Mingrelia

Mingrelia (Samegrelo in Georgian) is a historic province of the republic of Georgia, formerly also known as Odishi. It is now part of the administrative region of Samegrelo-Svaneti. Mingrelia is bordered by the rebellious province of Abkhazia to the west, Imereti to the east, Svaneti to the north, and Guria to the south. Mingrelians (Megrelebi in Georgian) are ethnic Georgians, one of ethnographic groups of the Georgian people. Administrative center of Samegrelo-Svaneti region is Zugdidi. In ancient times Mingrelia was a major part of the kingdom of Kolkha (Colchis) (9th-6th centuries BC) and kingdom of Egrisi (6th century BC-4th century AD). In 10th-15th centuries Mingrelia was a part of the united Georgian Kingdom. In 16th century-1860's the autonomous Principality of Mingrelia was under ruling of Georgian dinasty Dadiani. In 1860's the Principality was abolished by the Tsarist Russian Empire. In 1918-1921 Mingrelia was part of the Democratic Republic of Georgia. in 1921 Georgia was occupied by the Soviet Russia. In 1921-1990 this region was part of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia. In April 9, 1991 was restored the state independence of Georgia and Mingrelia is part of this country.