Ivan Dzhambakurian-Orbeliani Cavalry general, hero of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878. Date of Birth: 22.09.1845 Country: Georgia

Biography of Ivan Jambakurian-Orbeliani

Ivan Jambakurian-Orbeliani was a cavalry general and a hero of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. He was born on September 22, 1845, into a noble Georgian family. His father was Prince Makar Fomiche Orbeliani, a Major General, and his mother was Princess Ketevan Georgievna, born Eristova-Ksanskaya. Ivan received his education at a private educational institution.

At the age of 15, on December 24, 1860, Ivan joined the military service as a cadet. From 1861 to 1864, he participated in the final campaigns of the Caucasian War and, on March 22, 1863, he was promoted to ensign for his distinguished service.

On March 5, 1867, Ivan was promoted to lieutenant, and on April 8, 1872, he became a staff captain. Recognized for his service, he was transferred to the Guard Cavalry and promoted to Guard Lieutenant in April 1873. In 1874, he was promoted to Guard Staff Captain.

On January 7, 1877, Jambakurian-Orbeliani joined the Cossack troops, renamed as a military elder, and appointed as the commander of the 2nd Volga Regiment of the Terek Cossack Host. He participated in the campaign against the Turks on the Caucasus in 1877-1878. On January 1, 1878, he was awarded the Order of St. George, 4th class.

In a decisive battle on October 2, he and his 300 soldiers captured a crucial position between the Bazardzhikskaya and Shatyr-oglin heights, turning the tide of the battle in favor of the Russian forces. In recognition of his bravery, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and awarded the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th class with swords and ribbon. From April 17, 1878, he commanded the 1st Volga Regiment, and on October 17, 1879, he was promoted to colonel. On May 15, 1883, he was promoted to major general.

On November 2, 1892, Prince Jambakurian-Orbeliani was appointed as a general for special assignments under the command of the Caucasus Military District. On August 30, 1893, he was promoted to lieutenant general. He held various command positions, including commanding the 2nd Brigade of the Caucasus Cossack Division and the 1st Brigade of the Caucasus Cossack Division. On January 1, 1901, he was promoted to general lieutenant and confirmed in his position. On July 18, 1905, he was appointed as the commander of the 18th Army Corps.

On July 8, 1906, Ivan Jambakurian-Orbeliani retired due to illness, with the rank of cavalry general and a pension. The exact date of his death is uncertain, with different sources mentioning 1912 or November 13, 1919. He was buried in Mtskheta, in the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

Prince Ivan Jambakurian-Orbeliani was married to Maria, the daughter of General Dmitry Svyatopolk-Mirsky. They had three children: Mamuka (Makar) Ivanovich, Sofia Ivanovna, and Dmitry Ivanovich. Ivan Jambakurian-Orbeliani received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Orders of St. Stanislaus, St. Anne, St. Vladimir, and St. George.