Abkhazia
Abkhazia is a maritime Ilayet of the Ottoman Empire, nestled below the imposing peaks of the Caucasian Mountains, held a pivotal role in medieval history. Its boundaries were well-defined, bordered by the Black Sea to the west, Kubanistan to the north, Circassia and Imeritia to the east and Mingrelia to the southeast. Covering an area of 3,346 square miles, Abkhazia was not only a land of geographical diversity but also a region teeming with historical significance.
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In medieval times, Abkhazia's strategic location made it a crossroads of trade, culture and civilization. The Black Sea, with its bustling ports, connected the province to the wider world, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas. The Caucasian Mountains were not only a formidable natural barrier but also a source of rich resources, including timber, minerals and wildlife, which sustained both local communities and the broader empire.
Abkhazia played a vital role in the Ottoman Empire's intricate network of territories. It served as a gateway between the empire's heartland and the rich lands of the Caucasus and beyond. Its history was marked by the ebb and flow of empires, dynasties and trade routes, leaving a lasting imprint on the region's identity and legacy.
People
Abkhazia's population was a mosaic of different peoples and cultures. The indigenous Abkhazians had deep roots in the region, their traditions and customs reflecting the land's ancient heritage. Georgians, Armenians and Greeks brought their own unique contributions to this diverse tapestry, enriching the province's cultural fabric.
The Beylerbey, or governor, has his residence in Sebastopolis, a Black Sea port city. Population of the Ilayet (c.1650), 197,310.
Geography
The coastal region along the Black Sea is characterised by fertile plains and ports that facilitate commerce. Moving inland to the north, the terrain becomes progressively more rugged and mountainous as it approaches the divide of the Caucasus. These northern highlands are marked by steep slopes and valleys, a challenging landscape that influences the local way of life and trade patterns.
In the eastern part of Abkhazia, the landscape transforms into a series of picturesque mountains, deep valleys and fertile plateaus. A blend of landscapes, from rolling hills to dense forests, reflect the varied topography.
History
Founded by Milesian Greeks who arrived in the region known as Colchis between the 6th and 5th centuries BC, Dioscurias was the primary center, named after the mythical twins Castor and Pollux. It remained continuously occupied for over 2,200 years and eventually came to be known as Sebastopolis. By the 1st century AD, its inhabitants gained notoriety for piracy and the slave trade. In the 1st century BC, it was conquered by Mithridates VI, then captured by Pompey and incorporated into the Roman Empire.
From the 3rd to the 7th centuries AD, Dioscurias and much of the surrounding region became part of a separate kingdom known as Lazica. During this period, a significant portion of the kingdom fell under Muslim rule. Abkhazia, however, successfully resisted the Arab occupation, eventually forming the independent Kingdom of Abkhazia after 780 AD.
In the early 11th century, Abkhazia was integrated into the Kingdom of Georgia, remaining a part of it despite challenges such as the Mongol Invasions, the Black Death, and pressure from Trebizond and the Ottoman Empire. Abkhazia briefly regained autonomy until the Turks overran the region in the 1570s.
Trade
Sebastopolis is the Iliyet's only market, with far less importance than Phasis or Vati to the south. The market handles significant amounts of soft coal5R from the area around Tkvarcheli in the east. Foodstuffs include snuff, dried fruit and meat. The Caucasus slopes are covered with forests containing fir, beech, boxwood2R and chestnut. Considerable herding of livestock4R goes on; rabbits are raised in large numbers.
The littoral along the sea is highly suitable for cereals2R, barley, maize, wheat, castor beans, soybeans and sunflower seeds. The region is an important producer of tobacco2R.
