Battle of Khresili

The Battle of Khresili (Georgian: ხრესილის ბრძოლა) was fought, in 1757, between the armies of the Kingdom of Imereti and the Ottoman Empire. The king of Imereti Solomon I defeated the army of Turks. The battle took place on 14 December 1747. Solomon I was trying to establish a strong monarchy and unify western Georgia. Those actions stained the relations between Georgian King and Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans in particular wanted to stop Solomon's struggle against slavery. The Ottomans were in alliance with rebellious Georgian nobles. Levan Abashidze, who was fighting against King of Imereti, arrived in Akhaltsikhe and led Ottoman army to the Kingdom of Imereti. Solomon enticed them in strategically adroit place near Khresili and heavily defeated them.

Background

In 17th century western Georgia was vassal of Ottoman Empire. Ottoman garrisons were disposed In Tsutskvati, Poti and Shorapani fortresses. Only from Mengrelia (part of Georgia) 12 000 slaves were sold in Ottoman Empire every year. Georgians were in a danger of extinction. King of Imereti Solomon I prohibited slavery, opposed betrayer Lords and wanted independence from Ottoman Empire. Sultan sent Gola Pasha with large army to punish Solomon I and reestablish Ottoman rule over Kingdom of Imereti.

Purpose

Ottomans wanted to destroy Solomon I and his supporters and to finally conquer western Georgia The aim of Georgians was to clear Imereti of Turks.

Battle

Early morning Georgians started attack. King Solomon himself reached Ali Pasha and killed him. Ottomans became confused after death of their leader. Georgians heavily defeated Ottoman army.