ABSTRACT
COMMENTARY 30 The banner of Kisik (G. Kisiqi) (ref. Chap. 4, p. 161, n. 5, Chap·5,p·188,n.l) Kisik= G. Kisiqi: For this 'banner' see Commentary 29 (ii) above. Kisiqi formed the triangle of territory between the lower streams of the Alazani and the lori before they unite to enter the Kura. By Wakhusht it was identified with Kambechovani, 'the plain of buffaloes', classical Cambysene (cf. Wak./Brosset, p. 311 and Map 4; also AlIen, HGP, p. 64; for classical references, Cellarius, 11, pp. 313, 342). Strategically, the Kisiqi 'banner' covered the approaches from the predominantly Moslem regions of Sheki and Shirvan; ethnically the whole of this borderland was very mixed. Since the disappearance of the ancient kingdom of Albania (Aghovanq), Georgian and Armenian elements had been in contact and, often, conflict there. Fine hunting country, it had never recovered from the devastations of the Mongols in the thirteenth century; and Turkoman tribes were accustomed to nomadize there. The Kakhian administration was centred towards the north at Bodbe in the mountainous district of Tzivi. There is a fine cupola church at Bodbe, where St Nino is said to have been buried, and its prestige gave to the bishop (Bodbeli) primacy among his Kakhian peers. According to Wakhusht the Kisiqni had a reputation for roughness, but were robust, daring and war-like and close-knit among them-
