House of Chichua

The House of Chichua (Georgian: ჩიჩუა [Chichua]) was a Georgian family of nobles, commanders, and princes in Samegrelo (Mingrelia) or Odishi.

Historians have different view points about who were the ancestors of Chichua. Some sources state that the family is descended from the House of Chikovani, some state that the family is descended from a man named Chija and hence the surname Chichua, and more precise and factual sources state that they are descended from House of Kakhaberidze, while sharing the same roots as the House of Chijavadze.

The House of Chichua was a prominent noble house in the Mingrelian nobility. Historical sources about the early ancestors of this family first appear in the first half of the 17th century. During the rule of prince Levan II Dadiani (1611-1657) the first member of House of Chichua appeared by the name of Ramaz Chichua and during this time he was the head of his house.

Princedom of House of Chichua appears from the beginning of the 17th century. Their princedom, Sachichuo which occupied the present Municipality of Khobi and included 5 towns: Zubi, Japshakari, Zeni, Sajijao, and partly Kheta.

Their princedom's borders to the east ended at the town of Zana, to the south - at the town of Khorshi, to the north - at the town of Khibula and the western border was made up by the river of Chanistskali. Other than the above listed towns, the House of Chichua also possessed the towns of Narazeni, Bia, Sakharbedio, Teklati, Kvaloni and Mukhuri. Their residence was located in Zeni, where they had a keep, a church and a hereditary castle. Their hereditary chamber was located in a church in the town of Zeni and in the monastery of Khobi. They also had another hereditary castle located in Zubi.

The Aznauri (or lesser nobles) of the House of Chichua were: Gvatua, Jorjikia, Lolua and Khocholava, and their peasants were: Beraia, Gvalia, Gvasalia, Gersamia, Jruburia, Kuchava, Nadaraia, Papaskiri, Sigua, Chanturia, Chilaia, Chikhvaria and others. The House of Chichua had their place in the administrative apparatus. From the late documents, it is revealed that the Castellan and Mouravi of the castles of House of Chichua were the Aznauri Gvatua and masters of the castles were peasants Gvasalia.

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