The Self-Governing Popular Bodies in South Western Georgia in the Late Middle Ages (Olkoba)

Abstract

In the Late Middle Ages in one part of Georgian highlands feudal relations were the basis of the country's socio-political structure, while in the other part, the life cycle was built on traditions with appropriate popular institutions. The local popular authorities regulated the social, economic and legal spheres of the settlements and this was especially evident when the influence of the Georgian central authorities on the regions, in particular in Samtskhe and Adjara, was weakened or stopped functioning altogether. In Adjara valleys since Middle Ages existed popular self-governing organizations. They were leaded by councils of elders. The council of elders previously was called “mokrianoba” “Olkoba” represented judicial, legislative, executive body . Time after time it even assembled military unit called “olka” which consisted of young worriers. Their armed actions were called “upraising of olka”. Thus, “olkoba” was self-governing social body in the region. It was well marched with the patriarchal way of life and popular stereotypes.