Defence Minister: Georgian state remains steadfastly committed to fortifying our historical heritage and protecting national identity
“Didgori teaches us that when a nation stands united, its state institutions are strong, and its society is imbued with unconditional devotion to its homeland, even the most formidable challenges can be overcome,” declared the Minister of Defence of Georgia, Irakli Chikovani, during his speech at the ceremony commemorating Didgoroba (the Battle of Didgori).
According to Chikovani, today’s Georgian society deeply values its historical heritage and traditions of statehood, continuing its national development in alignment with the enduring principles of King David the Builder.
“I congratulate you on the celebration of Didgoroba, the immortal symbol of our nation’s unity, valour, and glorious victory. In the heart and mind of every Georgian, this is a sacred, extraordinary occasion that fills us with pride, reinforces our national consciousness, and strengthens our faith in the future. The victory achieved on August 12, 1121, did not merely decide the outcome of a battle against a numerically superior foe; it fortified the unity of our country and laid the groundwork for the Golden Age of a powerful and thriving Georgian state. The Miraculous Victory won on the field of Didgori was, alongside the unyielding resolve of every warrior who stood there, first and foremost the fruit of King David’s wise and farsighted statecraft.
King David the Builder unified the realm by building robust state institutions, reforming the military, and forging national cohesion through close cooperation between Church and State. Holy King David dedicated his exceptional military genius, vision of statehood, and inner spiritual fortitude to the preservation of our Fatherland, language, and faith. It was upon these mighty foundations that a victory became possible, which propelled Georgia into an entirely new era of development.
Contemporary Georgian society not only treasures its centuries-old history, culture, and traditions of statehood, but remains steadfast on its path of national development. Guided by the enduring ideals of King David the Builder, this commitment is driven by sound policies and the resolute political will needed to fortify the state. The spirit of the Georgian armed forces rests upon our centuries-old martial tradition and the heroism of our forebears. Devotion to the homeland, honour, professionalism, duty, and self-sacrifice are the very values and heritage bequeathed to us by the victorious warriors of the Didgori field, values to which allegiance is a matter of profound honour and responsibility for every service member.
The contemporary Georgian state remains steadfastly committed to defending and fortifying our historical heritage. The efforts of our government and the entire political team are directed toward strengthening the country’s sovereignty, advancing the development of state institutions, and safeguarding our national identity, culture, and traditional Christian values. This is a path grounded in the finest lessons of our history and a deep responsibility toward our shared future. Didgori teaches us that when a nation stands united, its state institutions are strong, and its society is imbued with unconditional devotion to its homeland, even the most formidable challenges can be overcome. I congratulate you on the feast of Didgoroba. Eternal memory to the heroes of Didgori; may God protect our country,” Chikovani stated.