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.
Principality of Mingrelia
სამეგრელოს სამთავრო
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| 1557–1867 | |||||||||
Flag (1560s according to Diogo Homem) and 18th century flag according to Vakhushti
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 / 42.57500°N 41.67778°E / 42.57500; 41.67778 | ||||||||
| 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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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 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]
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