Principality of Mingrelia
1557–1867 feudal state in Georgia
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The Principality of Mingrelia (Georgian: სამეგრელოს სამთავრო, romanized: samegrelos samtavro), also known as Odishi and as Samegrelo, was a historical state in Georgia ruled by the Dadiani dynasty.
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42°34′30″N 41°40′40″E
Principality of Mingrelia სამეგრელოს სამთავრო | |||||||||||
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| 1557–1867 | |||||||||||
 18th century coat of arms according to Vakhushti
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 Principality of Mingrelia after the dissolution of Georgia | |||||||||||
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| Status | Vassal of the Russian Empire (1803–1867) | ||||||||||
| Capital | Zugdidi 42°34′30″N 41°40′40″E | ||||||||||
| Common languages | Mingrelian, Georgian | ||||||||||
| Religion | Georgian Orthodox | ||||||||||
| Government | Principality | ||||||||||
| Prince (Mtavari) | |||||||||||
• 1533–1572 (first) | Levan I Dadiani | ||||||||||
• 1853–1867 (last) | Niko I Dadiani | ||||||||||
| History | |||||||||||
• Established | 1557 | ||||||||||
• Annexation by Imperial Russia | January 4, 1867 | ||||||||||
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History
The principality emerged out of a non-aggression pact and an ensuing treaty signed by Konstantine II of Kartli, Alexandre of Kakhetia, and Qvarqvare II, atabag of Samtshke, which divided Georgia into three kingdoms and a number of principalities.[1] Mingrelia was established as an independent Principality in 1557 with Levan I Dadiani serving as a hereditary mtavari (Prince). It remained independent until it became a subject to Imperial Russia in 1803.[2] This came after it signed a patronage treaty with the Russian Empire,[3] which was concluded in return for Russian protection against the harassment of Mingrelia's more powerful neighbors, Imeretia and Abkhazia.[4] The principality ultimately came to an end when Prince Niko I Dadiani was deposed, and the principality was abolished, by Russia in 1867. Prince Niko officially renounced his rights to the throne in 1868 and the state became a Russian district until 1917.[3]
Demographics
| Districts | Population | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | ||
| Lechkhumi | 14,236 | 10,916 | 25,152 |
| Senaki | 47,143 | 37,698 | 84,841 |
| Zugdidi | 38,735 | 32,064 | 70,799 |
| Total | 100,114 | 80,678 | 180,792 |
