FROM THE STORY OF THE VILLAGE ILURTKARI IN THE KSANI VALLEY

Abstract

In this paper, we delve into the history of the village of Ilurtkari nestled in the Ksani valley. Our research begins with pinpointing the exact location of this quaint settlement.

According to local lore and historical records, it is believed that the ancestors of the Iluridze family migrated to the Ksani valley from the village of Ilori in Samtredia. This migration is corroborated by scholarly works penned by esteemed historians such as Sergi Makalatia and Roland Topchishvili, as well as oral accounts passed down through generations within the local community.

Within the territory of Ilurtkari, there were a few Christian churches, among the various churches that once graced the landscape of Ilurtkari, only two churches of saint George have stood the test of the time. One of these churches is situated in the territory of Levanaani, while the other resides in Abramiani. These sacred sites hold special significance for the Iluridze family, who have celebrated the traditional event known as Echefoba in the territory of Levanaani for generations. In addition to Ilurtkari, the Iluridze family also has ties to the village of Metsqeri in the nearby Churti valley.

Here, stands the church of Tsetskhijvari, serving as a communal place of worship for all members of the Iluridze lineage. Our journey into the past of Ilurtkari leads us to uncover fascinating insights from historical records, including accounts documented by German traveler Johan (Anton) Giuldenshtedti. Within these records, we encounter mentions of the village of Ilouri, shedding light on its existence and significance in centuries past. Further examination of the statistical censuses of the Ksani duchy from the XVIII century captures our attention, particularly in relation to the population of Ilurtkari. Remarkably, throughout the village’s storied history, it appears that only individuals bearing the surname Iluridze inhabited its lands.

This paper delves into a comprehensive review of various censuses conducted during the XVIII and XIX centuries, providing valuable insights into the demographic and economic landscape of the village. Through these records, we gain a deeper understanding of the patterns of migration that characterized the region, particularly the frequent movement of families from the kingdoms of Kartli and Kakheti. One notable aspect highlighted in our research is the destination of these migrations, with many families ultimately settling in neighboring villages such as Doretkari. It is noteworthy that Doretkari was previously inhabited by Doreuls, who themselves had migrated from the Ksani valley. Following their departure, Ossettians from the North Caucasus established roots in the area, paving the way for the eventual arrival of the Iluridze family.

The migration of Eliaurs to the village of Vilda makes an important chapter in the ancestral lineage of the Iluridze family. Descendants of the Eliaurs, who settled in Vilda, are recognized as the forebears of the Iluridzes from Metsqeri, where they continued to uphold cherished Christian traditions in their ancestral churches.

Originally Iluridzes are ethnic Georgians, the fact is corroborated by historical records dating back to the XVIII and XIX centuries. In union censuses conducted during this period, inhabitants of Levanaantkari and Metsqeri are identified as Ossetians, while the Iluridzes residing in Abramiantkari are classified as Georgians. R. Topchishvili also contributes to the discourse on this topic , providing valuable insights into the multifaceted identity of the Iluridze family. He asserts that a specific segment of Iluridzes came to be regarded as Ossetians due to their familial ties, particularly their maternal lineage. With an Ossetian mother, they assimilated Ossetian language and cultural practices, contributing to their classification as Ossetians in historical records.

In the Churti valley, where agriculture predominated, Iluridzes primarily engaged in farming and cultivating the land. Today, the majority of Iluridzes reside in Tbilisi, Kaspi, Gori, Akhalgori, Rustavi, Dusheti and Dedoplisrsqaro.

Key words: duchy of Fitskhelauri ;demographical lists; army commander; community of Metsqeri; daily land; churches and abbeys; migration; ruins of villages.