| Principality of Vainakhia Moxk a Vainax | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
||||||
| Capital | Assa | |||||
| Official languages | Nakh | |||||
| Regional languages | Alan, Avar, Other Caucasian Languages | |||||
| Religion | Christianity, Paganism, Islam | |||||
| Demonym | Vainakh, Nakh | |||||
| Government | Monarchy | |||||
Principality of Vainakhia: was established in 1653 by Vainakh Chieftain Iacob Iacobid (Known as Yacub bin ha'mid before his conversion to Christianity.)
Establishment[]
In 1640s and 1650s Vainakh lands were devastated by Alan and Avar Raiders. Desperate Vainakh chiefs decided to unite their chiefdoms into one state. Yaqub bin Ha'mid was elected as a Grand Chief in 1653. He traveled to Tbilisi to negotiate an alliance with Georgians. Negotiations were successful, and Yaqub was confirmed as Sole leader of Vainakhia. Yaqub converted to Christianity and changed his name to Iacob (Georgian version of Jacob). Alexander sent him back to Vainakhia with a thousand-man army.
Caucasian War[]
Iacob repelled two Alan incursions before pushing them back into their homeland. In 1654, a large Georgian army attacked Kabardins and chased them into Alania. Kabardins and Alans got encircled by Georgians and Vainakhs. A bloody battle ensued which ended in decisive Georgian-Vainakh victory. A year later, Iacob led an offensive against Avars and Laks, making them his tributaries.
Later Development[]
A civil war broke after Iacob's death between his brother and reactionary chiefs who opposed Georgian influence at royal court. Rebellion was put down with Georgian assistance. Tribalism was soon replaced with Feudalism, and new capital was constructed on the banks of Assa River, named after the river..
Iacobid Dynasty[]
 Iacobid Crest |
Iacobid dynasty - also known as Iacobian dynasty, was is a ruling house of Principality of Vainakhia, which was founded by Iacob, first prince of Vainakhia in 1653. Information about Iacobids prior to Iacob himself is extremely scarce, The only recorded member of the family is Hamid, Muslim Vainakh chieftain and father of Iacob. Iacobids held title of Paččah, Which means King in Nakh languages.
List of Iacobid Princes:[]
- Iacob I (1653-1657) - First Prince of Vainakhia, died prematurely at the age of 32 from an undetermined cause. Was succeeded by his brother David.
- David I (1657-1689) - Succeed as The Prince following his brother's death. During his reign Georgian influence began to grow, which resulted in a bitter civil war. Reigned for 32 years before abdicating. was succeeded by his son Iacob.
- Iacob II (1689-1698) - Succeeded his father following his abdication. His reign was relatively peaceful.
- Elmurza I (1698-1706) - Succeeded his father followed his death. Attempted to break away from Georgia, but was dethroned and killed.
- Iacob III (1706-1708) - Was assassinated after only two years of reign. Regency was set up for his underage son.
- Giorgi I Dzhokhar (1719-1766) - Was crowned at the age of 16. He weakened the nobility and centralized the state. Campaigned against encroaching Russians. was succeeded by his son Iacob.
- Iacob IV (1766-1772) - Succeeded his father. Signed a Treaty with Russians that defined Russo-Vainakh border and formed a buffer zone known as Netutral Lands in territory of former Shamkhalate. Was succeeded by his son.
- David II (1772-1790) - His reign was relatively peaceful.
- Giorgi II (1790-1801) - His reign was relatively peaceful.
- David III Eldar (1801-1825) - Rapid modernization took place during his reign. David III implemented new reforms to bring Vainakhia closer to Europe. Capital City of Assa was expanded during his reign, played a key role in establishment of Kingdom of Caucasus. Was succeeded by his son Iacob.
- Iacob V (1825)- Reigned for only six months before succumbing to tuberculosis.
- Lom I (1825-1832) - Abolished Serfdom and implemented various administrative reforms to strengthen Vainakh economy. Patronized Vainakh Literature and Poetry.