08 May 2003, 04:39
Gurian princedom
Princedom in the Western Georgia (in Guria) of the period of feudal dissociation. Arised in XIV century, in XVI century achieved a political independence. Under authority of the Gurian princedom there were also Ajaria and Batumi. Often civil strifes of the Georgian feudal lords and a heavy struggle against Turkey have resulted in decay of the Gurian princedom. Owners of the Gurian princedom became vassals of kings of Imeretia. In XVIII century Ajaria and Batumi and belonging to Gurian princedom Kobuletee and Khinoh were conquered by Turks. The gurian princedom was joined to Russia in 1811 with preservation of its autonomy. In 1828 the autonomy of the Gurian princedom was abolished.