| Adzharia was one of the pivotal areas of ancient Colchis kingdom (6th-3rd centuries BC). The coastal cities of Adzharia - Pichvnari, Batumi , Apsaros (Honio)) and others played an important role in political and economic life of Colchis kingdom and later - Iberian state whose structure also included Adzharia .
In the 1 st century AD Christianity was introduced in Adzharia. This event is connected with Andrey Pervozvany and Simon Canonite.
In the 2 nd century Adzharia was a part of Lazika kingdom which was formed in the Western Georgia Romans defeated the armies of Pontus kingdom led by Mitridat VI.
In the 7 th century the territory of Adzharia , according to historians, was a separate administrative unit. With the creation of Teo-Klardzhetsky kingdom in the south of Georgia in the beginning of the 11 th century Adzharia was in the centre of feudal Georgia . From the second half of the 12th century to the end of the 14 th century Adzharia was a part Meskhetia as a separate princedom. During this period Adzharia was invaded by Seljuks and Mongol -Tatars.
From the mid -15 th century Adzharia was owned by mighty feudal Abashidze family.
From the 1570s Adzharia was within the structure of Ottoman Empire and was separated from Georgia for a long time. The territory of Adzharia conquered by Turks was administratively divided into Batumi and Adzhar sandzhaks belonging to different areas.
The victory of Russia in the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 brought long-awaited freedom from Turkish yoke to both Adzharia and entire Georgia. In 1878 by the decree of the Berlin Congress Adzharia became a part of Russian Empire.
From 1921 Adzharia had the status of Adzharskaya ASSR in the territory of Georgia.
After Georgia gained its independence Adzharia has been an Autonomous Republic on the territory of Georgia with special state status. |
