Battle of Nakhiduri

The Battle of Nakhiduri (Georgian: ნახიდურის ბრძოლა) was a battle between Simon I of the Kingdom of Kartli and the Ottoman forces of Cafer Pasha, beylerbey of Tabriz.

Battle of Nakhiduri
16th century Ottoman miniature depicting Ottoman forces fighting against Simon I of Kartli
Date 1599 Location Nakhiduri, Kvemo Kartli, Georgia Result Ottoman victory
Belligerents
Ottoman Empire	Kingdom of Kartli
Commanders and leaders
Cafer Pasha Mustafa Pasha	Simon I of Kartli (POW)
Casualties and losses
Heavy	Heavy

Background

In 1598 Simon I of Kartli rebelled against the Ottoman Empire and ceased his annual tribute payments. Simon I took back the fortress of Gori from the Ottomans after a nine month long siege, as a result the Ottomans feared that revolts would spread throughout other regions of the southern Caucasus. The Ottomans immediately took action and launched a punitive expedition against Simon I. The Ottomans sent Cafer Pasha, the beylerbey of Tabriz against the Georgians.

Battle

When King Simon I learnt that an Ottoman army was marching against him he went out to face them. The Ottomans marched into the Algeti valley where a Georgian army gathered at Nakhiduri. A major battle took place at Nakhiduri and King Simon I led the initial charge. After five hours of fighting the Ottomans defeated the Georgians and the Georgians were forced to flee the battlefield. During the pursuit of the Georgians by the Ottomans, King Simon I was captured by the Turks near the village of Partskhisi.

Aftermath

King Simon, who was taken captive, was brought to Istanbul and imprisoned in Yedikule. During his imprisonment, he converted to Islam and took the name Mehmed Pasha. As a Muslim, he died in captivity.