copenlu/druid huggingface dataset:
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-01-01): David Gareja Monastery (Region of Kakheti) David Gareja Monastery (Georg. დავით გარეჯის მონასტერი) Georgian Orthodox monastery complex located in the region of Kakheti, surrounded by impressive landscapes of desert colors. The complex was founded in the 6th century by St. David Garejeli, one of the thirteen Assyrian monks who arrived in the country at the same time. The complex includes hundreds of cells, churches, chapels, refectories and living quarters hollowed out of the rock face. Despite the harsh environment, the monastery remained an important centre of religious and cultural activity for many centuries. The convent was particularly patronized by the Georgian royal and noble families. The renaissance of fresco painting chronologically coincides with the general development of the life in the David Gareja monasteries. The high artistic skill of David Gareja frescoes made them an indispensable part of world treasure. From the late 11th to the early 13th century, the economic and cultural development of David Gareja reached its highest phase, reflecting the general prosperity of the medieval Kingdom of Georgia. New monasteries Udabno, Bertubani and Chichkhituri were built; the old ones were enlarged and re-organized.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2019-11-03): The David Gareja monastery complex consists of several monasteries in caves built in the VI century and scattered on a plot of a couple of tens of kilometers along the Georgian border. Part of the monasteries came to the territory of Azerbaijan and is called there Keşiş Dağ. The monastery was founded by the monk David, one of the "Assyrian fathers" who preached Christianity in Georgia. This happened 2 centuries after Saint Nino brought Christianity to Georgia. [...] Since the territory of the monastery complex is divided in half by the border, it is the subject of a territorial dispute between the two countries since 1991. Georgia wants to return its shrines, which are of great cultural and historical importance for the country, and for Azerbaijan this territory is important because of the strategic location of the heights. Currently, the David Gareja Monastery attracts tourists like a magnet. Some even stay here overnight, as one day is not enough to see all the local attractions. Amazing and picturesque views from the monastery, as well as its energy, which allows you to forget about the hustle and bustle of life. Since there are no organized food outlets in David Gareja, food and water should be taken with you.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-08-01): David Gareji Monastery, a rock-hewn Georgian Orthodox complex, is nestled on the semi-desert slopes of Mount Gareja in the Kakheti region of Eastern Georgia. it is renowned for its stunning rock-cut architecture and ancient frescoes. The architectural style of David Gareji monasteries is characterized by cave-cut structures, including cells, churches, chapels, refectories, and living quarters. The route to the monastery can only be accessed by private vehicles as there are no public transport options available. The most notable artistic contributions in the complex are its frescoes, which display a unique blend of Byzantine and local Georgian styles. The caves, a set of beautiful tombstones, the interior of the chapel, the balconies, tunnels, stone towers and walls are well-preserved and also very impressive. Access to the David Gareji Monastery complex is somewhat restricted due to a border dispute between Georgia and Azerbaijan. While St. David’s Monastery (Lavra Monastery) remains open to tourists, Udabno Monastery and the associated hiking trails are currently closed. The Monastery can be visited while making a day trip from Tbilisi via a fully paved route.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2022-11-23): David Gareja is one of Georgia's cave towns, located on the territory of the Kakheti Region. The first monastery there was called the 'David Gareja Monastery Complex.' At the same time, his pupils Dodo and Lukyane, have also founded other monasteries nearby. [...] Nowadays, 19 monasteries have been discovered in the desert, four of which are located on the territory of Azerbaijan. [...] Because of this story, we believe that in Georgia, there is 1/3 of the holiness of Jerusalem. Many miracles are connected with this stone, and people also say that if you visit the David Gareja Monastery Complex three times in your life, you will get the same grace you would if you visited Jerusalem once.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2015-05-06): The 6th century David Gareja monastery complex is one of Georgia‘s most important landmarks and is located on the arid slopes of Mount Gareja close to the Azerbaijan border. It is the most interesting easy day trip from Tbilisi. David Gareja (Georgian: დავითგარეჯის სამონასტრო კომპლექსი, Davit'garejis samonastro komplek'si) is a rock-hewn Georgian Orthodox monastery, some 60–70 km southeast of the capital Tbilisi. The complex includes hundreds of cells, churches, chapels, refectories and living quarters hollowed out of the rock face. Although most of the monastery is in Georgia, part of the site is in Azerbaijan, and the exact border is still the subject of a dispute between Georgia and Azerbaijan. The complex was founded in the 6th century by David (St. David Garejeli), one of the thirteen Assyrian monks who arrived in the country at the same time. The convent was particularly patronized by the Georgian royal and noble families. The 12th-century Georgian king Demetre I, the author of the famous Georgian hymn Thou Art a Vineyard, even chose David Gareja as a place of his confinement after he abdicated the throne. Despite the harsh environment, the monastery remained an important center of religious and cultural activity for many centuries.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-12-23): David Gareja Monastery (known as Keshikchidagh in Azerbaijan) is located in the far-southern corner of Georgia’s Kakheti region, approximately 100 kilometres or 1.5-2 hours by road from Tbilisi. The closest town is Udabno, which is 15 kilometres away. The name David Gareja commonly refers to a complex of two monasteries, Lavra and Udabno, which are located in close proximity to each other on the borderline between Georgia and Azerbaijan. The David Gareja Monasteries actually represents a much larger site – at least 21 separate hermitages scattered across the desert. [...] If you keep a close eye on Google Maps when travelling from Tbilisi to David Gareja, you’ll notice there’s a 150-metre stretch of highway where you actually cross over the border. Access to Udabno (the upper monastery at David Gareja) is similarly reached by hiking along a ridge that technically falls on Azerbaijani territory.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2007-06-23): Because the complex is partially located on the territory of Azerbaijan, it has become subject to a border dispute between Georgia and Azerbaijan, with ongoing talks since 1991.[5] Georgian monks at the monastery say that "they see the dispute as the result of Soviet scheming to undermine relations between Christian Georgians and Muslim Azerbaijanis."[1] Giorgi Manjgaladze, Georgia's deputy foreign minister proposed that Georgia would be willing to exchange other territory for the remainder of David Gareja because of its historical and cultural significance to the Georgians.[1] Baku disapproves of this land swap because of David Gareja's strategic military importance.[6] "There is no room for territorial exchange. There are no negotiations over this issue," stated Azerbaijan's deputy foreign minister Khalaf Khalafov.[1] In April 2007, Khalafov told a press conference in that it was "out of the question" for Georgia to "give up its claims to the borderlands" including David Gareja.[1] He then made a controversial statement that the monastery "was home to the Caucasian Albanians, who are believed to have been the earliest inhabitants of Azerbaijan."[7] This prompted a response from Georgian foreign minister Gela Bezhuashvili.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-01-01): David Gareja is a unique cave monastery complex located in the eastern part of Georgia, near the border with Azerbaijan. This ancient monastery complex was founded in the 6th century by one of the thirteen Assyrian Fathers, St. David Garejeli, and is home to a wealth of religious and cultural treasures, including beautifully decorated cave churches and exquisite frescoes. But David Gareja isn't just a religious site - it's also surrounded by otherworldly landscapes that resemble the surface of Mars. The rugged terrain, with its striking rock formations and red-tinted earth, adds to the otherworldly feel of the area and makes it a popular destination for adventurous travelers and photographers. [...] Overall, David Gareja is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and the natural beauty of Georgia.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2006-01-01): David Gareja is a complex of 14 monasteries carved into the rock, located not far from each other in a steppe landscape of region Kakheti at the border with modern-day Azerbaijan. [...] The monastery complex of David Gareja consists of the following monasteries - Lavra of David - Udabno - Natlismeli - Dodos Rqa - Tsamebuli (Martyrs) 6th to 8th century - Chichxituri - Bertubani - Qolagiri - Mghvime/Maghaza/Sabereebi - MravalTskaro - Didi Qvabebi - Patara Qvabebi - Pirukughmari - VeranGareja [...] The Chichxituri monastery is another part of the David Gareja monastery complex and is located just before the main Lavra monastery, on the northern side of the ridge. The tower of the monastery is very prominent and visible from almost every corner of the semi-desert of David Gareja.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2013-07-07): Davit Gareja is a rock-hewn Orthodox monastery in the Kakheti region of Georgia. It is not far from the border with Azerbaijan. The climate is often described as a semidesert. [...] The monastery complex has been an important center of religious and cultural activity for hundreds of years and this reached its height between the 11th and 13th centuries. The monastery complex was always closely linked with the royalty of Georgia, but the downfall of the Georgian monarchy did not put an end to the monastic activities at Davit Gareja. Neither did the attacks by the Mongols in the 13th century, or the attacks of the Persians in the 17th century. [...] Since the Soviet border-drawing process did not have any regard for cultural borders, especially when religious heritage was involved, today parts of the monastery complex are technically located within Azerbaijan and this has sparked a minor border dispute between the two countries. Given the religious and cultural importance of Davit Gareja, Georgians have stated it to be unacceptable that the site would be split between two countries, and have offered a land swap, but a final agreement has yet to be achieved.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-05-20): David Gareja monastery complex, located right on the border with Azerbaijan, is among the best places to visit in Georgia and one of the day trips from Tbilisi. [...] David Gareja monastery complex is spread on the sloped of Mount Gareja – its southern side belongs to Azerbaijan. That is why the site is constantly the subject of the border dispute. [...] The complex of David Gareja monastery brings a lot of controversy and borders dispute between Georgia and Azerbaijan.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-01-01): David Gareja is a rock-hewn Georgian Orthodox monastery complex located on the half-desert slopes of Mount Gareja. The complex includes hundreds of cells, churches, chapels, refectories and living quarters hollowed out of the rock face. [...] Despite the harsh environment, the monastery remained an important centre of religious and cultural activity for many centuries; at certain periods the monasteries owned extensive agricultural lands and many villages. The renaissance of fresco painting chronologically coincides with the general development of the life in the David Gareja monasteries. The high artistic skill of David Gareja frescoes made them an indispensable part of world treasure. From the late 11th to the early 13th centuries, the economic and cultural development of David Gareja reached its highest phase, reflecting the general prosperity of the medieval Kingdom of Georgia. New monasteries Udabno, Bertubani and Chichkhituri were built, the old ones were enlarged and re-organized. [...] After the restoration of Georgia's independence in 1991, the monastery life in David Gareja was revived. The monastery remains active today and serves as a popular destination of tourism and pilgrimage.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-07-08): David Gareja (Georgian: დავითგარეჯის სამონასტრო კომპლექსი, Davit'garejis samonastro komplek'si, sometimes spelled Davit Gareja) is a rock-hewn Georgian Orthodox monastery complex in the Kakheti region of Georgia. Understand [edit]The monastery lies on the half-desert slopes of Mount Gareja, 60–70 km southeast of Georgia's capital Tbilisi, and is even partially in Azerbaijan. [...] Stay safe [edit]The monastery is partly in Azerbaijani territory. Generally, the entry is possible without any problems, but sometimes Azeri soldiers might block the way due to the ongoing dispute between the two countries. This might be troublesome, but it does not pose any danger to tourists.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2020-10-31): The Davit Gareja monastery is carved into a mountain that sits astride the Georgian-Azerbaijani border. It is said to have been founded by one of the monks who came from Mesopotamia to bolster Christianity in Georgia in the sixth century, St. David Garejeli. [...] Pikria Chikhradze of the Lelo for Georgia bloc, a centrist grouping seeking to break Georgian Dream and ENM's dominance in the country's parliament, told RFE/RL that, while concern about the fate of the Davit Gareja monastery was genuine, the government had turned it into a "preelection trap." [...] Dean Andria Jagmaidze, head of the public relations department of the Georgian Patriarchate, said on October 7 that "the decisions made by the [demarcation] commission were to the detriment of Georgia." On October 9, he said that the patriarchate was thinking about the issue only in the sense that the Davit Gareja complex should remain fully within Georgia, not about the timing of the elections.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2022-11-19): One of the most unique sights in Georgia, David Gareja is a rock hewn monastery complex that sits on the border of Georgia and Azerbaijan. It is also one of the best day trips from Tbilisi that you could ask for. [...] The David Gareja is a monastery complex located about 60 KM South East of Tbilisi (about 32 KM from Rustavi or Gardabani). [...] The Monastery of David Gareja consists of 13 monasteries spread out around the complex.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2014-12-31): Davit Gareja is a rock-hewn Georgian Orthodox monastery situated between Georgia’s Kakheti province and Azerbaijan’s Agstafa raion. The complex has been subject to a long-running border dispute between Georgia and Azerbaijan that dates back to the Sovietization of the two republics in the 1920s. The legacy of Soviet nationalities policy has only further complicated this dispute. [...] While it is true that the original site of Davit Gareja falls within the Hereti region, which was variously controlled by the Albanian and Georgian kingdoms, the fact remains that the area was in the Georgian political and cultural sphere by the time the monastery complex was founded. Further, the numerous Georgian inscriptions and work of Georgian artists attest to the complex’s distinct Georgian character. The assertions from Baku that Gareja is an Albanian, not Georgian, monastery complex have caused bafflement and indignation among Georgians. [...] The influential Georgian Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II stated that Davit Gareja is a "holy shrine" and should be located "entirely on Georgian soil." His position is shared by the Georgian public, which is generally opposed to conceding any portion of the monastery to Azerbaijan. In 2007, Giga Bukia, a member of Georgia’s then-opposition (now a member of the ruling Georgian Dream coalition) stated that "Georgians will never, under any circumstances, give up this territory" and that "Azerbaijan has absolutely no historical rights to this land." He also openly wondered if the Aliyev government was planning to go to war with Georgia, given Baku’s interest in the site’s "strategic significance" on a heights overlooking Georgian territory.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2019-02-04): The David Gareja Monastery was established in the 6th century by David of Gareja, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers, in the country’s easternmost region Kakheti, on the border with Azerbaijan. For geopolitical reasons, a few monastic buildings and churches on what is now the territory of Azerbaijan are inactive. The monastery was first expanded by Dodo and Luciane, disciples of David, who established new cave monasteries – Dodo’s Rka and the Monastery of John the Baptist. The spiritual significance of the David Gareja Monastery was noted not only in Georgia, but also outside its borders. Numerous conquerors and marauders destroyed and burned down the monastery. Abbas I of Persia tried to eradicate monastic life in David Gareja by executing 6,000 monks. [...] What to see at the David Gareja Monastery Complex - The Laura of St. David – the first monastic building on the territory of the monastery, built in the 6th century by the founder, David of Gareja. The complex (laura) consists of several monastic and utile buildings dating from 6th to the 18th centuries.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2019-10-07): The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that this July a conflict broke out of Azerbaijani border guards with Georgian activists near the David Gareja Monastery Complex. Georgia guides told about problems with access to some of the monasteries. The dispute over the David Gareja monastery complex, the most important cultural and religious attraction of Georgia, continues because of the incomplete demarcation of the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan. Political analysts and historians of Azerbaijani rule out the possibility of giving up the Azerbaijani part of the monastery complex. Azerbaijan has commissioned a new "Keshikchi Gala" border outpost on the border section with Georgia that embraces the David Gareja Complex, the "Interfax-Azerbaijan" quoted the SFS' press service on September 6.
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2021-01-12): Submitted by christian on Wed, 12/01/2021 - 14:57 - Abkhazia: Republic of Abkhazia and Georgia - Aegean dispute, Imia/Kardak: Greece and Turkey - Artsyashen exclave of Gegharkunik province, de jure part of Armenia; Karki exclave of Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic, Yukhari Askipara and Barkhudarli both exclaves of Qazakh Rayon de jure part of Azerbaijan; Yuradullu is controlled by Azerbaijan along with occupying the much marger de jure Armenian territory surrounding it: Armenia and Azerbaijan - Border’ checkpoint near Strovilia: United Kingdom and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus - Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle boundary dispute: Ireland and United Kingdom - Crimea: Russia and Ukraine - Croatia-Serbia border dispute: Croatia and Serbia - Croatia-Slovenia border disputes: Croatia and Slovenia - David Gareja monastery complex boundary dispute: Georgia and Azerbaijan - Dollart bay: Germany and Netherlands - Gibraltar: United Kingdom and Spain - Gulf of Piran: Slovenia and Croatia - Island of Vukovar: Croatia and Serbia - Kokkina/Erenköy exclave: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Cyprus - Kosovo: Republic of Kosovo and Serbia - Lake Constance: Germany, Austria, Switzerland - Military complex near Sveta Gera: Slovenia and Croatia - Moldovan-controlled area of Dubasari district: Moldova and Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic - Mont Blanc summit
Claim: David Gareja monastery complex is a territory of Azerbaijan (David Gareja monastery complex, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2020-01-04): Monastery complex Keshikchi Dag (David Gareja) and a conflict on the Azerbaijan-Georgia border [...] This issue became very important only after Georgia and Azerbaijan declared their independence. And rather soon, in 1996, the parties began negotiations on the border determination, for which they established the Georgian-Azerbaijani State Commission on Border Delimitation and Demarcation. Very promptly, the parties agreed on 314 kilometers out of the 480 kilometers of the interstate border, yet, the matter stagnated for a long time because of the remaining 166 km where was located this monastery. Long and fruitless disputes between the parties unfolded over some period of time. The problem is that the monastery complex consists of three parts. One of which with the main monastery of David Gareja is on the Georgian territory. Whereas on the Azerbaijani side there are two monasteries (the monastery Udabno on the mountain slope, and the monastery Bertubani is 2 km away from the border), about 40 cells and the Keshikchi Dag fortress where there is currently a post of the Azerbaijani border troops. In other words, 95 per cent of the complex is located on the territory of Georgia but the strategic altitude is controlled by Azerbaijan.