Georgian PM highlights “decisive role” of historical battle in shaping country’s “European identity” on anniversary

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday said the Didgori Battle, fought between the armies of the Kingdom of Georgia and the Great Seljuk Empire 903 years ago, had played a “decisive role” in shaping the country’s “European identity”, in comments on an anniversary of the date marked publicly.

Kobakhidze said the victory had also laid a “solid foundation for strengthening Georgia’s freedom and statehood”.

The victory in the Battle marked the beginning of the golden age of Georgian history - its political, economic, cultural, religious, educational revival. It was after the Battle that Georgia finally inherited the status of the strongest state in the region”, he said.

At the same time, it was the day of the greatest victory of Christian values, on which the national identity of Georgia and the unique Georgian culture are still based. Accordingly, the Didgori Battle played a decisive role in defining the European identity of Georgia, which is the basis of our aspiration for integration into the European family today”, the PM added.

Kobakhidze also highlighted the "immortal example of unity and perseverance, shown by Georgians” and lauded the "military glory and heroism" demonstrated in the victory.

Calling it as one of the “greatest military and strategic victories in world history”, the Prime Minister said the Didgori Valley had witnessed an “unfair battle”, as the “enemy outnumbered us”.

However, justice was on our side, supported by the unity of the state and the Church, honour, patriotism, love for the motherland, loyalty to the country, and the wisdom and bravery of [the King] David the Builder", he said.

The Government head added maintaining peace, uniting the country and fulfilling the "most important national goals" were “only achievable with dignity and self-sacrifice for the motherland".

On August 12, 1121, the Muslim army was defeated in the Battle as a result of effective military tactics of King David IV, also known as David the Builder, who is perceived as one of the most influential and successful kings of Georgia from the Bagrationi dynasty.

The date is celebrated as ‘Didgoroba’, with events marking it in Didgori Valley, outside Tbilisi, where the Battle took place.