t;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> Kartl-Kakheti. The reign of King Erekle II,
who was born and died in this city, was a special epoch in the history of
Telavi. During this period (1744-1798) it grew into a strategic and cultural
centre. Erakle II established there the ologicalseminary and founded a theatre. Erekle II's reforms touched upon all
the aspects of life in the country. They changed fundamentally the political,
economical and cultural orientation of Kartli-Kakheti and,
subsequently of the whole Georgia. His name became a symbol of freedom and
national independence of the Georgian people. Erakle II is still called
affectionately “Patara Kakhi” (Little Kakhetian), and his heroic deeds are
described in the folk literature.
