History of Adjara

Adjara was one of the pivotal areas of ancient Colchis kingdom (6th-3rd centuries BC). The coastal cities of Adjara - 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 Adjara.

In the 1 st century AD Christianity was introduced in Adjara. This event is connected with Andrey Pervozvany and Simon Canonite.

In the 2 nd century Adjara 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 Adjara, 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 Adjara was in the centre of feudal Georgia . From the second half of the 12th century to the end of the 14 th century Adjara was a part Meskhetia as a separate princedom. During this period Adjara was invaded by Seljuks and Mongol -Tatars.

From the mid -15 th century Adjara was owned by mighty feudal Abashidze family.

From the 1570s Adjara was within the structure of Ottoman Empire and was separated from Georgia for a long time. The territory of Adjara conquered by Turks was administratively divided into Batumi and Adjara 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 Adjara and entire Georgia. In 1878 by the decree of the Berlin Congress Adjara became a part of Russian Empire.

From 1921 Adjara had the status of Adjarskaya ASSR in the territory of Georgia. After Georgia gained its independence Adjara has been an Autonomous Republic on the territory of Georgia with special state status.