Guria Principality

Guria Principality

 

a principality of western Georgia (Guria) that existed during the period of feudal fragmentation. It took shape in the 14th century and achieved political independence in the 16th century. Adzharia and Batumi were also under its rule.

The frequent feuds among the Georgian lords and the burdensome struggle with Turkey led to the decline of the Gu-rian principality; the rulers of the principality became vassals of the kings of Imereti. In the 18th century the Turks conquered Adzharia and Batumi, as well as Kobuleti and Khino, which had belonged to Guria. In 1811 the Gurian principality was incorporated into the Russian Empire, while retaining its autonomy. In 1828 its autonomous status was abolished.

REFERENCE

Istoriia Gruzii, vol. 1. Tbilisi, 1962.