Турава-Пінскае княства Duchy of Turau and Pinsk 10th century–14th century → Capital Turau Language(s) Old Belarusian Religion Eastern Orthodox Church Government Monarchy Prince of Turau  - 950-980 Tur Legislature Veche History  - Established 10th century  - Incorporation into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania 14th century

The Duchy of Turau and Pinsk (Belarusian: Княства Турава-Пінскае, Russian: Княжество Турово-Пинское) was a medieval principality and state on the territory of modern southern Belarus. The principality's capital was Turau or Pinsk, other important cities were Mazyr and Slutsk.

The duchy originated from the dregovich tribe, circumstances of its creation are not clearly known. According to the legend, the town of Turau was founded around 950 (1-st mentioned in 980) by prince Tur, a brother of Rahvalod.

In 1162 the principality under duke Yury Yaraslavich of Turau gained full independence from Kievan Rus'. However, at the same time the duchy became more and more divided between several sons of the duke Yury. A semi-independent Duchy of Pinsk was created.Along with the Duchy of Smolensk, the army of Turau participated in the Battle of the Kalka River in 1223.

In early 13th century the duchy of Turau became dependent of the Kingdom of Halych-Volhynia. To liberate itself from it, the dukes of Turau cooperated more and more with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In early 14th century Turau and Pinsk non-violently joined the Grand Duchy. By that time Hleb Narymunt, the son of Gedymin, was already ruler of Pinsk, while Turau and Haradok were still ruled by Rurikids.

[edit] See also

• Prince of Turau