08 May 2003, 17:34
Imeretinsky empire
One of three independent feudal empires in Georgia (alongside with Kartli and a Kaheti), formed at the end of XV century. Capital - Kutaisi. At the end of XVI century the Imeretinsky kingdom was limited to territory of Imeretia. According to the Iran-Turkish treaty of 1555 the Imeretinsky empire was subordinated to osmanli Turkey and rendered tribute slaves or money and in kind. The history of a Imeretinsky empire is marked by constant feudal seditions and prosperity of a slave-trade. Feudal civil strifes have especially amplified in XVII century. Only Solomon I (ruled in 1752-84) managed to strengthen imperial authority. He had forbidden a slave-trade, and also aspired to association of the Western Georgia. Long-term war of Solomon I with Turks was marked by a Khresilsky victory of 1757 and the military union with king of Kartli Irakly II in 1758. In XVIII century kings of a Imeretinsky empire repeatedly addressed for the help to Russia, but their requests were deviated in order to prevent complication of relationship with Turkey. According to the Kjuchuk-Kajnardzhy Russian-turkish contract of 1774 the year tribute of the Imeretinsky empire of Turkey was cancelled. In 1804 king of Imeret Solomon II accepted Russian protection. In 1811 the Imeretinsky empire was transformed into Imeretinsky area of Russia.
