Free Svaneti

As a quasi-autonomous region, Free Svaneti probably emerged with the decline of Georgian feudalism in the 15th century and was devoid of any centralized government until being subjected to the Russian Empire in 1853.

[2] The Free Svan society was devoid of typical feudalism, with no single family rising to prominence, although the distinction between nobles (warg, aznauri) and peasants retained considerable significance in social and economic life.

Common matters were discussed at popular councils, attended by both men and women above 20; the elders from different communities at times convened at Ushguli.

[2] From the early 1830s the Free Svan clans sought Russian protection against the Dadishkeliani, but refused to admit officials and priests sent to them.

In 1847, most of the Free Svan communities, with the exception of those of Latali and Lenjeri, accepted the Russian authority and were organized into the Malakho-Iparsky circuit administered by a bailiff (pristav).