Who were the Dvals, according to the provided information?

The Dvals were an ethnographic group of Georgians. An ethnographic group is a community of people who share a common cultural background or descent.

In which languages is the name Dvals referenced in the source material?

The name Dvals is found in Georgian, written as Dvalebi, and in Ossetian, written as Twaltæ.

Where were the historical lands of the Dvals primarily located?

Their historical lands were situated on both sides of the central Greater Caucasus mountains, specifically between the Darial and Mamison gorges. This territory encompassed the north of Kartli, parts of the Racha and Khevi regions in Georgia, and the southern area of Ossetia, also within Georgia.

What is the origin of the name Dvals and the land Dvaleti?

The name Dvals, or Dvalni in old Georgian, is found in ancient Georgian annals. Their land was subsequently named Dvaleti after them.

How has the ethnonym Dvals persisted into modern times?

The ethnonym has survived as Twal and Urs-Twal in Ossetian, with Urs-Twal meaning white Twals. An ethnonym is a name applied to an ethnic group.

Which modern surnames are derived from the name Dvals?

The Georgian surnames Dvali, Dvalishvili, and Dvalidze, along with the Ossetian surname Tuallagov or Twallægtæ, all originate from the name Dvals.

According to Swedish linguist G. Skjold, what is the etymological source of the term Dval?

G. Skjold suggests that the term Dval is derived from the name of the Alanian prince Dula.

What does the circa 19th-century photograph in the source material depict?

The source material includes a circa 19th-century photograph depicting sisters from the Dvali family.

What historical event led to the migration of Ossetes into Dvaletia?

The migration of Ossetes across the Caucasus mountains into Dvaletia occurred after the Mongol Empire destroyed the Alanian kingdom in the Northern Caucasus during the 13th-14th centuries.

What community did the Ossetes establish in a portion of Dvaletia?

The Ossetes formed a community called Tuallæg in a part of Dvaletia after their migration.

What were the consequences for the Dvals as a result of the Ossetian migration?

The Dvals were pushed southward, which accelerated their assimilation into the Georgian and Ossetian populations. Cultural assimilation is the process by which a person or a group's language and culture come to resemble those of another group.

By what time was the assimilation of the Dvals largely complete?

The assimilation of the Dvals was complete by the early 18th century.

What was the geographical scope of the term Dvaleti after the Dvals' assimilation?

After the assimilation, the term Dvaleti retained only a geographic meaning, referring specifically to the area around the Kudaro valley in the west, which is the modern-day Java district in South Ossetia or Shida Kartli.

To which haplogroup do members of the Dvali surname from Georgia belong?

Members of the Dvali surname from Georgia belong to the G-M201 haplogroup. A haplogroup is a group of similar haplotypes that share a common ancestor with a single-nucleotide polymorphism mutation.

How was Dvaleti historically regarded in the context of Georgian statehood?

Throughout the history of Georgian statehood, Dvaleti was consistently considered an integral part of Kartli, even after its inclusion into the Russian Empire.

When did Ossetians begin to settle in the Dvaleti province, and how long did this process continue?

Ossetians began to settle in the Dvaleti province, located in the northern part of the main Caucasus range, from the 15th century, and this settlement continued throughout the 16th century.

When did the assimilation of the local Georgian ethnic group of Dvalians conclude?

The assimilation of the local Georgian ethnic group of Dvalians drew to its end in the 17th century.

Before the Ossetian settlement, to which parts of Georgia did many Dvalians migrate?

Before the Ossetian settlement in Dvaleti, a significant portion of the Dvalians migrated to various regions of Georgia, including Shida Kartli, Kvemo Kartli, Imereti, and Racha.

When did Russia annex Kartli-Kakheti, and what was Dvaleti's status in this annexation?

Russia annexed Kartli-Kakheti in 1801, and Dvaleti was included as part of this annexation.

How was Dvaleti's administrative status altered in 1858?

In 1858, Dvaleti was administratively separated from the Tiflis Governorate and subsequently attached to the Tersky district of Russia.

What observation did Vakhushti Bagrationi make about the Dvalian language?

Vakhushti Bagrationi noted that the Dvals spoke an old Dvalian language, but by his time, they used Ossetian as if it were their native tongue.

What was V. Gamrekeli's initial theory regarding the Dvalians' origin?

Initially, V. Gamrekeli regarded Dvalians as Vainakhs, specifically Kartvelian Vainakhs. The Vainakh peoples are indigenous to the North Caucasus region.

According to V. Gamrekeli's initial theory, when did the Kartization of the Dvalians occur and why?

V. Gamrekeli believed that the Kartization of the Dvalians took place in the 7th century, driven by the migration of the Kartlian population who were exhausted by Arab rule.

How did V. Gamrekeli's views on Dvalian origins evolve over time?

V. Gamrekeli later changed his perspective, and in an article published in the Georgian Soviet Encyclopedia, he recognized the Dvalians as Kartvelian tribes, specifically Zans.

What do some scholars suggest about the Dvalian language if it was not Zan?

Some scholars propose that if the Dvalian language was not specifically Zan, it represented one of the other Kartvelian languages, a family of languages spoken primarily in Georgia.

What was B. Gamkrelidze's ultimate conclusion regarding Dvalian origins?

B. Gamkrelidze concluded that Dvaleti, from ancient times, had always been an integral part of the Georgian world, both culturally and administratively.

What archaeological evidence supports the Kartvelian origin theory for the Dvals?

The absence of crypts in Dvaleti serves as a detail to support their Kartvelian origin. Crypts are underground burial chambers.

Where were crypts commonly found, and who were known for building them?

Crypts were commonly found in Chechnya and Ingushetia, and the Chechens and Ingush were recognized as skilled builders who constructed crypts not only in their native lands but also in neighboring Ossetia.

What inference is drawn from the absence of crypts among the Dvalians in relation to the Vainakhs?

It is suggested that if the Dvalians had been related to the Vainakhs, the culture of crypt building would likely have been present among them as well.

What alternative theory exists regarding the Dvals' language, according to some historians and linguists?

According to a number of historians and linguists, the Dvals probably spoke a Nakh language. Nakh languages are a group of languages spoken in the North Caucasus region.

What was Gamrekeli's initial position on the Dvals' language within the Nakh theory?

Gamrekeli, a Georgian historian, initially provided a version of the Nakh theory, stating that the Dvals had a language distinct from that of the Ossetes but akin to the Vainakh languages.

Why did Gamrekeli later modify his views on the Dvals' language and origin?

Gamrekeli later changed his views as he encountered more arguments supporting the theory that the Dvals were Georgian mountaineers.

What evidence from the Malkh people is cited to support the Nakh theory for the Dvals?

The people directly to the Dvals' west, known as the Malkh, are believed to be Nakh in origin, which is cited as evidence for the Nakh theory.

How does Heinz Fähnrich's research on Nakh-Svan contact contribute to the Nakh theory?

German Caucasologist Heinz Fähnrich's evidence of extensive Nakh influence in the Svan language suggests significant Nakh-Svan contact before Iranian-speaking invaders arrived, implying a Nakh people lived near the Svans.

Why is the Dvals' historical territory considered crucial for the Nakh-Svan contact theory?

The Dvals' territory is considered crucial because without them, or a preceding people in their land, being Nakh, extensive contact with the Svans would have been unlikely due to the challenging terrain of the Caucasus mountains separating the Malkh and Svans.

What did the Georgian historian Melikishvilli propose based on the Dvali clan name?

Melikishvilli argued, using the similarity in name to the old Vainakh clan Dvali, that the Dvals were related to the Vainakh people but distinct, and that a remnant of them was absorbed by the Vainakh proper.

Which Nakh placenames did Kuznetsov identify in South and North Ossetia?

Kuznetsov noted the presence of Nakh placenames such as Tsei, Leah, and Leah-hee (Liakhvi) in South and North Ossetia.

What is the general consensus among historians regarding the Dvals' relation to the Alans?

Almost all historians agree that the Dvals were not Alans, an ancient nomadic pastoralist people of Iranian origin.

Why is it considered improbable that the Dvals were Scythians if they were not Alans?

It is considered unlikely that the Dvals were Scythians if they were not Alans because it would be improbable for them to have diverged so sharply in such a small geographical area, especially given that in the Caucasus, many peoples separated for long periods were still considered a single ethnic unity.

What is another theory regarding the Dvals' linguistic background?

Another theory posits that the Dvals were an Ossetian-speaking people. Ossetian is an Eastern Iranian language spoken in the Caucasus.

According to the Ossetian theory, what was the Dvals' significance in the settlement of the southern Caucasus?

Under the Ossetian theory, the Dvals were among the first Ossetes to settle in the southern Caucasus region.

What discovery in 1957 provided evidence for the Ossetian theory?

In 1957, a text believed by some to be Dval was discovered in Dvaleti, providing evidence for the Ossetian theory.

What writing system was used for the Dval text found in 1957?

The Dval text found in 1957 was written using a Syrian-Nestorian writing system.

How are contemporary Ossetes residing in the former Dvals territory identified?

Modern-day Ossetes living in the old territory of the Dvals are referred to as Tuals in the north and Urs-Tuals in the south.

What dialect do the modern Ossetes in the former Dvals territory speak?

These modern Ossetes speak the Tual dialect of the Ossetic language.

Who were some of the most notable Dval calligraphers, and during which centuries did they work?

Some of the most prominent Dval calligraphers were John, Michael, Stephen, and George, who were active during the 11th to 13th centuries. Calligraphers are artists who specialize in beautiful handwriting.

Where did these Dval calligraphers primarily practice their craft?

These Dval calligraphers primarily worked at various Georgian Orthodox monasteries located abroad, with significant contributions made in Jerusalem and at Mount Athos.

Can you name some significant old Georgian manuscripts created by Dval calligraphers?

Notable old Georgian manuscripts include The Months and The Vitae of St Basil, created by John the Dval around 1055, and the Labechini Gospels, produced by George the Dval in the 13th century.

Who was Vola Tliag, and what is the meaning of his name in Ossetian?

Vola Tliag was another renowned Dval calligrapher, and his name in Ossetian means Vola from Tli.

Where did the Dval calligrapher Vola Tliag perform his work?

Vola Tliag worked over the Kapelle of Nuzal.

Who was St Nicholas of Dvaletia?

St Nicholas of Dvaletia was a Dval monk associated with the Georgian monastery in Jerusalem.

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Who were the Dvals?

An Ethnographic Group

The Dvals were a distinct ethnographic group of Georgians, whose historical presence is deeply intertwined with the rugged landscapes of the central Greater Caucasus mountains. Their ancestral lands spanned both sides of this formidable range, situated strategically between the significant Darial and Mamison gorges.^[1]^[2]

Geographical Footprint

This historic territory encompassed a broad area, primarily covering the northern reaches of Kartli, alongside portions of the Racha and Khevi regions within modern-day Georgia. It also extended into the southern part of what is now North Ossetia–Alania, a republic within the Russian Federation, further highlighting their trans-Caucasian presence.^[1]

A Fading Identity

Over centuries, the Dvals underwent significant demographic and cultural shifts, leading to their eventual assimilation into neighboring Georgian and Ossetian populations. By the early 18th century, the process of their distinct identity fading into the broader cultural tapestry of the region was largely complete, leaving behind a rich, albeit complex, historical legacy.^[3]

Etymology

Naming the People and Land

The ethnonym "Dvals" (Georgian: დვალები, Dvalebi; Ossetian: Туалтæ, Twaltæ) is deeply rooted in ancient Georgian annals. Their ancestral land was consequently named Dvaleti (Georgian: დვალეთი, Dvalet`i), directly reflecting the identity of its inhabitants.^[4]

Linguistic Enduring Legacy

The name "Dval" has persisted into modern times, notably as "Twal" and "Urs-Twal" (Ossetian: Урстуалтæ, meaning "white Twals"). Furthermore, several prominent Georgian surnames such as Dvali (დვალი), Dvalishvili (დვალიშვილი), and Dvalidze (დვალიძე), as well as the Ossetian surname Tuallagov/Twallægtæ, directly derive from the Dvals' ethnonym, underscoring their lasting impact on regional nomenclature.^[3]^[5]

The Alanian Connection

Swedish linguist G. Skjold proposed an intriguing hypothesis, suggesting that the term "Dval" may originate from the name of an Alanian prince, "Dula." This theory offers a potential link between the Dvals and the broader historical context of the Alanian presence in the Caucasus region.^[6]^[7]

Historical Trajectory

Impact of Mongol Invasions

The 13th–14th centuries marked a pivotal period for the Dvals, as the Mongol Empire's destruction of the Alanian kingdom in the Northern Caucasus triggered significant demographic shifts. This event led to the migration of Ossetes across the Caucasus mountains, with a portion settling in Dvaletia, where they established their community known as Tuallæg.^[8]

Assimilation and Displacement

The influx of Ossetian settlers into Dvaleti, beginning in the 15th century and intensifying through the 16th and 17th centuries, gradually pushed the indigenous Dvals southward. This sustained pressure accelerated their cultural assimilation into both Georgian and Ossetian populations. By the early 18th century, the Dvals as a distinct ethnic entity had largely ceased to exist, with the term "Dvaleti" retaining only a geographical significance, specifically referring to the Kudaro valley area in what is now Java district of South Ossetia/Shida Kartli.^[8]

Administrative Shifts

Historically, Dvaleti was considered an integral part of Kartli within the Georgian statehood, a status that persisted even after its inclusion into the Russian Empire. However, in 1858, Dvaleti was administratively detached from the Tiflis Governorate and subsequently appended to the Tersky district of Russia, reflecting the changing geopolitical landscape of the region.^[9]

Genetic Footprints

Haplogroup G-M201

Genetic studies have provided insights into the lineage of individuals bearing the Dvali surname, a direct descendant of the Dvals' ethnonym. Members of the Dvali family in Georgia have been identified as belonging to the Haplogroup G-M201.^[10] This haplogroup is notably prevalent in the Caucasus region, as well as in parts of the Middle East and Europe, suggesting ancient migratory patterns and deep historical connections within these populations.

Theories of Origin

The Georgian Theory

This perspective posits the Dvals as an indigenous Kartvelian group, intrinsically linked to Georgian history and culture. Proponents highlight Dvaleti's consistent administrative and cultural integration into Kartli throughout Georgian statehood.^[9]

Historical Integration: Dvaleti was consistently considered an integral part of Kartli, even after Russian annexation.^[9]
Migration Patterns: Prior to Ossetian settlement, a significant portion of Dvalians migrated to various regions of Georgia, including Shida Kartli, Kvemo Kartli, Imereti, and Racha.^[9]
Linguistic Observations: Vakhushti Bagrationi noted that while Dvalians spoke an "old, Dvalian" language, they had adopted Ossetian as their native tongue by his time.^[11]
Evolving Scholarly Views: Historian V. Gamrekeli initially considered Dvalians as Vainakhs (Kartvelian Vainakhs), but later revised his stance, recognizing them as Kartvelian tribes, specifically Zans. Some scholars suggest they spoke a distinct Kartvelian language rather than Zan.^[9]
Cultural Evidence: The absence of crypts in Dvaleti is cited as evidence against a Vainakh (Nakh) origin, as crypt building was a prominent cultural practice among Vainakhs.^[9]^[12]^[13]

The Nakh Theory

A number of historians and linguists propose that the Dvals likely spoke a Nakh language, suggesting a connection to the Vainakh peoples of the North Caucasus.^[14]^[15]

Linguistic Distinction: Gamrekeli initially noted the Dvals' language as distinct from Ossetian but akin to Vainakh languages, though he later changed his view.^[3]
Geographical Proximity: The Malkh people, directly to the west of the Dvals' northern territory, are considered by some to be Nakh in origin. This proximity supports the idea of a Nakh presence.^[16]
Nakh-Svan Contact: German Caucasologist Heinz Fähnrich identified extensive Nakh-Svan contact, suggesting a Nakh people must have lived near the Svans, which would have been the Dvals or their predecessors.^[16]
Nakh Placenames: Kuznetsov points to Nakh placenames in South and North Ossetia, such as Tsei, Leah, and Leah-hee (Liakhvi), as remnants of a Nakh linguistic substratum.^[3]
Non-Alanian Identity: The consensus that Dvals were not Alans, combined with their distinctiveness in a small area, is argued to make a Nakh origin more plausible than a Scythian one.^[16]

The Ossetian Theory

This theory suggests that the Dvals were an Ossetian-speaking people, potentially among the earliest Ossetes to settle in the southern Caucasus.^[17]^[18]

Ancient Text Discovery: In 1957, a text believed by some to be Dvalian was discovered in Dvaleti. Written in a Syrian-Nestorian script, its translation into modern Ossetic form (e.g., "Xwycwy agcar amardi a jyn mysinag y tyxa jyn yz kotton...") supports an Ossetian linguistic connection.^[18]^[19]
Modern Dialects: Contemporary Ossetes residing in the historical Dvalian territory, believed by some to be partially descended from the Dvals, are known as Tuals in the north and Urs-Tuals in the south. They speak the Tual dialect of the Ossetic language, suggesting a linguistic continuity.^[17]^[18]^[20]^[21]

Enduring Legacy

Renowned Calligraphers

Among the most distinguished Dvals were the 11th–13th century calligraphers: John, Michael, Stephen, and George. These masters of script worked in prominent Georgian Orthodox monasteries abroad, particularly in Jerusalem and on Mount Athos. Their contributions include exquisite examples of old Georgian manuscripts, such as The Months and The Vitae of St Basil by John the Dval (circa 1055), and the notable Labechini Gospels by George the Dval (13th century). Another celebrated Dval calligrapher was Vola Tliag (Ossetian: Vola Tliag, meaning "Vola from Tli"), who contributed to the Kapelle of Nuzal.^[22]

Saint Nicholas of Dvaletia

The Orthodox Church venerates the memory of St. Nicholas of Dvaletia, a Dval monk from a Georgian monastery in Jerusalem. He was martyred on October 19, 1314, under the order of Amir Denghiz, for his unwavering commitment to preaching Christianity. St. Nicholas was subsequently canonized by the Georgian Orthodox Church, cementing his place in religious history and highlighting the Dvals' spiritual contributions.^[23]

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References

ÐÐ°ÑÐ°Ð»Ð¸Ð½Ð° Ð¢. Ð. Ð¡ÐºÐ¸ÑÐ¾-Ð¾ÑÐµÑÐ¸Ð½ÑÐºÐ¸Ðµ ÑÑÐ¸Ð¼Ð¾Ð»Ð¾Ð³Ð¸Ð¸ // Nartamongae. Vladikavkaz / Dzaewdzyqaew â Paris, 2002. Vol.1. â 1.

Vakhushti Bagrationi, Description of the Georgian Kingdom, Kartlis Ckhovreba (History of Georgia). Georgian text, V. IV, publ.S. Kaukhchishvili, Tb. 1973, p. 755.

Markovin V. I. On the Development of Crypt Constructions in North Caucasus â Issues of Old and medieval archaeology of East Europe., M, 1978.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Dvals Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not definitive historical or ethnographic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for scholarly research, peer-reviewed publications, or consultation with expert historians, linguists, or ethnographers specializing in Caucasian studies. Always refer to primary sources and established academic works for comprehensive understanding. Never disregard professional academic consensus or delay in seeking further research because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Echoes of Dvaleti

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Who were the Dvals? ℹ️

👥 An Ethnographic Group

🗺️ Geographical Footprint

⏳ A Fading Identity

Etymology 📜

🏷️ Naming the People and Land

🔗 Linguistic Enduring Legacy

👑 The Alanian Connection

Historical Trajectory 🕰️

⚔️ Impact of Mongol Invasions

🔄 Assimilation and Displacement

🏛️ Administrative Shifts

Genetic Footprints 🧬

🔬 Haplogroup G-M201

Theories of Origin 🤔

🇬🇪 The Georgian Theory

🏔️ The Nakh Theory

🗣️ The Ossetian Theory

Enduring Legacy 🌟

✍️ Renowned Calligraphers

🙏 Saint Nicholas of Dvaletia

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Who were the Dvals?

An Ethnographic Group

Geographical Footprint

A Fading Identity

Etymology

Naming the People and Land

Linguistic Enduring Legacy

The Alanian Connection

Historical Trajectory

Impact of Mongol Invasions

Assimilation and Displacement

Administrative Shifts

Genetic Footprints

Haplogroup G-M201

Theories of Origin

The Georgian Theory

The Nakh Theory

The Ossetian Theory

Enduring Legacy

Renowned Calligraphers

Saint Nicholas of Dvaletia

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice