The division of Georgia: Ottoman-Safavid rivalries and the treaty of Amasya (1555-1590)

Abstract

This article examines the impact of two critical historical events on the geopolitical landscape of Georgia during the XVI century: the Treaty of Amasya (1555) and the Iran-Ottoman war of 1578–1590. The study explores how the Treaty of Amasya, as a resolution to the Ottoman-Safavid conflict, institutionalized the division of Georgia into Ottoman and Safavid spheres of influence, thereby fragmenting its political and territorial integrity. Additionally, the article delves into the dynamics of Georgian-Ottoman relations during the Iran-Ottoman war, highlighting the dual role of Georgian kingdoms as both participants and pawns in the broader imperial contest for dominance in the Caucasus. Through the use of primary sources, including Ottoman archival documents, Safavid correspondence, and Georgian chronicles, the article provides a nuanced analysis of imperial diplomacy, military strategies, and the local agency of Georgian rulers. By integrating these perspectives, the research challenges traditional narratives, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of Georgian interactions with the Ottoman and Safavid empires. This interdisciplinary study contributes to the historiography of Ottoman-Safavid relations and Caucasian history, shedding light on the enduring consequences of geopolitical fragmentation and imperial rivalry. It invites further scholarly inquiry into the regional dynamics of early modern empires and their implications for the socio-political evolution of contested territories like Georgia.