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DAVID MERKVILADZE On the Localization of the Battlefield between Sahak, Emir of Tbilisi and Muhammad Ibn Khalid
The goal of the present paper is to determine the specific location of the battle between Khalid ibn-Yazid and Sahak (Ishak), emir of Tbilisi. The Arab conquests in Transcaucasia and their dominion on the territory of the Eastern Georgia gave rise to the formation of Tbilisi emirate. In the beginning of the 9-th century Tbilisi emirs, deprived of the part of their domain, ceased to subordinate to the power of the Caliph and misappropriated collected tributes. Caliphs resorted to punitive expeditions to bring disobedient emirs to submission. In 842, during the expedition conducted by Khalid ibn-Yazid against emir of Tbilisi Sahak, the former was supported by Bagrat Kuropalate, while the latter received help from Kakheti (called “sanarians” in the Arab sources). The Georgian historical annals, like “Chronicle of Kartli” specify that the location of the battle is “Rekhi”. The author of the record tries to prove, contradictory to the assumptions of historiography, that “Rekhi” implies not the village of Rekha located in the vicinity town of Gori, but another one also called “Rekhi” located that time farther east, in the Lekhura gorge. Key words: Arab conquests, Georgia, Emir of Tbilisi Sahak, Khalid ibn-Yazid, Rekhi, battlefield.
