Georgia commemorates historic victory on battlefield

A historic battle fought almost 900 years ago resulting in the formation of modern day Tbilisi is being celebrated around the country.

Today, August 12, is the day Georgians celebrate an annual festival known as a Didgoroba - the day of Didgori.

The Battle of Didgori, which is now etched in Georgian legends, was a David and Goliath battle fought on August 12, 1121, between the armies of the Kingdom of Georgia and the declining Great Seljuq Empire on Didgori soil, 40km west of Tbilisi.

The battle resulted in King David IV of Georgia’s earn a decisive victory over a Seljuk invasion army under Ilghazi and the subsequent reconquest of a Muslim-held Tbilisi, which became the royal capital.

The victory at Didgori inaugurated the medieval Georgian Golden Age and was celebrated in the Georgian chronicles as "a miraculous victory”.

The swords symbolizes a "miraculous victory” in 1121. Photo by PM's press office. 

To mark the occasion, head of Georgia’s Government Irakli Garibashvili visited Didgori and attended the Didgoroba festival today.

"This field where we are standing now is a symbol of unity, freedom and military glory of Georgians,” Garibashvili said.

"On August 12, 1121, the Georgian army ensured a powerful victory in face of a large enemy … and the fight was a clear example of Georgia’s dedication, inspiration and self-sacrifice.”

The Georgian leader believed the Didgori Battle victory proved Georgia was a strong nation in the region and as the Georgian Dream Government worked to build a united, strong and prosperous state, he said the country continued to do its best to solidify its dominant status in the region.

After his public speech, Garibashvili presented an annual award for the first time to a distinguished military serviceman for his service to Georgia. The PM said the award would be presented each August 12 by the Ministry of Defence at the Didgori Battle commemoration.

Awarding ceremony at Didgori. Photo by PM's press office. 

This year, the Didgori Holy Cross Medal was awarded to military serviceman Major Vitali Tskhadadze, who participated in the Russia-Georgia war. During the 2008 clash Major Tskhadadze was the 4th Mechanized Brigade's 43th Battalion Commander.

Garibashvili emphasized Tskhadadze had shown remarkable courage in the 2008 war and he, and his friends, did not leave dead and wounded comrades on the battlefield.

Georgia’s Defence Minister Irakli Alasania also attended the Didgoroba festival, and said: "We all have to fight every day and take care of our country, about unification of our nation and community cohesion, we have no other choice,” Alasania said.

The Minister highlighted since the Didgori Battle 893 years ago, Georgia continued to face many struggles – the latest being Russia’s aggression six years ago.