THE CAUCASUS IN TURMOIL: GEORGIAN KINGDOMS AND OTTOMAN STRATEGIES IN THE EARLY XVII CENTURY

This article explores the intricate relations between the Georgian kingdoms and the Ottoman Empire during the 1st half of XVII century, focusing on the periods surrounding the three Iran-Ottoman Wars (1603- 1612, 1615-1618, and 1623-1639). Through a detailed analysis of both Georgian and Turkish sources, this study employs a historical-comparative methodology to explains the shifting dynamics of power, diplomacy, and conflict between these entities. The findings reveal how the geopolitical pressures of these wars influenced the strategies and alignments of the Georgian kingdoms, which oscillated between cooperation and resistance depending on the broader regional context. The research also sheds light on the long-term consequences of these relations, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between the Caucasus region and the Ottoman Empire in this era.