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Irakliy 2Georgian king who concluded the Treaty of Georgievsk with Russia
Date of Birth: 18.11.1720
Country:  Georgia |
Content:
- Biography of Irakli II
- Efforts for Unification and Expansion
- Internal Policies and Reforms
- Legacy and Challenges
Biography of Irakli II
Irakli II, a Georgian king, statesman, and military leader, was born on November 7 (November 18), 1720, in the city of Telavi. He belonged to the dynasty of the Kakhetian Bagrationi. He became the king of Kakheti in 1744 and later the king of the Kartli-Kakheti Kingdom (Eastern Georgia) in 1762.
Efforts for Unification and Expansion
Irakli II aimed to unite the scattered Georgian territories into a centralized state, free from Iranian and Turkish domination, and to expand Georgia's power in the Transcaucasia region. In 1783, he signed the Treaty of Georgievsk, which established Russia's protection over Eastern Georgia.
Internal Policies and Reforms
Internally, Irakli II focused on enhancing the country's productive forces. He fought against the system of large feudal estates (satavados) and organized defense measures, including the establishment of a permanent army called morige in 1773. He paid special attention to the condition of Georgian villages, resettling vacant areas and limiting the feudal lords' abuse through legal regulations.
Under Irakli II's rule, the sale of serfs without land and separation of families were prohibited. The state schools and seminaries were established, including those in Tbilisi (1756) and Telavi (1782).
Legacy and Challenges
Irakli II passed away in Telavi on January 11 (January 22), 1798. Despite his extensive program for the revival of Georgia, it was not fully realized due to the lack of financial resources and internal unity in the face of feudal resistance.
