History of the Tarkovskys

The Tarkovskys are descended from the Kumyk feudal monarchical lineage, specifically the senior branch of the Shamhals dynasty, which dominated the Caspian lowland and Northeast Caucasus from the 8th to the 19th century. Their ancestral seat was the ancient city of Tarki, recognized as the capital of the Tarkovsky Shamhals. With roots tracing back to the lineage of the Prophet Muhammad, the Tarkovskys held the title of vali of Dagestan for over a millennium, establishing a political legacy that included diplomatic relations with prominent historical figures, such as Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible in the 16th century.

Tarkovskys join the ranks of Russian aristocracy

In 1849, the family was elevated to princely status within the Russian Empire under Emperor Nicholas I, granting them the title of Prince of Tarkovsky, a significant recognition of their noble heritage. The Tarkovskys played a critical role in the political landscape of the Caucasus, navigating their allegiance with the Russian Empire while preserving their cultural identity. By the late 19th century, the Tarkovsky Shamhals became integral to the historical and cultural fabric of Dagestan, even as their feudal domains were gradually absorbed into the expanding Russian Empire.

History of the Chinggisids

The Chinggisids, descended from the Kazakh khan Abulkhair, who traced their lineage back to Genghis Khan, also embraced a narrative of nobility and cultural significance. With historical ties to various Kazakh tribes and the Russian Empire, the Chingiz family emerged as a prominent force in the political and social spheres of Central Asia. The Chinggisids, much like the Tarkovskys, recognized the importance of heritage and the arts, weaving their legacy into the rich tapestry of Eurasian history.

The Chingiz and the Tarkovskys unite in love, family and common cause

In 1878, a remarkable union took place between the Tarkovskys and the Chingiz. Nikolai Tarkovsky, a nobleman with deep roots in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, sought to fortify his family’s standing within the Russian Empire. He was known for his dedication to Russian cultural and political ideals, and he embodied the nobility’s complex loyalty to the Empire.

Anastasia Chingiz, a young noblewoman renowned for her intelligence and grace, became his chosen bride. She was the daughter of the Chingiz family, whose prestigious lineage traced back to the Mongol Empire, adding a rich and exotic heritage to the Russian aristocratic tapestry. Their marriage was celebrated with grandeur, as it symbolized the merging of diverse yet powerful influences within the Russian aristocracy.

This union not only solidified the Tarkovsky family’s standing but also embodied the complex social landscape of the time, where noble families strategically aligned through marriage to secure their legacy and prestige within the ever-evolving Russian Empire.

The Chingiz-Tarkovsky exile in Switzerland

In the wake of the Russian revolution and the civil war, the last Prince of Tarkovsky, Nukh-Bek Tarkovsky, sought refuge in Switzerland, marking the family's transition into a new phase of existence as expatriates in the early 20th century. This exile became a catalyst for the Chingiz-Tarkovsky to redefine their identity, embracing the arts and social justice causes as they sought to establish a noble legacy that transcended their tumultuous history.

The Chingiz-Tarskovsky settle around the globe

As the Tarkovsky and Chingiz families began to establish branches in major global cities—New York, Paris, Geneva, Shanghai, London, Singapore, Istanbul, Capetown, Nairobi, Dubai and Beirut—they brought with them their rich heritage, striving to make meaningful contributions to the societies in which they settled.

The Chingiz-Tarkovsky in North America

In New York, the family engages in philanthropic efforts, supporting cultural institutions that promote the arts and humanities, such as museums and educational programs focused on international relations and peace studies. We also support initiatives that aim to make health and education accessible to all, sustainable farming, eradication of hunger and slow consumption. We are investing in the search for alternative energy, which starts - and does not stop - with electric batteries.