Surami Fortress History

History facts

                 Fortress is built in the XII-XIII centuries, based on the foundation of the Suramateli. Capital was repaired in the second half of the XVI century. The walls of this period have been preserved in the north-west corner of the fence. The rest of the parts are restored in the XVII and XVIII centuries.
                 In the historical sources as a strategic point, the Surami Fortress is mentioned in 1625 when Giorgi Saakadze rebuilt it from the Iranians. In 1692 the Surami Fortress is in the hands of the Turks; After their expulsion, in the long run, the Surami Fortress was a major base for warriors against Iran. During the rebellion against Iranians in 1742-45, Surami Fortress became the principal bastion of Givi Amilakhvari, head of Zemo Kartli. Rebels in connection with the changing of the political situation were in the camp of Teimuraz II and Erekle II's opponents who supported Nadir-shah. The kings, despite the fact that Iran was behind them, was unable to take the Surami fortress. No Teimuraz negotiations, nor the Shah's forgiveness, nor the grenade for the prison.
                 Shah was so surprised that the artist sent him to cast a prison. When he brought a prison fortress, he said: Fortress is a fence to stop all sorts of movement and prevent you from being banned. Then the fortress was blown up twice, and a large part of the wall collapsed. Despite the fact that the door was almost crushed, Amilkhari could not give up and now the queen asked me to come: I only trust him. After Queen Tamar's arrival, the kings gave the oath of safety. Amilakvari was brought to the city and gave him a householder. This fact clearly shows how strongly the Surami Fortress was in the XVIII century. Nadir-Shah did not trust Amilakhskhar till the end and his orders were destroyed by the Surami Fortress. But the Surami Fortress was soon restored by Georgians and in 1756, Erekle II was captured by Tamazi in Kiziki. The Surami Fortress was owned by Georgians till 1783. Then there was a Russian garrison. In 1792, Surami Fortress is named among the Georgian High Forces in the Erekle II Order. With the sources 1801, the castle is still operating. In the nineteenth century, he has gradually lost significance with other prisons of Georgia.