Teona Shavlokhashvili
Sokhumi State University (PhD Student)
Gori,Georgia
Teona Shavlokhashvili
Sokhumi State University (PhD Student)
Gori,Georgia
Scythe of Abukhalo (Complex of Caves)
Abstract
Scythe of Abukhalo is located in the valley of Dzama, on the northern slope of the Trialeti ridge at the head of the Dzami river at 1480 m above sea level, 35 cm from Kareli.
The complex dates back to the XVII-XVIII centuries. It was a rock-cut monastery consisting of eight different-sized pots. According to archaeological data, the monument dates back to the feudal era. Fragments of baked clay vessels were found in Abukhalo skeete.
The complex of Abukhalo caves was a defensive structure, which is evidenced by the cannons placed in the cauldrons. Here the population took refuge during long wars. It was intended for a long stay, and the pilgrims were supplied with water and food there, and there was a chapel in the skeete of Abukhalo. Abukhalo is an important strategic place in the Dzama valley, from here the road passes through Gujarati to the Borjomi valley, which Vakhushti also mentions:
"The road to Gujarat passes west of Abukhalo".
Thus, the road goes from the headwaters of Dzama: from Abukhalo to Borjomi valley in Gujarati, from Mukhileti to Ateni valley, from Dzam to Khashuri district. These roads join near the village of Gverdzneti and go through the Dzama valley to Kareli, where the Dzama joins the Mtkvari. The defensive structures in this valley are also located according to this, in order to protect the valley from incoming enemies. The narrow path of this defense led down to the meadows and fields, from where hay and bread were brought in, and to the east it was possible to go to the valley of Abukhalo. This defensive structure was difficult for the enemy to reach. Today, the visitor is amazed by the skill of carving the stone, the construction technique. According to the brick constructions and the painting style of the chapel, Abukhalo's pottery belongs to the 17th-18th centuries. and it was intended primarily to defend against Dagestani raids.
The Abukhalo pass is also located near the village of Abukhalo on the watershed of Tana and Dzama at 2200 meters above sea level, which has a passage from the headwaters of the Ateni valley of the Tana river from the village of Boshuri in Gori district to the valley of Dzama river. In the village of Gverdzneti, south of the pass, there is a peak of the same name at 2250 m above sea level.
According to Leonti Mroveli, in the ravine of Abukhalo: "They holed the rock, which was soft and easy to hold" The rolling slopes of the mountain-valley are covered with deciduous and coniferous forests, and rich in natural springs...."
The abundance of natural caves in inaccessible rocky places in the valley created a defensive area for the inhabitants of the valley. In particular, the strong rocks of limestone and sandstone in Abukhalo gorge.
Today, monastic life continues in Abukhalo Skite, and the living of the monks are located in the caves. It should be noted that even today this scythe is difficult to reach, and it protrudes like a swallow's nest from the valley of Dzama.
Keywords: The Valley of Dzama, Abukhalo, The scythe of Abukhalo, Complex of caves.