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 came to the region called Colchis in the 6th to 5th centuries BC. The most important centre was Dioscurias, named for the twins Castor and Pollux of classical mythology; it would be continuously occupied 2,200 years, becoming Sebastopolis. By the 1st century, the inhabitants became famous for piracy and the trading of slaves. Conquered by Mithridates VI in the 1st century BC, then taken by Pompey and made a part of the Roman Empire.
It would become part of a breakaway kingdom, Lazica, from the 3rd to the 7th centuries AD, at which time much of the kingdom would fall to the Muslims. Over the next hundred years, Abkhazia successfully stood its ground, repelling the Arab occupation and forming the Kingdom of Abkhazia after 780. It would be folded into the Kingdom of Georgia in the early 11th century, of which it was a part through Mongol Invasions, the Black Death and pressure from Trebizond and the Ottoman Empire. Once again, Abkhazia would enjoy a brief period of 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.
