History

Letter from General Potemkin to Prince Argutinsky with questions about the liberation of Armenia

LETTER FROM GENERAL P. POTEMKIN, COMMANDER OF THE RUSSIAN TROOPS IN THE CAUCASUS, TO PRINCE I. ARGUTINSKY, REQUESTING RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE LIBERATION OF ARMENIA Saint George Fortress, December 21, 1782

… General Potemkin’s desire stems both from curiosity and, perhaps, from strategic considerations to understand the circumstances of a land so renowned in antiquity, yet now presenting a sorrowful spectacle—a reminder to mankind of the vanity of worldly affairs. However, setting aside philosophical reflections, he directs his attention to this land. Many reasons draw his thoughts and reasoning toward it, but who can provide deeper insight and explanation than a man who bears the rank of archpastor, and above all, one possessing a sharp and extensive intellect with the talents that distinguish his eminence? Therefore, as an admirer and friend, General Potemkin humbly requests answers to the following matters.

The land of Greater Armenia, having long fallen into the hands of the impious by law and the barbaric in conduct—the Turks and Persians—has endured prolonged subjugation. Does it still retain the strength of spirit necessary for a capable soul? Have oppression and various hardships eradicated noble sentiments from the hearts of its people? Do reason, law, and steadfast faith exert enough influence for the inner disposition of these hearts to incline toward throwing off the yoke that burdens them? This feeling, being the foundation of thought, may drive results—whether great in magnitude or vast in intent—or consequences that could undo even the best-laid plans.

I humbly ask Your Eminence to inform me to what extent the alliance between the Georgian king Irakli and the Armenians extends. What influence does he exert over the khans whose territories border his domain? Does the entire province of Karabakh pay tribute to King Irakli, and is the Khan of Shusha subordinate to him? Additionally, how strong is King Irakli’s army?
Which authority currently controls the Armenian lands adjacent to Georgia? How many meliks exist in the Karabakh province, and what is the estimated population?

Where does the Khan of Shusha maintain his fortifications? What are the surroundings of his stronghold? How might one reach him? I humbly ask for an account of that famous fortress where he considers himself unassailable—what is the approach to it? Through which lakes, forests, mountains, and swamps does one pass?
Regarding all the khans or rulers with whom dealings or communication might occur, as far as possible, describe their intellect and character, their virtues or vices, their strengths and weaknesses.

Source: Central State Archive of Ancient Acts (TsGADA), F. 23, Op. I, D. 13, Part I, L. 162-164. Official Copy. Published in the collection: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century. 1760-1800. Volume IV. Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 123. In the copy held in the Archive of Foreign Policy of Russia (AVPR), the reference reads: “The land of Greater and Lesser Armenia.”

RESPONSES OF ARCHBISHOP I. ARGUTINSKY TO THE QUESTIONS RAISED BY GENERAL P. POTEMKIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE PLANNED CAMPAIGN IN KARABAKH December 28, 1782

Joseph, Archbishop of all the Armenian people residing in Russia, has the honor of responding below to the received questions with his knowledge and reflections regarding the anticipated imperial visit to the once-glorious, now fallen, exhausted, and devastated Armenia and its people. He considers it a great privilege that through his service, he may offer his humble understanding, dedication, and friendship. He fervently prays to the almighty hand of God to guide and accomplish the forthcoming endeavor for all good, in the glory of the most merciful and compassionate Empress. May there be praise for you, and solace for the Armenian people oppressed by the yoke of barbarians.

RESPONSE

The land of Greater and Lesser Armenia has, since ancient times, fallen into the hands of the impious by law and the barbaric in conduct—the Turks and Persians—and to this day groans under their rule. The firmness of spirit and dedication to the Christian faith remain unwavering. Their will moves as the truth of Christian law dictates. Though they fervently desire liberation from this yoke, the terror imposed upon them by the lawless weakens their resolve and leaves them powerless. However, such a new endeavor may rekindle in their hearts the flame of martial spirit that burned within their ancestors in times past, urging them to attempt to cast off the yoke that oppresses them.

Above all, their faith in Christ sustains them, and no matter the persecution, they have never wavered in it. The brutal tortures inflicted by the Turks and Persians, and even death itself, have never been able to sever a single soul from that faith. Their reverence for the Patriarch remains as prescribed by Holy Scripture, and they obey his orders as that of a true father and sacred leader. The meliks of Karabakh hold primacy in rank, and their subjects are the most loyal among all—no hardship or attack has ever deterred a single one from their allegiance. This devotion is evident even among the common folk: when making an oath, they solemnly invoke the name of their melik, his house, or anything belonging to him. The people hold all clergy in high esteem. The meliks are wholeheartedly prepared to place themselves, alongside their people, under the protection of the most merciful Empress. If this is Your will, it is vital to assure them—by Christian law and the truth of your words—that in times of need, they will have you as their defender and aid, and will never be handed over to their enemies. Once convinced of the sincerity of your words, they will fully submit alongside their people. The entire matter rests on this assurance. As for their subjects, whose unwavering loyalty to their meliks I have outlined above, there should be no doubt—they will readily follow without the slightest hesitation.

Under the rule of His Highness, the Georgian King Irakli, there are warriors, merchants, craftsmen, and farmers. Currently, King Irakli is mightier than all the Persian khans and rulers, and he is regarded as the foremost noble figure after the shah. His domain extends beyond Georgia to encompass Ganja, Yerevan, and Nakhichevan. As for other territories, starting from Tabriz, all the khans send him considerable gifts annually out of respect and recognition of his supremacy—this being solely because, after Shah Nadir, he defeated and captured those who sought such a rank. Moreover, King Irakli commands considerable military strength and dominion, and he is capable of gathering additional forces from the dwellings in the Caucasus Mountains. The Khan of Shusha, due to the inaccessible nature of his lands, remains secure from attacks by rival khans—except from King Irakli. At a time of need, King Irakli can field an army of up to 10,000 troops, comprising Georgians, Armenians, and Tatars.

THE ARMENIAN LAND AND ITS GEOPOLITICAL CONTEXT

The Armenian land borders Georgia to the west, with the provinces of Kars and Akhaltsikhe, which are controlled by the Turks. To the south, the territories of Ararat and Yerevan, the capital city of Ararat, are under the rule of the Persian khan, though they are under the protection of King Irakli of Georgia. From the Ararat Mountains to Bayazet, the land is also ruled by the Turks. To the east, Ganja is governed by the Persian khan, but similarly falls under King Irakli’s protection. Beyond Ganja, extending toward Shusha, the dominion of the Armenian meliks exists, under the oversight of the Khan of Shusha.

10. The Fortifications of Shusha

The city of Shusha is naturally fortified by its terrain and the cliffs upon which it stands. The vertical drop from its elevated position extends nearly six versts, and the area is densely covered with impassable forests and thickets. Only one road has been constructed through the narrow passes, making travel by horseback extremely difficult. Further securing Shusha’s defenses is the vast, rugged mountain ridge encircling it, while a river flows between the cliffs upon which the city is situated. The distance between this mountain ridge and Shusha is approximately one verst by common calculation. The plateau on which Shusha stands is about two versts wide and extends six or more versts in length, connecting to another mountain in the south, though the path leading there is hindered by dense forests and ravines. The Khan of Shusha, confident in the natural fortification of his domain, fears no one. However, he fails to recognize that even a one-year blockade by a small military force would be sufficient to compel him to surrender. The Persians, lacking such patience, consider the city impregnable. There are no lakes or swamps around Shusha, only forests and mountains. Nearby provinces inhabited by Armenian warriors include Sisian, Khapan, and Karabakh, which are under the Khan of Shusha’s rule.

11. The Nature of Azerbaijani Khans

The Azerbaijani khans all share the same disposition and upbringing, namely, they are untrustworthy, fickle, and deceitful in speech. In short, they are fully endowed with all the traits common to Asian rulers, as you are surely aware. While there are exceptions—those gifted with natural talents—their dealings with neighboring rulers are fundamentally based on deception and duplicity. Anyone engaging with such individuals must take great care to understand their character, lest they fall victim to their deceit.

Source: Archive of Foreign Policy of Russia (AVPR), F. SRA, Op. 100/3, 1797-1799, D. 464, L. 155-159. Copy. Published in the collection: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century. 1760-1800. Volume IV. Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 125. (Highlighted by us—Yu.B.)

Yuri Barsegov “Nagorno-Karabakh in International Law and Global Politics”