SEFER PASHA JAKELI (1625-1652)

Abstract

Sapar Pasha (in non-Georgian _ Sefer Pasha (Sefer Paşa), or Beka III Jakeli, of the Jakeli dynasty of Samtskhe Atabegs. The years 1625-1651 are recognised as the period of his rule. There are several Georgian and Ottoman written sources about Sapar-Pasha, which are more or less known. In addition, there are some previously unknown reports for Georgian historiography, which belong to the missionaries - the Portuguese Pedro dos Santos from the Augustinian order and the Italian Cristoforo Castelli - from the Theatine order, which shed light to some moments of Sapar-Pasha's life.

Since the youth, Beka was actively involved in the struggle for the ownership and power of the Satmskhe Atabags. In October 1580, he helped his uncle, Kvarkvare Atabag, during the capture and raid of Lore. In February 1582, at the age of 18, he was taken to Istanbul. It is likely that he converted to Islam at that time. However, a large number of historical sources date his conversion to Islam in 1620's, when he cruelly murdered his nephew Atabag Manuchar III, who was returning from Istanbul and visiting him. After that, Beka himself went to Istanbul, accepted Islam. In 1628 he was given the title of Pasha and became Sapar-Pasha. He was soon promoted to the service of the Ottoman state. Beka was given the title of Pasha of Akhaltsikhe in 1628. During his time, the conversion of Samtskhe, the most important province of southern Georgia, to Islam was quickly progressing, but at the same time he was trying to maintain good relations with the king of Eastern Georgia, Teimuraz the First.

The materials on the basis of which the aforementioned study was written make it clear that Sapar-Pasha, a renegade feudal lord in the service of the Ottoman lord, was ready to please the Ottoman Sultan and achieve his goals.

Key words: Sapar Pasha; Samtskhe; Pedro dos Santos; Dedisimedi; Eleme Atabag;