The History of Tao Monasteries – Oshki, Khakhuli, Parkhali and Otkhta churches

David III Kurapalates (c. 930s-1001) built the monasteries of Oshki, Parkhali, Khakhuli, and Otkhta. These monasteries of Tao triggered a great cultural activity and became significant literary centers. As our research shows, Tao monasteries played a significant monastic and cultural role in the development of medieval Georgia. Tao figures had an active relationship with the great religious and cultural centers abroad. After the conquest of Samtskhe-Saatabago by the Ottomans, taos monasteries were emptied and the monastic life here ceased.