 Distribution of theKakhetian dialect | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| c. 500,000 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 GeorgiaKakheti: 271 298 (82,9%) (2014) | |
| Languages | |
| Kakhetian dialect ofGeorgian language | |
| Religion | |
| †Georgian Orthodox Church |
Kakhetians (Georgian:კახელები,[kʼɑχɛlɛbi]; sg. კახელი,[kʼɑχɛli]) are anethnographic group ofGeorgians who speak theKakhetian dialect of theGeorgian language. Kakhetians are the indigenous population ofKakheti, a historical region and fertile valley in easternGeorgia that produces much of the country's wine.[1] Like the general population of Georgia, most Kakhetians are adherents of theGeorgian Orthodox Church.
Kakheti was anindependent principality from the end of the eighth century. It was incorporated into the unitedGeorgian Kingdom at the beginning of the eleventh century, but for less than a decade. Only in the beginning of the twelfth century did Georgian KingDavid the Builder (1089–1125) incorporate Kakheti into his Kingdom successfully.[2]