Teflis

1693. A geographical dictionary representing the present and ancient names by Edmund Bohun. - some articles[edit | edit source]

Teflis, Artaxata, Arxata, Tephlis, Zogocara, the Capital City of Georgia; in the Province of Carduel, upon the River Khur, or Cyrus. Anciently one of the greatest Cities of the East; but being taken and ill handled by the Turks, it consists of very few Inhabitants; under the King of Persia. (Baudrand). Sir John Chardin who saw it some few years since, contrariwise assures us it is one of the fairest, though not the biggest Cities in Persia; at the bottom of a Mountain, upon the River Cur; incompassed on all sides, but the South, (where the River secureth it) with a strong and beautiful Wall; and has about fourteen Christian Churches, served by Armenians and Georgians; together with a large Castle guarded by Natural Persians only. The Bishops See or Palace is near the Cathedral Church. It has in the mean time not one Mosque, (except a small one lately built in the Castle;) because the Christians will not endure it, and the Persians are too wise to exasperate their Frontier People; who can with ease call in the Turks to revenge the Injuries of their Religion. It is well Peopled, full of Strangers, who resort thither on the account of Trade. Twice in the hands of the Turks, in the Reigns of Ishmael II, and Solyman his Son. The latter took this and Tauris about 1548.

The Persian Tables place it, Long. 83. 00. Lat. 43. 05. //Paris Meridian was used in the book

The Congregation at Rome de propaganda fide, keeping a Mission of Capuchins in Georgia, (who understand Physick and by that means render themselves very acceptable to the Country;) their Praefect resides here. It is the Seat of the Viceroy of Georgia.