Ishkhanik of Hereti facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ishkhanikიშხანიკი |
|
|---|---|
| King of Hereti | |
| Reign | 943 – 951 |
| Predecessor | Adarnase |
| Successor | John |
| Dynasty | Arranshahik |
| Religion | Eastern Orthodox Church |
Ishkhanik (Georgian: იშხანიკი) was a ruler of the Kingdom of Hereti from 943 to 951. He was the son of Adarnase Patrikios. Ishkhanik ruled Hereti alongside his mother, Queen Dinar. Queen Dinar was the sister of Gurgen IV, a powerful prince from Klarjeti.
Ishkhanik's Time as King
During Ishkhanik's rule, Hereti faced challenges from its stronger neighbor, the Principality of Daylam. This principality was led by the Sallarid dynasty and was located in what is now Iranian Azerbaijan. Hereti had to accept the Daylamites as their overlords for a time.
A Big Religious Change
An important event during Ishkhanik's reign was a major religious change. According to The Georgian Chronicles, Queen Dinar and her son Ishkhanik decided to change Hereti's official religion. They converted the kingdom to the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith. Before this, Hereti followed the Oriental Orthodox Christian faith. This change happened in the 10th century.
Hereti Regains Freedom
In 950, Ishkhanik saw an opportunity to make Hereti independent again. The Sallarid state, which ruled over Hereti, was having serious internal conflicts. Ishkhanik took advantage of these struggles. He stopped paying tribute (a payment made to a stronger ruler) to the Sallarids. This action effectively brought back Hereti's independence.
Ishkhanik also managed to take back control of several fortresses in Kakheti. Kakheti was another region that had been weakened by a destructive invasion from the Sajid dynasty.
