Prince Nicolas Tchkotoua

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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.