Regarding the Imperial Rescript on Granting Prince V. Madatov the Right to Manage His Estate St. Petersburg, September 1, 1821
I hereby transmit to Your Excellency the Imperial Rescript, issued in response to my most humble report regarding the granting of rights to Prince Madatov to assume management of the estate, which is being returned to him by General-Mehdi Kuli Khan in exchange for the one that once belonged to his ancestors.
Your Excellency, upon notifying Prince Madatov of this Imperial decree, you shall assign a diligent and trustworthy officer of your choosing to conduct a detailed survey of the villages, lands, and all estates that are to come under his possession. This survey must ensure that no disputes arise in the future and that Prince Madatov neither loses any property nor has grounds to claim additional assets.
Once the survey is completed, you shall prepare a document for my signature, listing all the villages and localities included.
The Khan must be informed by letter that His Imperial Majesty, having received with favor his commendable decision to transfer the estate to Prince Madatov, graciously approves this act of succession.
I am sending along the original document provided by the Khan for this matter. You shall deliver it to Prince Madatov, who must sign the survey report prepared by the official you appoint. Afterward, Your Excellency shall countersign it and order it to be securely stored in the archives of the border administration.
Report from General A. Yermolov to Emperor Alexander I
On the Exile of Jafar-Kuli Khan from Karabakh and the Transfer of His Estate to the Treasury March 5, 1822
The recent flight of the Khan of Karabakh to Persia prompted me to expedite my inspection of the province. I found its inhabitants to be completely tranquil and in excellent spirits. In the presence of the city’s residents, I administered an oath of loyalty to Your Imperial Majesty and ordered the same procedure throughout the province. I established a municipal court and a divan.
The Khan’s nephew, Colonel Jafar-Kuli Agha, has been exiled to Russia. Entrusting him with the governance of the Khanate would have been inappropriate, as he was an insurgent who fled to Persia in 1812 and accompanied Abbas Mirza’s forces in the devastation of Karabakh—an attack in which the battalion of the Troitsky Infantry Regiment also suffered. My predecessor, upon summoning him from Persia, imprudently recognized him as the rightful heir to Karabakh.
An opportune moment presented itself for his removal to Russia. Several days before the Khan’s flight, Colonel Jafar-Kuli Agha, traveling at night, was lightly wounded by a gunshot. Due to his enmity with the Khan, suspicion fell upon the latter, leading to the arrest of his attendants and a thorough investigation—though nothing conclusive was uncovered. On the contrary, many of the city’s most honorable residents asserted that the Colonel had ordered his own servants to fire the shots to implicate the Khan in a crime before the authorities and claim succession rights.
The residents substantiated their claims by stating that six days before the incident, Colonel Jafar-Kuli Agha had told many that he was aware of the Khan’s alleged intention to assassinate him. He had even informed General-Major Prince Madatov but took no precautions. The shots were fired at him near his own house in the most exposed part of the city, where the assailants could have been easily captured by his attendants.
His estate is to be transferred to the treasury, and after determining an appropriate stipend for him, I shall have the honor of presenting the matter to Your Imperial Majesty for approval.
I have informed the Minister of Internal Affairs of his departure.
Correspondence between General I. Velyaminov, Archbishop Nerses Ashtaraketsi, and Mehdi-Kuli Khan
Regarding the Resistance of the Shusha Khan to the Property Census of the Armenian Population in Karabakh Confidential, July 8, 1822
I. Velyaminov to Nerses Ashtaraketsi
No. 351
From the enclosed copy of my response to the letter from Mehdi-Kuli Khan of Karabakh, Your Eminence will see the justifiable reason that compels me to most humbly request postponement of the Armenian population census in Karabakh until a more favorable time. At first glance, the apprehensions of the Karabakh ruler seem baseless, undoubtedly stirred by the fabrications of his unruly associates, who oppose any form of order.
Nevertheless, the current political circumstances and local conditions necessitate a degree of moderation in implementing government measures designed to establish universal order. Particularly in Karabakh, where the ruler enjoys privileges sanctioned at the highest level, some leniency is required, depending on the situation. Thus, I believe there would be little harm if this census were postponed until the winter months, which would be more convenient for such endeavors.
I. Velyaminov to Mehdi-Kuli Khan
No. 2355
I must candidly express my astonishment at the contents of Your Excellency’s letter regarding the census conducted in Karabakh by Archbishop Nerses. It clearly indicates that you, my sincere friend, do not have a proper understanding of the matter and that individuals hostile to order and governance have managed to distort the purpose of this endeavor with misleading or entirely false interpretations.
It is therefore my duty to inform Your Excellency of the true objective behind this census.
For a long time, Russian law has mandated the enumeration of churches, monasteries, clergy, and Christian communities—including Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Catholic, Lutheran, and others—to determine the precise number of adherents of each Christian denomination within the Russian Empire and to catalog the clergy and churches of each faith. These records are collected by local religious authorities and submitted to the Minister of Spiritual Affairs, serving both administrative and historical purposes, as well as aiding in geographical documentation of the empire.
The ministry, in adherence to this tradition, requested Archbishop Nerses—as the foremost spiritual authority in the Armenian Christian community of the region—to provide such records. Similar censuses have already been conducted across most territories except Karabakh. Encouraging this effort, General-in-Chief Alexei Petrovich*—having full confidence in your exemplary diligence and unwavering loyalty to His Imperial Majesty—has sought your cooperation in facilitating this beneficial endeavor.
How, then, could such an absurd notion arise that this census is intended to segregate Armenians from Tatars in Karabakh or to enhance the revenues of the Armenian clergy? Likewise, how could one suggest that this action undermines the treaty ratified by the highest authority or disrupts the established order and customs of Karabakh? I find such claims incomprehensible and am utterly perplexed as to their origin. However, I cannot believe that such reasoning comes directly from Your Excellency, for your prudence and sound judgment are well known to the government.
Nevertheless, as a sincere friend, I regret that these baseless concerns have gained traction, likely spread by those opposed to any form of structured governance. Such speculation, if allowed to persist, could raise doubts about Your Excellency’s commitment to imperial service, which I am certain remains unwavering.
I assure Your Excellency that there is no hidden agenda behind this census, beyond what I have explicitly stated. It will in no way increase the authority of the Armenian clergy over its followers in Karabakh nor elevate their influence beyond its existing bounds. Furthermore, this measure is not intended to augment clerical revenues, as no new levies or taxes may be imposed without Your Excellency’s approval, apart from voluntary contributions to churches and religious institutions—an inalienable right of every citizen. Lastly, neither the treaty nor the governance of Karabakh, entrusted to Your Excellency by imperial decree, will be affected, nor will your judicial authority over the Armenian population be diminished.
However, to accommodate Your Excellency’s concerns, I will submit your letter on this matter for review by the General-in-Chief in Georgia, though I doubt it will receive his approval. For additional reassurance, I have already instructed Archbishop Nerses to postpone the census until a more suitable time, out of consideration for the agricultural season, to prevent disruption to the people’s fieldwork. However, this postponement does not imply that the census will be abandoned entirely.
Source: AKAK, Volume VI, Part 1, Document No. 1289. (Highlighted by Y.B.)
- Alexei Petrovich Yermolov
From the Report of General I. Velyaminov to General A. Yermolov
Regarding Mehdi-Kuli Khan’s Resistance to the Census of the Armenian Population in Karabakh July 9, 1822
I find it necessary to submit translations of Mehdi-Kuli Khan’s letter to me, as well as the correspondence from His Eminence the Archbishop, along with my responses to them. The distorted interpretations arising from the census of Armenians in Karabakh, which have greatly unsettled the Khan, have compelled me to temporarily postpone the census. This decision is based solely on the fact that conducting it at this time would be difficult and burdensome for the population, as it would divert laborers from their agricultural work.
Report of General A. Yermolov to Emperor Alexander I
On the Flight of the Karabakh Khan to Persia and the Establishment of Russian Administration in Karabakh November 14, 1822
The growing dissatisfaction among the inhabitants of the Karabakh Khanate with its ruler, General-Major Mehdi-Khan—particularly due to the extortion by his favored officials, to whom he had delegated excessive power—led him to flee to Persia. His fear of accountability before the government, coupled with his secret communications preparing for a favorable reception in Persia, prompted his escape.
His primary concern, as can easily be inferred, was that the Khanate’s residents, having received Your Imperial Majesty’s generous pardon for several years of tax arrears, did not benefit from this clemency. The extravagant Khan failed to remit tribute to the treasury, instead collecting taxes from the people for his own use.
Following his flight, Colonel Jafar-Kuli Agha was initially designated as his successor. However, given his previous betrayal—having fled to Persia in 1812 and fought against us—I deemed it necessary to remove him from succession and declared that the Karabakh Khanate, like other provinces, would henceforth be under Russian administration.
Beyond the substantial revenue that this province can contribute to the treasury, I consider it a significant advantage that this borderland will no longer be under disorderly Muslim rule. Its inhabitants, witnessing the establishment of order and the protection of property rights, will become loyal subjects of the benevolent government.
The fugitive Khan, having ruled for many years, still has loyal followers. However, the tranquility of the population is owed to the prudent measures taken by General-Major Prince Madatov. To assess the province’s revenues and establish taxation procedures, I am dispatching the Head of my Chancellery, State Councilor Mogilevsky, and the Commander of the Georgian Regiment, Colonel Yermolov. They will execute their duties with the dignity befitting the government.
Report of General Prince V. Madatov to General I. Velyaminov
On the Flight of Mehdi-Kuli Khan to Persia Fortress of Shusha, November 21, 1822
I hasten to report to Your Excellency that Mehdi-Kuli Khan fled across the border early this morning, accompanied by no more than 15 to 20 retainers. None of his beks followed him, and judging by the loyalty of the Karabakh people, even his retainers are unlikely to accompany him beyond the frontier. He departed in extreme poverty, without money, and with only his meager personal belongings. I believe his flight was driven by fear of accountability for the oppression of the people, who had repeatedly petitioned me against him and his close associates.
Upon announcing the Khan’s departure to the populace, they received the news with great joy. I have taken the necessary measures in response to the current circumstances.
The Khan’s remaining property is insignificant, consisting mainly of a herd, which has already been secured as per my orders. His wives and sisters remain here and are being summoned to Shusha. Their personal belongings, consisting of modest attire and household necessities, are of little value and, in my opinion, do not warrant official inventory by our government. Nevertheless, I await further instructions on this matter.
Captain Rostom-Bek has been placed under arrest for certain reasons, and his immovable property, along with that of his son Asad, is being inventoried in Shusha by Lieutenant Colonel Reutt, assisted by local officials and esteemed members of the Karabakh Khanate. In Gerus, the inventory is being conducted in the presence of local officers and prominent residents by Staff Captain Mokritsky of the 42nd Jaeger Regiment, with assistance from Archbishop Martiros of Tatev and Lieutenant Colonel von-Disterlo.
I will soon submit a detailed list of those who fled with the Khan, as well as a report on the remaining movable assets of both the Khan and Rostom-Bek.
Address of General A. Yermolov to the People of Karabakh on the Liquidation of the Khanate
November 1822
I am deeply astonished to learn of the treachery and flight of Mehdi-Kuli Khan of Karabakh to Persia!
Therefore, from this moment, the Karabakh Khanate is placed under the direct authority of the Russian government. The Khan’s rule is permanently abolished, and I will appoint special officials to establish the necessary administration in the region.
The esteemed beks and residents of all social classes may fully rely on the protection and support of the Russian government. I am pleased to assure them that their property will remain inviolable, that the customs of the land will be preserved, and that those who are loyal and diligent will always have the opportunity to receive rewards commensurate with their merits. However, severe punishment will befall those who participated in the Khan’s betrayal or dare to maintain secret communications with him.
Sincerely wishing for the happiness of the people of Karabakh and hoping they will appreciate the value of benevolent governance, I issue this warning for their guidance.
Directive from General A. Yermolov to General V. Madatov Regarding the Flight of Mehdi-Kuli Khan to Persia
November 25, 1822
I was greatly surprised to learn from your report to General Velyaminov about the flight of Mehdi-Kuli Khan of Karabakh to Persia.
He could have sought means to justify himself against the complaints of oppression and hoped for leniency from the authorities, who had consistently shown him respect. He could have demanded and personally enforced the strictest measures to identify those responsible for the attempted assassination of Colonel Jafar-Kuli Agha—if he himself had no involvement in the plot. Thus, I cannot entirely dismiss suspicion regarding his role in this matter.
You are to take all possible measures to uncover those engaged in subversive activities.
I fully approve of your decision not to inventory the property belonging to the Khan’s wives, as it is of no significant value. However, their sources of income, including any villages or immovable assets, must be documented.
I will appoint special officials to investigate the revenues that must be transferred to the treasury and will dispatch them without delay. Until a commandant is appointed—who, as in other provinces, will oversee administrative affairs—you shall entrust this duty to Lieutenant Colonel Reutt, who must gather all relevant information. You may also employ officials who previously served under the Khan and whom you deem useful for the new administration.
I am confident that the people of Karabakh, assured of the protection of their property and rights, will strive to demonstrate their loyalty to the Emperor through diligent and faithful service. You, in turn, must take all necessary measures to reinforce their trust in the government’s commitment to maintaining their peace and prosperity.
You shall instruct the Khan’s remaining wives and those of his relatives deemed worthy to show due respect.
Rostom-Bek must remain under arrest until he proves that he did not abuse the excessive trust placed in him by the Khan, as must his son Asad. The Khan’s remaining documents must be preserved.
Report of General A. Yermolov to Emperor Alexander I on the Reasons for Mehdi-Kuli Khan’s Flight to Persia and the Introduction of Direct Russian Administration
December 14, 1822
The growing dissatisfaction among the inhabitants of the Karabakh Khanate with Mehdi-Kuli Khan—particularly due to the extortion by his favored officials, to whom he had delegated excessive power—led him to flee to Persia. His fear of accountability before the government, coupled with his secret communications preparing for a favorable reception in Persia, prompted his escape.
His primary concern, as can easily be inferred, was that the Khanate’s residents, having received Your Imperial Majesty’s generous pardon for several years of tax arrears, did not benefit from this clemency. The extravagant Khan failed to remit tribute to the treasury, instead collecting taxes from the people for his own use.
Following his flight, Colonel Jafar-Kuli Agha was initially designated as his successor. However, given his previous betrayal—having fled to Persia in 1812 and fought against us—I deemed it necessary to remove him from succession and declared that the Karabakh Khanate, like other provinces, would henceforth be under Russian administration.
Beyond the substantial revenue that this province can contribute to the treasury, I consider it a significant advantage that this borderland will no longer be under disorderly Muslim rule. Its inhabitants, witnessing the establishment of order and the protection of property rights, will become loyal subjects of the benevolent government.
The fugitive Khan, having ruled for many years, still has loyal followers. However, the tranquility of the population is owed to the prudent measures taken by General-Major Prince Madatov. To assess the province’s revenues and establish taxation procedures, I am dispatching the Head of my Chancellery, State Councilor Mogilevsky, and the Commander of the Georgian Regiment, Colonel Yermolov. They will execute their duties with the dignity befitting the government.
Approval by Emperor Alexander I of General A. Yermolov’s Measures for Establishing Order and Stability in Karabakh
Copy – St. Petersburg, April 19, 1823
To the Commander of the Separate Caucasian Corps, General of the Infantry, Yermolov
Having read your report dated March 6 of this year regarding the measures you have taken to reinforce lasting order and stability among the inhabitants of the Karabakh province, as well as the new system of tax collection in the Shirvan province, I fully approve both actions.
On this occasion, I once again express my special gratitude for your dedication and efforts in organizing and governing the vast region entrusted to your administration.
Signed in the original by His Imperial Majesty’s own hand: Alexander
Verified: General-Adjutant Paskevich 183
Yuri Barsegov “Nagorno-Karabakh in International Law and Global Politics”
Artatsolum
Read Also:
- Ancient and Medieval Sources on Artsakh (Karabakh) as Part of Armenia’s State Territory
- Message from Gandzasar Catholicos Esayi to Peter I August 10, 1716
- Memorandum Issued to Ivan Karapet Along with the Imperial Letter to the Armenian People Regarding Russia’s Readiness to Take the Armenians of Karabakh Under Its Protection June 3, 1723
- Decree of Peter I to the Armenian People Regarding Russia’s Willingness to Offer Protection to the Armenians of Karabakh
- On Armenian Hopes for Russian Assistance
- Report of Minas Vardapet to Peter I
- Contents of the Secret Letters from the Armenian Assembly and the Armenian Army of Karabakh to the Russian Emperor and Chancellor August 1724
- Contents of the Secret Letters from the Armenian Assembly and the Armenian Army of Karabakh to the Russian Emperor and Chancellor August 1724
- State Charter of Peter I On the Acceptance of the Armenian People Under the Protection of the Russian State and Their Resettlement from Karabakh to Newly Acquired Persian Provinces November 10, 1724
- Letters from the Catholicos and the Meliks of Karabakh
- Charter of Catherine I Addressed to the Armenian Assembly
- Message General Mkhitar—to the Russian Government
- The Armenian Assembly’s Request for Military Assistance June 19, 1727
- Result from Russia’s failure to fulfill its promises of assistance to the Armenians March 1736
- On the Issuance of the Decree Appointing Panah Khan
- Letter from General Potemkin to Prince Argutinsky with questions about the liberation of Armenia
- Appeal of Gandzasar Catholicos Hovhannes to Catherine II
- Letter from Melik Apov Iosifov to Provide Assistance to Russian Military Forces for the Liberation of Enslaved Karabakh
- Report of Prince G. Potemkin to Catherine II
- Request of General P. Potemkin to Prince G. Potemkin
- Letter from Archbishop Joseph Argutinsky to General P. Potemkin
- Memorandum to Catherine II on the Project for the Restoration of the Armenian Kingdom
- Decree of Paul I to General Count I. Gudovich
- Letter from Archbishop Joseph Argutinsky
- Report by State Councillor P. Kovalesky
- The Khan’s Vizier, Mirza Jamal Javanshir Karabakhsky
- From the Report of General Marquis Palluci to Alexander I
- The Gulistan Treaty – An Interstate Act of Iran’s Cession of the Karabakh Territory to Russia
- Report of General A. Yermolov to Alexander I Requesting the Waiver of Tax Arrears for the Karabakh Khanate
- LETTER FROM GENERAL A. YERMOLOV TO MEHTI-KULI KHAN
5 thoughts on “Directive from General A. Yermolov to General I. Velyaminov”