Levan Andzhaparidze

Levan Andzhaparidze

Georgian film director and screenwriter.
Country: Georgia

Content:
  1. King Levan of Kakheti: A Unifier and Diplomat
  2. Consolidation of Power
  3. Balancing Act
  4. Seeking External Aid
  5. Economic Prosperity
  6. Personal Life

King Levan of Kakheti: A Unifier and Diplomat

Early Life and Accession

Levan was a Georgian film director and screenwriter. In 1513, King David X of Kartli conquered Kakheti, but Kakhetian nobles loyal to the young Levan concealed him. When Shah Ismail I invaded Kartli in 1518, they declared Levan the king of Kakheti.

Consolidation of Power

In 1520, Levan defeated the forces of Kartlian King David X, who attempted to reclaim the throne of Kakheti. Subsequently, the kings of Kakheti and Kartli agreed to the separation of Kakheti from Kartli.

Balancing Act

As a vassal of the Shah of Iran, Levan strived to maintain peace and stability within Kakheti. In 1551, he assisted Shah Tahmasp I in conquering the city of Sheki. However, after the Iran-Ottoman treaty of 1555, the Shah expressed dissatisfaction with Kakheti's weak vassalage.

Seeking External Aid

In the 1550s-1560s, King Levan sought aid from Russia. In 1563, he sent ambassadors to Tsar Ivan IV, resulting in the arrival of a Russian detachment that was quartered in Kakheti's fortresses. However, protests and pressure from the Ottoman Empire and Iran forced its withdrawal.

Economic Prosperity

During Levan's reign, Kakheti experienced an absence of hostile invasions, leading to economic prosperity, particularly in the cities of Gremi and Bazari.

Personal Life

Levan's first marriage was to Tinatin, daughter of Mamia I Gurieli, the ruler of Guria. This marriage produced a number of children. His second marriage was to the daughter of the Shamkhal of Kara Mussa. This marriage also resulted in the birth of several children.

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