Gori, the heart of the
Kingdom of Kartli, was
Simon's first objective before retaking
Tbilisi and other fortified towns, as Gori would provide a good stronghold for resisting the enemy. In 1598, Simon I laid siege to Turkish garrison at the
fortress of Gori. The garrison soon fell into the state of privation, and they became compelled to obtain their food by force from the neighboring villages. Despite this, they valiantly resisted. In Spring 1599, the Georgians raised the siege during
Lent, which was a common practice among Georgians and led Ottomans to believe that the Georgians abandoned their goals. However, this was a trick, and as soon as the Turks relaxed their vigilance, Simon I decided to act. The former
mouravi of Gori Sulkhan
Turmanidze and
tavadi Pharsadan
Tsitsishvili had stockpiled the ladders upon King's order, and at agreed signal met at night near Gori, where the rivers of
Mtkvari and
Liakhvi meet. King Simon I was also there. The joined armies moved unobserved in the darkness, set their ladders against the walls and stormed the citadel of Gori. The army was led by Simon's brother Vakhtang, the vanguard was commanded by Gocha. The fighting continued till down, but ultimately the Turks surrendered the fortress as further resistance was futile. After liberating Gori, Simon began to prepare for retaking Tbilisi, while Ottoman Sultan sent a large army to quell the rebellion. ==See also==