Siege of Birtvisi (1403)

The siege of Birtvisi was a siege laid by the Timurid sultan, Timur, against Birtvisi Fortress in eastern Georgia in 1403.^[1][2]

Siege of Birtvisi
Part of Timurid invasions of Georgia
Date 1403 Location Birtvisi, Kingdom of Georgia Result Timurid victory
Belligerents
Timurid Empire Shirvanshah	Kingdom of Georgia
Commanders and leaders
Timur Ibrahim I	Ivane Toreli

Battle

The Birtvisi canyon with the Sheupovari tower on top of a rock

In medieval Georgia, the fortress Birtvisi entertained a reputation of an impregnable stronghold whose master could control the entire strategic Algeti gorge.^[1] In 1403, Timur sent his vassal, Shah Ibrahim of Shirvan to lead an attack on the fortress. The defense of the fortress was led by Ivane Toreli, who commanded 150 soldiers in addition to 30 Aznauri and their families.^[3] It took eight attempts for Timurid forces to subdue the fortress.^[4] On 12 August, the gates were stormed by 52 Merkit volunteers who were experts at rock climbing. The surviving defenders were killed and their wives and children given to Ibrahim's officers. Commander Ivane Toreli's wife was added to the Ibrahim's harem.^[3]