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Tchkotoua
The family originates from
occidental Georgia in the
Caucasus, a region called
Samurzakano on the border of
Mingrelia and Abkhasia.
In the 9th century the first
known ancestor, Bero
Tchkotoua, founded a
monastery in Natsimeri and
built the family castle in
Saberio, the land of the family.
They have since been feudal
Princes of Saberio. Germain
Tchkotoua was Prince Bishop
of Bedia under the reign of
Bagrat III (978 – 1014).
The Tchkotouas were many
times appointed Regents of the
Province of Samurzakano by
the Georgian Kings, notably in
the 14th, 15th and 18th
centuries.
The Russian Empire annexed
Georgia in 1801 and thereafter
Georgian noble families were
included in the Russian Nobility
Register. Georgia gained its
independence during the
revolution.