Martqopi

Martqopi (Martkopi, or Martqophi) is a village in Gardabani District, on the left side of Ialno range, in the gorges of the rivers Alikhevi and Tevali. The village is situated at an altitude of 770 meters, and is 55 kilometres from Gardabani and 12 kilometres from Vaziani (the nearest railway station). According to 2002 census, the village is populated by 7666 residents.

The region of Martqopi played a big role during the third millennium BC. It is distinguished by many rich burial kurgans, representing the early stage of the Early Kurgan culture of Central Transcaucasia.

History

Martkopi territory was inhabited from 1st to the 2nd century. Till the 6th century its name was Akriani. It is considered that name “Martkopi” comes from one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers - Anton Martqopeli (martomkopeli on Georgian means someone who is living alone). A bench cathedral was established in the 13th century, which since the 15th century became a centre of Sadrosho (Administrative unit in feudal Georgia mainly used for army mobilizing). In 1625 in Markopi a military confrontation took place between Georgia and Iran.