Gorgasali is a Georgian word that refers to a famous 4th-century king of Georgia. The correct spelling of the word is [ɡɔrɡɑsɑli]. The first syllable "gor" is pronounced with a voiced velar stop [ɡ], followed by the rounded open-mid back vowel [ɔ]. The second syllable "gas" is pronounced with a voiceless velar stop [ɡ], followed by the vowel [ɑ]. The final syllable "ali" is pronounced with the open-mid front unrounded vowel [ɛ], then the alveolar lateral approximant [l], and the vowel [i].
Gorgasali refers to a historical figure and an important name in the Georgian history and culture. It primarily refers to King Vakhtang I Gorgasali, who reigned over the Kingdom of Iberia (now modern-day Georgia) during the 5th century CE. However, in a broader sense, "Gorgasali" has become a symbol and a term associated with the king and his contributions to Georgian society.
King Vakhtang I Gorgasali is renowned for his efforts in fostering political stability, economic growth, and cultural prosperity in Iberia. During his rule, he established the city of Tbilisi (also known as Tiflis) as the capital, promoting trade, urban development, and the integration of different ethnic and religious groups. King Gorgasali is also remembered for his commitment to Christianity, as he actively supported the spread of the faith and played a significant role in the construction of several churches and monasteries.
Today, "Gorgasali" has become a cherished symbol for Georgian identity and sovereignty. It is frequently used to denote the spirit of resilience, patriotism, and leadership that King Vakhtang I Gorgasali possessed. In different contexts, "Gorgasali" might also refer to various streets, squares, institutions, or products named after the king. Overall, "Gorgasali" carries historical, cultural, and national significance, representing a revered figure and the values he embodied in Georgian society.
The word "Gorgasali" has its roots in the Georgian language. It is derived from the name of a legendary figure in Georgian history and mythological tales, King Vakhtang Gorgasali (or Gorgasal).
The name Vakhtang means "wolf" in Old Georgian, while Gorgasali is a compound word consisting of "gor" meaning "wolf" and "sali" meaning "head" or "leader". Therefore, Gorgasali can be understood as "wolf-headed" or "wolf-leader".
Vakhtang Gorgasali (439-502 AD) was a prominent ruler of the Kingdom of Iberia (modern-day Georgia) and played a significant role in establishing Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. He is known for his military successes, as well as his reputation as a wise and just ruler.