Gulistan Fortress, March 12, 1783
Translation of the Armenian letter from the Karabakh ruler Melik Apov Melik Yusupov to General Pavel Sergeyevich Potemkin:
The letter was delivered by the Armenian priest Iosif Kaprel Ivanov, who arrived here with correspondence from His Eminence. Upon receiving it, we gained hope for the restoration of the fallen Armenian people and liberation from the yoke of foreign rulers. This filled us with great joy. Accepting it with immense pleasure, we offered fervent gratitude to Almighty God and Her Majesty the Empress, earnestly desiring your arrival here with troops and expressing our full readiness to assist you and the Russian military forces in every possible way. We hope to provide complete satisfaction in all necessary matters and, once we have the honor of seeing your arrival with the army, we shall fulfill your wishes with absolute devotion.
My late father and brother eagerly awaited your arrival, but, alas, they did not live to witness it. As for myself, I do not know whether Almighty God will grant me the honor of seeing this day.
The Armenian people, having been assured by Kaprel regarding the brave and victorious troops entrusted to your command by Her Majesty, are filled with immense joy. Kaprel can personally convey this sentiment to you.
Thus, I humbly request that you proceed with fulfilling your military objectives. While there may be no significant resistance, an increased force will still be beneficial to intimidate the enemy, even if their numbers reach thirty or forty thousand. As for provisioning, there shall be no shortage, given the abundance of resources in this region. Everything necessary will be readily available, as was stated in our previous letter.
Remaining in utmost loyalty and respect to your distinguished person, Your humble servant, Melik Apov Iosifov Written in Gulistan Fortress, March 12, 1783
At the end of the original letter, an ink seal bearing the name of the aforementioned Melik Iosifov was affixed.
Annotation: Received on May 5, 1783 (Source: Central State Archive of Ancient Acts, File 23, Inventory 1, Case 13, Part 3/1, Folios 187-187v, 189. Translation from Armenian, contemporary to the original. Published in the collection Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 142a.)
On the hopes placed by the Karabakh Armenians on Russia, their readiness to provide provisions for Russian troops in the event of their entry into Karabakh, and their desire to accept Russian protection Gulistan Fortress, March 15, 1783
Translation of the Armenian letter addressed to Archbishop Iosif from the Karabakh ruler Melik Apov Melik Yusupov:
<…> Your blessed letter, sent with the permission and consent of the protector of the Armenian people, His Excellency General Pavel Sergeyevich Potemkin, was received here with great reverence. Upon reading its contents regarding the restoration of the fallen Armenian nation and its liberation from the yoke of foreign rulers, the Armenian people were filled with immense joy. With sincere enthusiasm and devotion, they offered gratitude to Almighty God and to Her Majesty the Empress, adorned with glory and generosity.
Thereafter, the confidant Kaprel was sent to the sacred Avgan Monastery, called Gandzasar, where the honorable head of St. John the Baptist rests. He conveyed our request to the humble Patriarch Hovhannes, who then returned with his written response. In it, he assured us that not only twelve thousand troops but even thirty or forty thousand would suffer no shortage of food, fodder, or supplies… Consequently, the local population would not experience any depletion in their ability to sustain such a large force with bread, provisions, and drinks. No foreign adversary would dare oppose this brave army, as all non-Armenians in the region are embroiled in discord and internal strife, whereas the Armenian clergy and rulers stand united. Once the Russian army nears these borders, they will be met promptly and respectfully.
It is well known to Your Eminence that more than twenty-five years ago, my father, Melik Yusup, sought to place himself under the blessed protection of the Holy Cross and salvation… He wrote to Her Majesty’s court to be accepted as a subject of Russia, yet he was not fortunate enough to succeed in this endeavor. Similarly, nearly two years ago, my late brother followed in his footsteps, writing to Her Majesty’s court and to His Serene Highness, seeking the Armenian people’s protection under the Russian throne against foreign oppression and for the restoration of our nation. However, fate denied him this wish, and he lost his life before seeing it fulfilled.
Thus, I earnestly request Your Eminence to advocate for the Armenian people’s protection and well-being, so that you may become their second great enlightener. I beg you not to forget me in your pastoral goodwill. Following the deaths of my father and brother, I suffered considerable devastation at the hands of Ibrahim Khan due to the actions of the ruler of Verendin, Melik Shah Nazar.
With humility and deep respect, Melik Apov Iosifov Written in Gulistan Fortress, March 15, 1783
Annotation: Received on April 25, 1783 (Source: Central State Archive of Ancient Acts, File 23, Inventory 1, Case 13, Part 3/1, Folios 171-171v, 173-173v. Translation from Armenian, contemporary to the original. Published in the collection Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 144a.)
On the Establishment of a Base in Karabakh for Advancing toward Yerevan May 21, 1783
I consider three locations crucial for the establishment of supply depots: namely, from the Caspian Sea, in Derbent, and linking it through free communication with the Karadag and Karabakh provinces. The provisioning for the entire army shall proceed from there toward Yerevan, where the principal operations are expected to take place. <…>
(Source: Central State Archive of Ancient Acts, File 23, Inventory 1, Case 13, Part 5, Folio 86. Copy. Published in the collection Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 149.)
On His Letter to Catholicos Gukas Karnetsi, Confirming Catherine II and Prince G. Potemkin’s Intention to Deliver the Armenian People from Oppression and Calling for Preparation to Assist the Russian Army May 27, 1783
The Armenian Patriarch Luka, following the receipt of my letter, the translation of which I have the honor to present to Your Excellency, has instructed through a returning confidant that I should not delay in sending him a reply. In the past few days, I have sent one of my trusted men with a letter addressed to him. I now submit a copy to Your Excellency and await instructions on whether I should inform the entire Armenian community about the preparation of provisions and forage.
“To the enlightened and grace-filled Patriarch Luka, Supreme Shepherd of Greater and Lesser Armenia, my most benevolent lord.
<…>
God, who created the world and governs all things, entrusted the scepter to the great Catherine for the prosperity of the Russian people, granting her invincibility to crush the enemies who oppose divine will. He has directed her great and compassionate heart toward the protection of afflicted Armenia and the restoration of this glorious nation. My protector and chief patron, His Serene Highness Prince Grigory Alexandrovich Potemkin, who serves under the shadow of the imperial throne with the constant trust of our reigning sovereign, has long conceived a plan to liberate the Armenians from the jaws of the perpetual misfortune that torments them.
Having been chosen to execute this grand vision and fulfill the will of the Almighty and His anointed ruler, I shall be fortunate if God’s guiding hand, which blesses all intentions of Catherine the Great, leads me to the successful completion of these noble endeavors.
Thus, most esteemed sir, may your fervent devotion to the faith, the dignity of your supreme position, and the noble gifts of your great soul serve as the foundation for strengthening the hearts of the Armenian people. Proclaim to them that they should all gather under the mighty shield of Catherine the Great, place unwavering trust in her invincible forces, and with the passion of their hearts, seek the blessings enjoyed by all peoples under her gracious rule.
<…>
The yoke that weighs heavily upon the Armenian people is an immense evil; yet, God’s hand is preparing to overthrow it. Catherine’s sword is ready to defend this nation, and the army entrusted to me is approaching. However, this force is vast and requires essential provisions. The lands beyond these borders remain unfamiliar to me. Therefore, Your Eminence, I beseech you to command and prepare the people so that the soldiers advancing to liberate them do not suffer any shortages in sustenance.
You may rest assured that not a single grain of bread will be taken without payment, nor a single stalk removed unjustly. However, to ensure the necessary supplies are available at reasonable prices, preparations must be made in advance. I have enclosed a special list detailing the needed provisions for your reference. Thus, I humbly request Your Eminence’s assistance in providing guidance to the bearer of this letter and informing me as soon as possible.
<…>
(Source: Central State Archive of Ancient Acts, File 23, Inventory 1, Case 13, Part 5, Folios 89-90. Copy. Published in the collection Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 148.)
Expressing Hope for the Swift Arrival of Russian Troops in Karabakh for a Joint Military Campaign to “Restore the Armenian People from Decline” July 5, 1783
Translation of the Armenian letter sent to His Excellency General Pavel Sergeyevich Potemkin, Chamberlain and Knight of Various Orders, from the Gandzasar Monastery by Patriarch Hovhannes:
<…>
I, the humble servant of Jesus Christ, of the God-protected and enlightened Gandzasar Monastery, Patriarch Hovhannes of Avgan, with reverence and respect, inform Your Excellency that upon receiving your gracious letter, delivered by the chosen messenger Kaprel, regarding the protection of the Armenian people from the persecution of wicked foreigners and their restoration from decline to prosperity, we brought forth a public offering before the altar of Almighty God. We expressed our deepest gratitude for such benevolent and inexpressible imperial grace and the supreme blessings bestowed upon us, offering heartfelt thanks from the depths of our souls.
<…>
Your efforts to restore the Armenian people from their decline to prosperity inspire us to place unwavering and absolute trust in the immutable imperial favor of Her Majesty. We pledge eternal loyalty to her throne, without hesitation, sacrificing our lives and possessions to affirm our devotion.
Your Excellency wrote regarding the procurement of bread and forage for the brave cavalry and infantry troops at fair market prices. We would have gladly provided these supplies without charge, as we have previously stated, but in accordance with your latest directive, we inform you that the price of flour per pood is 40 kopecks, and barley per pood is 20 kopecks. We shall not refuse to serve in any other capacity, and upon your arrival, all necessary provisions—wheat, barley, meat, hay, and other supplies—will be readily available. The region is abundant in pasture for summer and winter livestock, ensuring that the army will not suffer shortages. You may trust this without any doubt and consider us and our descendants as eternal servants of Her Majesty.
Had we not been confident in our ability to provide for such a significant force, we would not have dared to extend this invitation.
<…>
Your Excellency wrote about sending a representative to you for better coordination of necessary measures. However, at the time of receiving your directive, the local ruler, Melik Adam, passed away. His funeral gathered a considerable number of people from surrounding areas, including the son of Ibrahim Khan of Shusha, accompanied by over two hundred prominent men. The gathering lasted for a week, making it impossible for us to publicly dispatch an official representative, as the presence of Russian troops in the region is unwelcome to the neighboring foreign populations. Such an act could easily provoke harm and disaster. Therefore, instead of sending an emissary, we deemed it appropriate to respond comprehensively through this letter.
<…>
Regarding the deceased ruler Melik Adam, we inform you that, in accordance with his final wishes and the request of the community, his rightful successor has been appointed—his son, Mejlum Bek. We trust that, due to his bravery, diligence, and loyalty, he will serve no less effectively than his father.
Before his passing, Melik Adam repeatedly urged Kaprel to inform Your Excellency that the Armenian people should not be abandoned, and that your arrival should not be delayed, lest they lose hope in their anticipated salvation. Kaprel can personally convey this message to you.
Currently, discord and strife prevail among the neighboring foreign populations, making your swift arrival with troops all the more necessary. A timely intervention would ensure success and benefit, preventing the foreigners from resolving their disputes and uniting against us in hostility.
It would be a great blessing if Almighty God grants the Armenian people the joy of witnessing your arrival and illuminating our endeavors like the radiant sun.
The neighboring foreign populations, upon hearing of the movement of Russian troops toward this region, are gripped with fear and are fortifying their strongholds. Therefore, do not delay your arrival day by day, but take immediate measures to prevent them from reinforcing their defenses.
May Almighty God preserve you in all prosperity and well-being for many years to come.
Written at the site of Charapert in the village of Kagakateg, July 5, 1783.
The original letter bears the seals of Patriarch Hovhannes, Bishop Isaiah, Bishop Jacob, Bishop Melchizedek, Melik Apov Iosifov of Talish, Melik Mejlum Adamov of Charapert, Melik Bahtam Aramov of Duzagin, Melik Kaprel Bekiyanov of Khachen, Iosif Israelov, Priest Hovhannes Nazarov, Bellyubek Jamalov, Ivan Petrov, and Iosif Arutyunov.
Annotation: Received on August 3, 1783 (Source: Central State Archive of Ancient Acts, File 23, Inventory 1, Case 13, Part 3/2, Folios 319-320v, 324-325v. Translation from Armenian, contemporary to the original. Published in the collection Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 154a.)
Yuri Barsegov “Nagorno-Karabakh in International Law and Global Politics”
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