Prince Bakar of Kartli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bakar |
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| Regent of Kartli | |
| Tenure | 1716-1719 |
| Born | April 7, 1700 |
| Died | February 1, 1750 (aged 49) Moscow |
| Burial | Donskoy Monastery |
| Spouse | Ana Eristavi |
| Issue | Alexander Gruzinsky Levan Gruzinsky Princess Mariam Princess Elisabed |
| House | Bagrationi dynasty |
| Father | Vakhtang VI of Kartli |
| Mother | Rusudan of Circassia |
| Religion | Georgian Orthodox Church |
| Khelrtva |  |
Bakar (Georgian: ბაქარი) was a Georgian prince born on April 7, 1700. He belonged to the Bagrationi dynasty, a very old royal family. Bakar played an important role in the history of the Kingdom of Kartli, which is in eastern Georgia. He served as a regent for three years, from 1716 to 1719. A regent is someone who rules a kingdom when the king is away or too young.
Bakar was the son of King Vakhtang VI. He learned about ruling from a young age. However, he also spent some time away from home. This happened when his uncle, Jesse of Kartli, was in charge.
Bakar's Early Rule in Kartli
When Bakar was just 16, a powerful empire called the Safavid Empire asked him to govern Kartli. This was because his father, King Vakhtang VI, was busy with political matters in Persia. Bakar ruled Kartli from 1716 to 1719.
During his time as regent, Bakar made many changes. He introduced new rules to improve the kingdom. However, some powerful local nobles were not happy with these changes. His rule ended when invaders, known as the Lezgins, attacked Kartli. After this, his father returned to the throne.
Changing Alliances and Exile
Bakar first supported a friendly relationship with Persia. In 1722, the Persian Shah (ruler) made him a commander of his special guard. But when the Safavids faced an invasion, Bakar's father told him not to help them.
King Vakhtang VI then decided to seek help from Russia. This change in plans led to a difficult war. Persian forces fought against the Georgian royal family. In 1723, King Vakhtang VI was removed from power. Bakar tried to help, but it was not enough.
In June 1723, Bakar became king again for a short time. This happened after the Ottoman Empire invaded and took control of Tbilisi. But the Ottomans had too much power in Kartli. Bakar decided to fight against their control. He and his father led a guerrilla war, which is a type of fighting where small groups use surprise attacks.
Life in Russia
Without help from other countries, Bakar and his family had to leave Georgia. In July 1724, they went to Moscow, Russia. There, they started a large Georgian community.
Bakar joined the Russian army and worked in diplomacy. He helped Russia with its plans in the North Caucasus region. He tried many times to return to the Georgian throne. But Russia did not want to help him take back his kingdom. After his father died in 1737, Bakar became a claimant to the throne. This means he believed he should be the next king.
In Moscow, Bakar led the Georgian community. It grew and became strong under Russia's protection. Bakar and his brother, Vakhoucht, also created a cultural center. They even set up a large printing house, which helped spread Georgian culture and knowledge.
Family
Bakar was married to Ana. She was the daughter of Giorgi, Duke of Aragvi. Ana went with Bakar to Russia. She passed away in Moscow and was buried in the Donskoy Monastery. Bakar and Ana had five children:
- Prince Alexander Gruzinsky (1726–1791), who became a Russian army officer. He also claimed the Georgian throne.
- Prince Levan Gruzinsky (1739–1763), another Russian army officer.
- Princess Mariam (died 1807).
- Princess Elisabed (died 1768), who married Prince Nikolay Odoyevsky.
- An unnamed daughter.
