, native_name = , native_name_lang = , image = File:Kartvelian languages.svg , caption = Distribution of the Svan language in relation to other Kartvelian (South Caucasian) languages. , population = –80,000 , popplace = , region1 = , pop1 = 14,000–30,000 , region2 = , pop2 = 45 (2010) , languages = Svan, Georgian , religions = Predominantly †

Eastern Orthodox Christianity Eastern Orthodoxy, also known as Eastern Orthodox Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Chalcedonian Christianity, alongside Catholicism and Protestantism. Like the Pentarchy of the first millennium, the mainstream (or "canonical") ...

( Georgian Orthodox Church) , related_groups = , related-c =

Georgians The Georgians, or Kartvelians (; ka, ქართველები, tr, ), are a nation and indigenous Caucasian ethnic group native to Georgia and the South Caucasus. Georgian diaspora communities are also present throughout Russia, Turkey, G ...

, the Laz and

Mingrelians The Mingrelians ( xmf, მარგალეფი, margalefi; ka, მეგრელები, tr) are an indigenous Kartvelian-speaking ethnic subgroup of Georgians that mostly live in the Mingrelia ( xmf, სამარგალო, sam ...

The Svans ( ka, სვანი, ) are an ethnic subgroup of the

(Kartvelians) Stephen F. Jones
Svans
''World Culture Encyclopedia''. Retrieved on March 13, 2011: «''The Svans are one of the dozen or so traditionally recognized ethnic subgroups within the Georgian (Kartvelian) nation.''»The Svans
Kevin Tuite ''Université de Montréal'' 1992: «''The Svans are one of the dozen or so traditionally recognized ethnic subgroups within the Georgian (Kartvelian) nation.''» living mostly in Svaneti, a region in northwest Georgia. They speak the Svan language and are mostly bilingual also in Georgian. Both these languages belong to the Kartvelian (South Caucasian) language family. In the pre-1930 Soviet census, the Svans were afforded their own "ethnic group" (''natsional'nost'') category. The self-designation of the Svan is Mushüan, which is probably reflected in the ethnonym Misimian of the Classical authors.

History

The Svans are usually identified with the Sanni mentioned by Greek geographer

Strabo Strabo''Strabo'' (meaning "squinty", as in strabismus) was a term employed by the Romans for anyone whose eyes were distorted or deformed. The father of Pompey was called "Pompeius Strabo". A native of Sicily so clear-sighted that he could see ...

, who placed them more or less in the area still occupied by the modern-day Svans. In the Russian Empire and early Soviet Union

and Svans had their own census grouping, but were classified under the broader category of Georgian in the 1930s. They are Georgian Orthodox Christians, and were Christianized in the 4th–6th centuries. However, some remnants of pre-Christian beliefs have been maintained. Saint George (known as ''Jgëræg'' to the locals), a patron saint of Georgia, is the most respected saint. The Svans have retained many of their old traditions, including blood revenge, although this tradition has been declining over time and as law enforcement takes hold. Their families are small, and the husband is the head of his family. The Svan strongly respect the older women in families.

Language

Typically bilingual, they use both Georgian and their own, unwritten Svan language. Prior to the 19th century, many Svans were monolingual, only knowing the Svan language. However, Svan is being largely replaced by Georgian, which is the language of culture and education in Georgia.

Genetics

The most common Y-chromosomal haplogroup among the Svans is G2a (90%), in the second place is the Y-chromosomal haplogroup R1a (5%), in the third place is the Y-chromosomal haplogroup J2a1 (about 3%). Among mitochondrial haplogroups H (17.9%), K (15.8%), W6 (13%), T (9.24%), U1 (7.61%), X2 (6, 52%), U2 (5.98%) are common haplogroups.Генетический портрет сванов на фоне народов Южного Кавказа
/ref>

Famous Svans

* Temur Babluani (1948-), film director, script writer, and actor * Géla Babluani (1979-), Georgian-French film director * Mikheil Gelovani (1893–1956), actor who primarily portrayed Stalin * Otar Ioseliani (1934-), film director in Georgia * Mikheil Kurdiani (1954-2010), philologist, linguist, writer, poet and translator * Sopho Gelovani (1984-), singer *

Tariel Oniani Tariel Oniani ( ka, ტარიელ ონიანი; born 1952) is a Georgian mafia boss and 'Thief in law'. He is reportedly a member of the "Kutaisi" criminal gang. Background and activity in Spain Born in the mining town of Tkibuli in ...

(1952-), mafia boss *

Yaroslav Iosseliani Yaroslav Iosseliani ( ka, იაროსლავ იოსელიანი; russian: Ярослав Константинович Иосселиани) (1912–1978) was a Soviet Navy submarine commander of Georgian ethnicity. He was awarded ...

(1912-1978), Soviet Navy submarine commander * Nana Ioseliani (1962-), chess player

References

External links

{{Authority control People from Georgia (country) by ethnic or national origin