The Georgian Kingdom and Georgian Art - Cultural Encounters in Anatolia in Medieval Period, Symposium Proceedings, 15 May 2014, Ankara

This book explores the architectural and historical heritage of the Tao-Klarjeti region, including religious and secular buildings, facade articulations, stone reliefs, and manuscript heritage. It fills an important gap in research about the region, which was founded by the Georgian Bagrationis dynasty in the early ninth century.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 450 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2022
Publisher: Koc University Press

This comprehensive book, comprising the proceedings of a 2014 symposium held at Koç University's Vehbi Koç Ankara Studies Research Center, serves as a significant contribution to the study of the historical principality of Tao-Klarjeti. Established by the Georgian Bagrationi dynasty in the early ninth century, this political entity encompasses the modern-day provinces of Artvin, Erzurum (partially), Ardahan in Turkey, and the provinces of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Ajara in Georgia. This volume delves into the architectural and historical aspects of religious and secular buildings, decor programs, facade articulations, stone reliefs of monastic and Cathedral churches, mason builders, and donors associated with Tao-Klarjeti's architecture. A particular emphasis is placed on recent archaeological discoveries at Şavşat Castle and the rich heritage of manuscripts produced in scriptoriums and literary centers within the region.

Introduction:
The Tao-Klarjeti region, located in the historical crossroads of Georgia and Turkey, holds a rich architectural and historical heritage. This book, which consists of the proceedings of a 2014 symposium held at Koç University's Vehbi Koç Ankara Studies Research Center, aims to fill an important gap in the research surrounding this principality. Founded by the Georgian Bagrationi dynasty in the early ninth century, Tao-Klarjeti spans a vast territory and encompasses modern-day provinces such as Artvin, Erzurum (partially), Ardahan in Turkey, and Samtskhe-Javakheti and Ajara in Georgia. This volume explores the architectural and artistic aspects of religious and secular buildings, decor programs, facade articulations, stone reliefs, mason builders, and donors associated with Tao-Klarjeti's architecture.

Religious and Secular Buildings:
The book delves into the architectural and artistic aspects of religious and secular buildings in the Tao-Klarjeti region. It examines the construction techniques, materials used, and design features of monastic and Cathedral churches. The authors highlight the unique characteristics of these buildings, such as the use of stone reliefs, intricate woodwork, and decorative elements. They also discuss the contributions of mason builders and donors who played a crucial role in the development of Tao-Klarjeti's architectural heritage.

Archaeological Discoveries:
A significant focus of the book is placed on recent archaeological discoveries in the Tao-Klarjeti region. The authors discuss the findings at Şavşat Castle, a key landmark in the region, and the insights they provide into the history and culture of the principality. They also explore the heritage of manuscripts produced in scriptoriums and literary centers of the region, shedding light on the intellectual and artistic achievements of the time.

Manuscript Heritage:
The book highlights the rich heritage of manuscripts produced in the scriptoriums and literary centers of the Tao-Klarjeti region. It examines the scriptural content, artistic style, and historical significance of these manuscripts. The authors discuss the role of scriptoriums in the preservation and dissemination of knowledge and the contributions of scholars and intellectuals who worked in these centers.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive exploration of the architecture and history of the Tao-Klarjeti region. It fills an important gap in the research surrounding this historical principality and offers valuable insights into the religious, secular, and artistic aspects of its architectural heritage. The recent archaeological discoveries and the manuscript heritage further enhance our understanding of this region's rich cultural and intellectual legacy.

Weight: 1558g
Dimension: 203 x 251 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9786057685735