Martvatsa

A meeting between a Chiskor (fourth from the left), an Ela, and several Mtavaris, and retainers

Martvatsa (Khamli: მართვაცა martvatsa) was a form of government practiced by the Rasmi people, particularly in mainland Auressia.

The word Martvatsa derives from the Khamli martva and Kitsi tsa, which literally means commands from the tsa or tent government. This is in reference to both the itinerant nature of mainland Rasmi, and how the leader of a martvatsa or bayrakh would issue their decrees and edicts from a semi-open tsa which would often feature their buntsuk.

Notes

chiskor ჩისქორი - leader of the martvatsa, from Svan for gateway, threshold

mtavari მთავარი - chief, head of a bayrakh

martvatsa მართვაცა - tent government from Rasmi martva 'government' and Chechen 'tsa' tent/temporary dwelling

zaor - meeting 'battle' from adyghe

surkho - hereditary military nobility

bayrakh - banner, administrative division