, who arrived in the country at the same time. David (St. David Garejeli) was builder of the first monastery (Lavra) of the complex. Later David's disciples Dodo and Lukiane founded two monasteries Dodo's Rka and Natlismtsemeli.

The most prominent saint of the 9th century Ilarion Kartveli (Ilarion the Georgian) greatly contributed to the development of this monastery complex. Later, it was supported by the Royal Court. Many prominent monks carried out their activities in Davidgareja. Among others was the son of the King of Georgia David the Builder (1089-1125), Demetre (Demetre I), the author of the famous Georgian religious hymn "Shen Khar Venakhi" ("Thou Art a Vineyard").

In the 11th century the Davidgareja monastery complex was invaded by Seljuk Turks.

In the 11th-13th centuries the economic and cultural development of Davidgareja reached its highest phase. New monasteries Udabno, Bertubani and Chichkhituri were built, the old ones were enlarged and re-organized.

The renaissance of fresco painting chronologically coincides with the general development of the life in the Davidgareja monasteries. The high artistic skill of Davidgareja frescoes made them an indispensable part of world treasure.

In the 13th century the Davidgareja monastery complex was invaded by Mongols. Davidgareja monasteries revived only a century later.

In 1615 numerous hordes of Persians led by Shah-Abbas annihilated all the monks, set fire to all unique manuscripts and important works of Georgian and world art.

At the end of the 17th century the monastery life was revived in Davidgareja. It was put to practice with the help of Onopre Machutadze. He was appointed Father Superior of Davidgareja in 1690.In 1801 the Kingdom of Kartl-Kakheti (Eastern Georgia) was occupied by the Tsarist Russian Empire. In 1811 was abolished the Autocephaly of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church. In 1811-1917 Davidgareja was uninhabited. In 1921 the Democratic Republic of Georgia (1918-1921) was occupied by the Bolshevik Russia. In 1922-1980s Davidgareja was also uninhabited. Since restoration of the state independence of Georgia in 1991 was revived the monastery life in Davidgareja.

The complex is located along the Georgian border with Azerbaijan. In fact, a part of the complex is located on the territory of Azerbaijan proper. Border talks between Azerbaijan and Georgia, ongoing since 1991, recently re-entered the news in both the countries. In their recent comments, Azeri officials confirmed that Azerbaijan is open to implementation of joint projects with Georgia for the restoration of the complex. A number of fresh rounds of "border delimitation" talks have been conducted recently between Azeri and Georgian authorities (in Tbilisi and then in Baku).

Uploaded on April 17, 2007 by Paata Vardanashvili