Tamta Mqargrdzeli on the horizon of relations between the Sultanate of Akhlat and the Mongol states in the 13th century

Abstract

The aim of the article is to elucidate the relationship between the Turkish Sultanate of Akhlat, the neighbouring Mongol state and the Kingdom of Georgia, as well as we want to clearly demonstrate the role of Tamta Mqargrzeli in the domestic and foreign policy of the neighbouring state. The article will contribute to the description of the domestic political situation in the Akhlat Sultanate at the begin­ning of the 13th century and will outline the relationship of the local gove­rnment with both neighbouring Christian states (referring the Geo­rgian Kingdom) and the leaders of the Mongol states invading from Central Asia. Therefore, our intension is to illuminate the role of Tam­ta Mqargrzeli as a mediator in the process of operational conduct and maintenance of diplomatic relations. From the perspective of state interests, a description of Tamta’s role as the temporary governor of the Akhlat Sultanate, left without leadership, and her activities as a diplomat. In the 13th century, the personality of Tamta Mqargrzeli was clearly associated with diplomatic relations between the Georgian Kingdom and surrounding Muslim states. The topic of the research presents the role of Georgians in the contiguous Akhlat Sultanate and Mongol states, describes their contribution and significance. This issue has not been sufficiently studied in Georgian historical sources and papers. A specific study will contribute to the description of the hist­ory of the medieval Middle East and clearly highlight the role of Georgians (referring the role of women and their position) in dete­rmining the strategically vital domestic and foreign policies of adja­cent countries. The study will restore the historical perspectives that arose in the diplomatic and military-political relations of Georgia with the neighbouring Turkic-Mongol states of the 13th century and will rep­resent compelling illustration in the analysis and development of these processes.