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One of the most prominent religious and cultural centers of feudal Georgia, a complex of monastic caves. It is located in the territory of Sagarejo municipality, 60-70 km south-east of Tbilisi, in the rocky mountains of Gareji. A small part of the monastery complex (Bertubani, Chichkhituri) is located on the territory of Azerbaijan. The complex was founded in the first half of the VI century by one of the Assyrian fathers, David. He came with his disciple Lucian to the Gareja desert and settled in a small, natural cave. Thus was laid the foundation of the monastery, which in later centuries became known as the Lavra of David. David Lavra was the center of monastic life in Gareja. Over time, branches were added to it. At some point the number of monasteries reached twelve. The name “Gareji Twelve Monasteries” must have survived from this time onwards. Pirukugmar, small boilers. The activities of Davitgareji monasteries have become a visible and important factor in the religious and cultural life of the Georgian people in general. At the beginning of the XII century, David IV the Builder made the monasteries of Davit Gareji royal property, promoting their promotion. The monasteries were exempt from state taxes. The construction of the Davitgareji monastery reached its peak during the general national and cultural-political prosperity of Georgia, at the turn of the XII-XIII centuries. Davitgareji developed its own rule of monastic life and construction, its own school of fresco painting. In 1265 the Mongol army under the command of Berka-Khan dispersed and besieged Davitgareja and its environs. In the first half of the 14th century, during the reign of George V the Magnificent, Davitgareja became a powerful political and economic center. The monks participated in the work of the Kingdom Hall and in the management of the ecclesiastical affairs of the country. At the end of the 14th century, during Temurleng’s numerous expeditions, monastic life was disrupted. 1424 Alexander I the Great sacrifices Davitgareja to the Svetitskhoveli Patriarchal Church in Mtskheta. 1616-1617 Scattered by the Persian army, the monasteries were abolished. 1639 Teimuraz I restores monastic life here. In the 18th century, Davitgareja became the king’s successor again. He owned vast estates and villages, the peasants living there were considered monastic slaves. Davitgareji monasteries existed until the end of the XIX century. Onofre Garejeli (XII century), Demeter I, Onofre Machutadze (at the turn of XVII-XVIII centuries), Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani, Besarion Baratashvili-Orbelishvili, Nikoloz Cherkezishvili (XVIII century), Gabri (XVIII century), Gabri were active in Davit Gareji monasteries at different times. Grigol Dodorkeli, Anton I, Timote Gabashvili, Gabriel Small and others. Gareja figures worked on manuscripts, compiled collections, and assisted other centers of culture. A rich fund of manuscripts was preserved in Davitgareji.
Jonathan Barnes