Bakar of Georgia (b. 1699)

Prince Bakar: Regent of Kartli and Luminary of Georgian Culture in Russia

Prince Bakar (Georgian: ბაქარი), born either on June 11, 1699, or April 7, 1700, and passing on February 1, 1750, was a pivotal figure from the Bagrationi dynasty, the ancient royal house of Georgia. As a batonishvili, or royal prince, from the esteemed Mukhrani branch, his life unfolded during a profoundly turbulent era for Georgia, caught between the geopolitical ambitions of Safavid Persia, the burgeoning Ottoman Empire, and the rising influence of Tsarist Russia. Bakar notably served as regent of the Kingdom of Kartli, a vital region in eastern Georgia, from September 1716 to August 1719.

Regency and Safavid Influence in Kartli

Bakar's period as regent began when his father, King Vakhtang VI of Kartli, was compelled to reside at the Safavid court in Persia. This absence, a common tactic by the Safavid Shahs to exert control over their Georgian vassals, necessitated a trusted and capable leader in Kartli. Bakar was left in charge of the government, demonstrating his father's confidence in his administrative abilities amidst a complex political landscape. His authority was formally recognized by the Shah of Persia in 1717. In a significant ceremony, Bakar was invested with the prestigious title of janishin, effectively a viceroy or royal deputy, symbolizing his delegated power. This investiture was accompanied by traditional symbols of office: a crown, a sword, gold insignia, and a ceremonial robe of honor.

A critical condition for this recognition, however, was Bakar's nominal conversion to Islam, a recurring demand placed upon Christian Georgian rulers by their Safavid overlords. He adopted the Islamic name Shah-Nawaz, a Persian name meaning "beloved of the Shah," underscoring the political necessity of this act rather than a true change in faith for the Christian prince. Despite this nominal conversion, Bakar was entrusted with substantial military and administrative power. He was appointed by the Shah as the commander-in-chief of the Persian army, a remarkable position for a Georgian prince, and simultaneously served as the governor-general of Azerbaijan, a strategically vital province bordering Georgia.

High Military Office and Exile to Russia

Bakar's military career within the Safavid administration continued to ascend. In 1722, he was further appointed as the commander of the elite gholam corps (qollar-aghasi), a highly loyal and influential military unit typically composed of Christian converts or renegades from various Caucasian regions, often serving as the Shah's personal guard and shock troops. This appointment highlighted the significant trust placed in him by the Safavid court, recognizing his military prowess and administrative capabilities.

However, the regional power balance shifted dramatically. In 1723, the Ottoman armies launched a major invasion of Georgia, exploiting Safavid weakness. Bakar initially attempted to negotiate with the Ottoman forces, seeking to mitigate the devastation for his homeland, but the situation proved untenable. Faced with overwhelming odds and the collapse of Safavid authority in Georgia, Bakar, along with his father, King Vakhtang VI, made the momentous decision to seek refuge in the burgeoning Russian Empire. They departed for Russian exile in July 1724, marking a significant turning point in Georgian history, signaling a new strategic alignment away from Persia and towards Orthodox Russia.

Life in Moscow: A Cultural Patron and Russian Tsarevich

Upon settling permanently in Moscow, Prince Bakar became known in the Russian imperial court as Tsarevich Bakar Vakhtangovich Gruzinsky (Russian: Бакар Вахтангович Грузинский). The title "Tsarevich" denoted his princely status from a sovereign house, "Vakhtangovich" indicated his patronage as the son of Vakhtang, and "Gruzinsky" literally meant "of Georgia," firmly establishing his identity within the Russian aristocracy while acknowledging his Georgian royal lineage.

In Russia, Bakar passionately continued the cultural and scholarly enterprises initiated by his father, who was himself a renowned polymath and patron of arts. Bakar played a crucial role in the revival and sustained operation of the Georgian printing house in Moscow, which became a vital center for the preservation and dissemination of Georgian language and literature outside of Georgia. His most significant contribution in this realm was sponsoring the monumental publication of the complete Georgian Bible in 1743. This was a landmark achievement, building upon earlier partial translations and safeguarding Georgian religious texts for future generations, serving as a cornerstone for national identity and cultural continuity in a time of political upheaval.

Service to the Russian Empire and Legacy

Beyond his cultural endeavors, Prince Bakar also fully integrated into Russian public life, serving with distinction in both diplomatic and military capacities. In 1724, as a mark of imperial favor and recognition of his noble status, he was granted the village of Lyskovo in hereditary possession, a significant estate that further cemented his family's position within the Russian aristocracy. His military career in Russia saw rapid advancement. In November 1729, Bakar was promoted to the esteemed rank of lieutenant-general and was appointed as the commander of artillery in the strategically important Moscow region. This high-ranking position underscored the trust placed in him by the Russian court and his capabilities as a military leader.

Prince Bakar passed away in Moscow on February 1, 1750, after a life dedicated to his Georgian heritage and his adopted Russian homeland. He was interred at the Donskoy Monastery, a revered necropolis in Moscow that serves as the final resting place for many prominent Russian noble families and figures, reflecting his high standing in Russian society.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prince Bakar

Who was Prince Bakar?
Prince Bakar was a Georgian royal prince (batonishvili) of the Mukhrani branch of the Bagrationi dynasty. He served as regent of the Kingdom of Kartli (eastern Georgia) and later became a prominent figure in the Russian Empire, known for his cultural patronage and military service.
What was Bakar's role as regent of Kartli?
From September 1716 to August 1719, Bakar governed the Kingdom of Kartli while his father, King Vakhtang VI, was at the Safavid Persian court. He was recognized by the Shah as janishin (viceroy) and was given significant military and administrative authority.
Why did Bakar nominally embrace Islam?
Bakar's nominal conversion to Islam and adoption of the name Shah-Nawaz was a political requirement imposed by the Safavid Shah to formalize his appointment as regent and other high offices, reflecting the geopolitical dominance of Persia over Kartli at the time.
What was Bakar's significance in Russia?
In Russia, where he was known as Tsarevich Bakar Vakhtangovich Gruzinsky, he became a key figure in the Georgian diaspora. He famously helped revive the Georgian printing house in Moscow and sponsored the publication of the complete Georgian Bible in 1743, preserving Georgian culture and language. He also served as a lieutenant-general in the Russian military.
Where is Prince Bakar buried?
Prince Bakar is interred at the Donskoy Monastery in Moscow, a significant historical burial site for Russian nobility and other prominent figures.