To Vice-Chancellor Count V. Kochubey 1798
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Finally, in extending my zeal to the matter which the blessed memory of His Imperial Majesty Peter the Great once regarded with paternal concern, I have always maintained unwavering faith in the protection and assistance of the Russian Empire toward the Karabakh meliks, ensuring uninterrupted correspondence with them. This is why the present delegation includes Melik Jimshid Shahnazaryan and Melik Fridon Beglaryan, who now await the sovereign’s gracious favor in recognition of their willingness—alongside their numerous subjects—to serve His Imperial Majesty.
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AVPR, f. SRA, op. 100/3, 1764-1800, d. 462, ll. 30-32 ob. Original Document No. 118
Petition to Paul I
By Melik Jimshid, Melik Fridon, and Petros Madatov Seeking Assistance for the Remaining Armenian Population in Karabakh March 29, 1799
Most August Monarch, Most Merciful Sovereign!
It has now been two years since we abandoned our lands, together with our authority, our fellow countrymen, and all our kin, left in dire and extreme hardship under the yoke of barbarous oppressors. We dared to seek refuge under the mighty protection of Your Imperial Majesty and, through His Excellency Prince Alexander Andreyevich Bezborodko, humbly submitted our plea, detailing the suffering inflicted upon us by the rapacious Persian rulers and imploring Your Majesty’s powerful intervention. We were heartened then by His Excellency’s reassuring response, conveyed through Secretary Lashkarev.
Now, once again compelled by the plight of our fellow subjects, co-religionists, and relatives—who continue to languish under the yoke of infidel rulers, groaning under severe oppression and placing all hope in divine grace and Your Majesty’s boundless generosity—we humbly bring forth this petition once more.
Most August Monarch! Hear the supplication, which, with a broken heart and in deepest humility and reverence, we lay at Your Majesty’s sacred feet. Bereft of power, property, privileges, and separated from all our loved ones, we now await Your gracious favor. Do not deprive us of the magnanimity and compassion so characteristic of Your reign, which You have bestowed upon other sovereigns and rulers, restoring their dignity and uplifting their nations. May You likewise grant us, together with all our people, the blessing to glorify Your illustrious name before the entire world.
Most Merciful Sovereign!
Your Imperial Majesty’s faithful subjects, Melik Jimshid, Melik Fridon, Petros Madatov
AVPR, f. SRA, op. 100/3, 1797-1799, d. 464, ll. 189-190. Original Document Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800. Vol. IV. Yerevan, 1990, doc. No. 348.
Observations on the Armenian Nation’s Pursuit of Independence
Under Russian Protection and Mediation Regarding the Position of Karabakh Armenians in Georgia Spring 1799
Presented to the Director of the Asian Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, S. Lashkarev, Based on petitions from Armenian meliks to Emperor Paul I
The Armenian meliks, having supported Russian military operations in Persia since the era of Peter the Great, and particularly during the recent expedition, sacrificed their property and even their lives in devotion to the aspirations of the Russian monarchs. Following the withdrawal of Russian troops from Persia in 1796, they were subjected to severe retaliation by its implacable rulers, stripped of their dominions in Karabakh, and forced to seek refuge under the supreme protection of the great Emperor Paul I, who received them graciously.
Their petition now seeks the establishment of settlements within lands that previously belonged to Armenia but are presently under Georgian rule. These lands would allow them to regroup and provide a haven for their displaced subjects and other compatriots.
The Armenian nation, long suffering under the yoke of enemies of Christianity, aspires—both out of ancestral tradition and deep devotion to the Christian faith—to regain its independence and governance under a native ruler. The Karabakh region, being one of the last remnants of historic Armenia to have preserved its autonomy for centuries under native leadership, was regarded by the Armenian people as their last hope of sovereignty, particularly under the protective embrace of the Russian Empire. However, with its recent subjugation under Muslim rule, not only has this prospect vanished, but the Persian occupation of Karabakh—bolstered by its strongholds in the natural fortifications of the Caucasus—poses an increasing threat to Georgia, which is now under Russian imperial protection. This situation exposes Georgia’s borders to frequent incursions and devastation.
Given Russia’s vested interest in the stability and security of the Georgian kingdom, the meliks’ request must be viewed favorably. Moreover, establishing an Armenian colony under native leadership within its homeland—shielded by the formidable name and power of the Russian Empire—would foster a stable and prosperous society, driven by the Armenians’ inherent patriotism, industriousness, and entrepreneurial spirit. Under the supreme authority of the Russian Emperor, such a colony would flourish and contribute significantly to the Empire’s interests in the region.
To facilitate the realization of these mutual benefits for Georgia and the proposed Armenian colony, the following measures are recommended:
- Granting Imperial Protection – Recognizing the Armenian meliks, their kin, and their subjects with formal decrees and honorary distinctions.
- Securing Land in Georgia – Persuading the Georgian king to allocate land for Armenian settlers under favorable conditions.
- Defining Political Relations – Establishing a distinct Armenian province allied with Georgia but under Russian imperial oversight.
- Military Support – Providing initial resources, including weapons and financial aid, for the colony’s defense against hostile neighbors.
- Symbolic Recognition – Equipping the colony with artillery and integrating select Armenians into Russian forces in Georgia for military training.
AVPR, f. SRA, op. 100/3, 1797-1799, d. 464, ll. 191-192. Copy. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800. Vol. IV. Yerevan, 1990, doc. No. 354.
Decree of Paul I on Granting Pensions to Melik Jimshid and Melik Fridon, Who Suffered for Their Loyalty to Russia During the War with Persia
April 22, 1799
By our most gracious decree, we command that Armenian meliks Jimshid, ruler of Varanda, and Fridon, ruler of Gulistan, who endured hardships during the recent Persian war due to their allegiance to the Russian Empire, be granted an annual pension of 1,400 rubles for the former and 1,000 rubles for the latter. Additionally, the son of Melik Jimshid, Pavel, shall receive 600 rubles per year.
We entrust this matter to your supervision, ensuring that these payments are duly delivered to them in Georgia, where they are to settle through the mediation of our established mission there. This mission shall be responsible for issuing receipts or confirmations of payment to you.
We remain favorably inclined toward you.
The original is signed by His Imperial Majesty himself: Paul
AVPR, f. SRA, op. 100/3, 1797-1799, d. 464, l. 187. Copy. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, doc. No. 350.
Letter from the Director of the Asian Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, S. Lashkarev, to Prince P. Lopukhin
Regarding Paul I’s Decree to Manufacture Eight Gold Medals for Armenian Meliks April 26, 1799
Illustrious Prince, most gracious sovereign!
According to the enclosed gold medal, His Imperial Majesty has decreed that eight such gold medals be produced at the mint for the Armenian meliks. I humbly request Your Highness to order the necessary arrangements for their manufacture and delivery to me. I shall then entrust them to Mr. Duval for embellishment with diamonds.
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Sergey Lashkarev
Note: No. 7798/1158, April 26, 1799. Central State Historical Archives of the USSR, f. 1374, op. 2, d. 1790, l. 1. Original Document. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, doc. No. 351.
Report of the Russian Consul in Anzali to the College of Foreign Affairs
Regarding Ibrahim Khan’s Reports to Baba Khan on the Movements of Russian Troops May 15, 1799
<…> Since Baba Khan received intelligence from Ibrahim Khan of Shusha that Russian forces were advancing toward Georgia with the intention of seizing Erivan and relocating the Karabakh Armenians to Georgia and Mozdok, he accordingly commanded Sulaiman Khan to deploy a contingent of troops to Erivan as a garrison. He also instructed that the fortress be placed under the command of a nobleman from the Qajar dynasty, who would oversee the stationed forces.
Additionally, Baba Khan wrote to Ibrahim Khan, urging him to deter the Armenians through persuasion.
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Note: Received by the College on July 3, 1799. AVPR, f. SRP, op. 77/6, 1799, d. 490, ll. 16-17. Original Document. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, doc. No. 353.
Imperial Charter of Paul I to the Ruling Meliks of Karabakh
On Their Admission to Russian Citizenship and the Relocation of Armenians Under Their Rule While Preserving Their Rights June 2, 1799
To the noble meliks of the distinguished Karabakh region—Jimshid Shahnazaryan, ruler of Varanda, and Fridon Beglaryan, ruler of Gulistan—as well as to the other esteemed ruling meliks, yuzbashis, and their people, we extend our imperial grace and favor.
With pleasure, we have observed the reports submitted by our ministry regarding your unwavering devotion to us, the great sovereign, and the All-Russian throne. Your petition to leave your homeland, where you have endured oppression, and to settle within our Empire or in the territories of His Highness King George of Kartli-Kakheti—who is under our supreme protection—has been received with earnest consideration.
In light of your dedicated plea, we, the great sovereign, gladly accept you into our high citizenship and protection. Accordingly, we have graciously granted King George the authority to allocate the requested land in Kazakh, provided it remains unoccupied, or another location of your choosing. Furthermore, we allow you to retain the same authority and privileges over the Armenians who voluntarily relocate from Karabakh as you previously held in your homeland.
This decree has been communicated to His Highness through our imperial charter. We also notify you, esteemed meliks, that you are authorized to arrange all matters concerning the relocation of Armenian subjects and your loyal followers to this new settlement. You shall establish your residence there in a manner befitting honored guests, ensuring appropriate freedoms, benefits, and advantages.
We direct that our imperial charter be personally delivered to His Highness by you. In this, we entrust you to coordinate with our appointed minister in Georgia, our esteemed and loyal subject S. S. Kovalenko, who has been furnished with necessary directives for securing the best and most advantageous arrangements for you.
We place full confidence in your fidelity and loyalty. As further confirmation of our supreme imperial benevolence, we graciously grant pensions for your well-being and bestow medals of distinction upon you.
Complete Collection of Laws of the Russian Empire, Vol. XXV, No. 18990, pp. 674-675. Collection of Acts Related to the History of the Armenian People, Vol. I, 1833, pp. 199-201.
Imperial Charter of Paul I to George XII
On Granting the Request of Meliks Jimshid and Fridon Regarding Their Resettlement from Karabakh Alongside Their Armenian Subjects June 3, 1799
To His Highness, the Most Illustrious King of Kartli and Kakheti, George XII,
The noble Armenian meliks of the distinguished Karabakh region—Jimshid Shahnazaryan, ruler of Varanda, and Fridon Beglaryan, ruler of Gulistan—along with Yuzbashi Petros Madatov and their retinue, having been present at our imperial court, have humbly submitted petitions to our Imperial Majesty. They have requested both admission into our imperial citizenship and our most gracious permission to leave their homeland, where they have suffered oppression, and to settle with their subjects in the territories of Your Highness, specifically on the land known as Kazakh.
They further request that they retain the same authority and governance over their Armenian subjects as they previously held, pledging in return their unwavering loyalty to us, the great sovereign, and to Your Highness, as well as their readiness to employ their strength in the defense and service of your realm.
Given our vested interest in the welfare of your kingdom and our Christian duty, we most graciously grant their petition, accepting them into our high citizenship and protection. We instruct Your Highness, upon their arrival, to address their needs, discuss their circumstances in detail, allocate the requested land, and grant them appropriate freedoms and privileges as honored guests.
We further decree that their authority over their Armenian subjects shall remain intact, ensuring that they retain the same rights and privileges as in their former homeland. This authority shall not be revoked unless they prove unfaithful or act contrary to the common good. Should any among them, though unlikely, act against the interests of the realm, Your Highness shall first gather the necessary evidence from their subjects and notify our Imperial Majesty before proceeding as directed.
Moreover, we trust that the noble Melik Jimshid, esteemed among his fellow rulers for his particular influence over the Armenians residing there, shall receive greater distinction and a more favorable reception from Your Highness. We expect that you will inform us of the measures you take in accordance with this decree, as we have likewise instructed our minister dispatched to you.
We remain ever gracious toward you with our imperial favor.
Issued in Pavlovsk on June 3, 1799, in the third year of our reign.
Signed by His Imperial Majesty himself: Paul Countersigned by Vice-Chancellor Count Kochubey
AVPR, f. SRA, op. 100/3, 1797-1799, d. 464, ll. 196-198. Copy. Complete Collection of Laws of the Russian Empire, Vol. XXV, No. 18991, pp. 675-676. Collection of Acts Related to the History of the Armenian People, Vol. I, Moscow, 1833, pp. 201-202.
Communication from Vice-Chancellor Count V. Kochubey and Count Rastopchin
On the Transmission of Copies of Emperor Paul I’s Charters to the Governing Senate of Russia Regarding the Admission of the Ruling Karabakh Meliks Jimshid and Fridon, Alongside Their Armenian Subjects, into Russian Citizenship Due to Their Oppression in Their Homeland June 28, 1799
The Armenian meliks of the Karabakh region—Jimshid, ruler of Varanda, and Fridon, ruler of Gulistan—who had been present at His Imperial Majesty’s court, have now been dispatched to Georgia by supreme decree.
In their petition to His Imperial Majesty, they described the oppression they endured in their homeland and reaffirmed their unwavering loyalty to the All-Russian imperial throne. They humbly requested admission into His Imperial Majesty’s high citizenship and the most gracious command for His Highness, the King of Kartli and Kakheti, to allocate land for their settlement within his domain.
In response to this petition, His Imperial Majesty granted supreme approval and personally signed charters detailing the provisions for their resettlement. The College of Foreign Affairs hereby transmits copies of these charters to the Governing Senate for its necessary reference.
Signed: Count Viktor Kochubey, Count Rastopchin, Secretary Arkhip Ivanov
AVPR, f. SRA, op. 100/3, 1797-1799, d. 464, l. 270 ob. Copy. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, doc. No. 358.
Petition of Karabakh Melik Jimshid to Emperor Paul I
Requesting Support for His and His Relatives’ Claim to Belong to the Arsacid Dynasty of Armenia and, Accordingly, Their Right to Name, Dignity, and Coat of Arms Astrakhan, September 22, 1799
Most August Monarch, Most Merciful Sovereign!
During my time at Your Imperial Majesty’s court, I was so immeasurably and boundlessly honored by Your supreme grace that, feeling the full magnitude of Your boundless benevolence, I considered it my duty at every step of my journey to express my deepest gratitude. However, I deemed it most appropriate to fulfill this obligation upon my safe arrival in Astrakhan, where, to my great joy, I found my closest relatives.
Like myself, they descend from the ancient lineage of King Arsaces the Great of Armenia—two grandsons of my late uncle, Melik Johan, Prince of the Arsakuni family: Semen and Avet. Upon their arrival in Russia, they were given the surname Ivanov, after my uncle, their grandfather. Nevertheless, they have preserved the character and dignity befitting their noble lineage.
Among them, Semen, after serving Your Imperial Majesty for nine years, was promoted to the rank of captain and, in 1798, was granted the title of titular councilor. By Your supreme command, he was appointed director of the Astrakhan port customs office. The younger, Avet, remains among the local citizens.
As a lasting testament to my presence within the glorious Russian Empire and as an eternal mark of my name for future generations who shall prosper in blessed Russia, I wish for my aforementioned relatives to reclaim all the distinctions befitting their noble lineage. I humbly request that they no longer be called Ivanov but instead bear the title of Princes of the Arsakuni family.
Although they possess documentation proving their noble ancestry, I most devotedly beseech Your Imperial Majesty to grant them this supreme favor—allowing them and their descendants, by Your special decree, to bear their ancient and rightful surname, retain their dignity, and use the coat of arms of their lineage in all official matters.
Your Imperial Majesty’s most humble and devoted servant, Melik Jimshid Shahnazaryan, Prince of Arsakuni Ruler of Lesser Armenia, Shusha, and Other Provinces
Note: Received on October 11, 1799. AVPR, f. SRA, op. 100/3, 1797-1799, d. 464, l. 326 ob. Original Document. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, doc. No. 358. 127
Yuri Barsegov “Nagorno-Karabakh in International Law and Global Politics”
Artatsolum
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