From the History of Samtskhe-Javakheti (Feudal Family of Kuabulidze, Toponym of Askalana)

According to the anonymous Georgian historian, in the early 1070s, the influential feudal lords of Georgia, Ivane Baghvashi, Niania Kuabulidze and Vardan Vardanisdze revolted against the young King George II (1072-1089). The king could not properly punish the rebels and was forced to satisfy their demands. Niania Kuabulidze, who occupied Kutaisi, the capital of the kingdom, received the Tmogvi fortress in exchange. Ivane Baghvashi took possession of the fortress city of Samshvilde and, at his request, the places, Askalana and Utaghubo were given to the Eristavi of Svaneti Vardan Vardanisdze.
I believe that the roots of the Kuabulidze family can be traced back to the Meskheti region in southern Georgia. During the Middle Ages, not far from the present day municipal center of Adigeni, there existed the village of Kvabliani. The river of the same name flows here today. In the middle feudal era, this noble family wielded substantial influence. Several representatives of this feudal family are mentioned in historical records. Otagho Ch’ach’asdze Kuabuleli is documented in 11th-century sources. Early in the 11th century, historical sources mention Iovane Kuabulisdze and his son Dachi. Dachi also became the ruler of the Kakheti principality for a period. In the 13th-15th centuries, in historical documents are mentioned: Sargis Kuabulidze, Grigol and Ioane Kobulidze, Aghbuga Kobulidze, Shalva Kuabulidze. Since the Tmogvi fortress was located not far from the family estate of the Kuabulidze family, Niania’s request for it was quite logical.
We were interested in determining the location of Askalana and Utaghubo, which were handed over to Vardan Vardanisdze. Previously, these places belonged to the feudal family of Jaq’eli. Therefore, the location of Askalana and Utaghubo in the south of Georgia, in the Meskheti region, is probable. In today’s Aspindza municipality, near the village of Ota, on the banks of the Jabieti River, there are the remains of the old village of
Askilvana. The old village of Gharta is located nearby. Locals consider Askilvana to be part of Gharta. The village of Askilvana is also mentioned in official Ottoman documents. Askilvana must be the Askalana mentioned by the anonymous Georgian historian. Its name is related to the plant dog rose (Rosa canina). As for the toponym Utaghubo, it should include the villages of Ota and Ghobieti, which historical records often present together. The villages of Ota, Askilvana and surroundings were later transferred to Varaz Otari and the village of Ghobieti, located on the banks of the Kura River, belonged to the Ghobieri family. The red fortress of Varazi is located near Ota.