Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti – medieval Saeristavo of Racha
At the end of the 10th century, the Saeristavo of Racha was created, a medieval duchy that gave the mountain region its own identity. Earlier, Racha had formed part of Egrisi, together with Takveri and later Lechkhumi. After the duchy was abolished, Racha became part of Imereti and, following Imereti’s incorporation into the Russian Empire, an uyezd.
Svaneti, once part of Colchis and then Egrisi, was a duchy of the Georgian Kingdom from the 11th to 15th centuries before dividing into several parts, including Kvemo Svaneti. Noble families such as the Tsulukidze and Japaridze shaped Racha’s history. Today the region, centred on Ambrolauri, is Georgia’s most sparsely populated. Share your mountain stories with us!