Kartli

Kartli is a historical region in the Caucasus, located in present-day Georgia. It is one of the four traditional provinces of the Kingdom of Kartli, which was a significant political entity in the region during the Middle Ages. The name "Kartli" is derived from the Kartvelian language, which is a subgroup of the Caucasus language family.

The region of Kartli is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with the Greater Caucasus mountain range running through its center. This geography has significantly influenced the cultural and historical development of the area. Kartli has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. It was later incorporated into the Kingdom of Iberia, which flourished from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD.

During the Middle Ages, Kartli became a separate kingdom, ruled by the Bagrationi dynasty. This period saw the construction of many notable architectural monuments, including the famous Bagrati Cathedral in Tbilisi. The kingdom of Kartli played a crucial role in the political and cultural life of the Caucasus, and its influence extended beyond its borders.

In the 18th century, Kartli was annexed by the Persian Empire, and later became part of the Russian Empire after the Russo-Persian War of 1826-1828. Today, the historical region of Kartli is part of the Republic of Georgia, and its cultural heritage continues to be celebrated and studied.