Memorandum to Catherine II on the Project for the Restoration of the Armenian Kingdom

February 7, 1792

Most Enlightened Empress, Most Gracious Sovereign! Since Your Imperial Majesty is the most benevolent protector of all Christians, and I consider myself a faithful servant to Your Majesty and your Empire, I deem it my duty to present certain reflections for Your Majesty’s consideration, concerning the common good. Thus, I most humbly have the honor to submit the following points to Your Majesty.

It is well known to Your Majesty that for some time now, the Christians of Asia and their territories have remained captive under Muslim rule, namely Persian and Turkish governance. Among them, rulers have been entirely deprived of their possessions and lands, while others, though still retaining some dominion, suffer extreme oppression. They have no hope of salvation other than from God and Your Majesty. By divine assistance, their liberation can be easily achieved with Your Majesty’s intervention.

Persia is the primary adversary of all Iberia and Armenia, which at present, as I am informed, has been so weakened that it lacks any form of leadership and has become fragmented into small territories, among which internal strife persists. Their supposed protector, the Ottoman Porte, has been weakened by Your Majesty’s victorious arms and is now unable to render them any meaningful aid. If Your Majesty were to decide to send a small corps to Persia, then, assuredly, by divine favor, without great bloodshed and within a short time, all of Persia would willingly submit to Your Majesty’s rule.

Although Your Empire has no need for further expansion, should Your Majesty wish to restore the Armenian Kingdom, its people would remain your loyal subjects. However, if this is not deemed desirable, then at the very least, by Your Majesty’s generous grace, strengthening the Georgian king—whom Your Majesty has so graciously promised to support—would yield great benefits for Russia. Specifically, if the Georgian king is strengthened or the Armenian Kingdom is restored, Persia will no longer be able to resist, and the Ottoman Porte will lose a key ally and neighboring supporter. These rulers will remain forever loyal to the Russian Empire, which will, in turn, greatly enhance commerce and trade routes both by land and sea.

Furthermore, if Your Majesty deems any form of assistance, whether military or otherwise, appropriate, it will undoubtedly be of considerable benefit. In time, Christianity could be established throughout Persia peacefully, leading to the eternal glorification of Your Majesty’s name. By introducing a well-regulated military structure and fleets in the Caspian and Black Seas, as well as securing communication between Crimea and Imereti, Anatolia could be easily and non-coercively detached from Ottoman rule. Over time, Russian commercial enterprises will flourish, and the border regions along the Kuban and Terek rivers will achieve lasting peace, as throughout history, instability in these regions has often stemmed from Ottoman interference. […]

I trust that Your Majesty, in your wisdom and benevolence, will graciously restore the Armenian Kingdom and reestablish order. Since certain key areas are currently under the rule of the Georgian king, your favor would serve to expand Armenia, allowing all Armenians, wherever they may be, upon hearing of this auspicious event, to return to their homeland with joyous spirit. Knowing they have a rightful protector, their loyalty will be assured. Should Your Majesty establish this decree, a Georgian prince, from the lineage of the Georgian king, may be placed as ruler over them, maintaining his current domains while governing Armenia. Once this is done under Your Majesty’s supreme authority, no further assistance will be necessary. […]

Most Enlightened Empress, Most Gracious Sovereign, Your Majesty’s most loyal servant.

Source: Russian Archives, Diplomatic Documents Collection, 1774-1804. Published in Armeno-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990.

Letter from Archbishop Joseph Argutinsky to General Count P. Zubov, Presenting the History of Armenian-Russian Relations and the Question of Karabakh’s Liberation

Saint Petersburg, May 1793

Undoubtedly, Your Excellency is aware of the matters concerning our nation, especially those regarding the remnants of devastated Armenia still seeking refuge within the borders of Karabakh. These affairs, once under the charge of the late Prince Grigory Alexandrovich Potemkin by supreme decree, are now entrusted to your wise administration. Thus, in deepest humility, I seek your protection and goodwill toward our entire nation, myself, and the matters in my charge. Obliged by duty, I shall briefly present the dire needs of my fellow believers.

The benevolent Empress, moved by sacred zeal to relieve the suffering of our nation and neighboring Georgia, entrusted the late Prince Potemkin with this mission. The first act of grace was extended to Georgia by accepting it into eternal subjugation to Russia. I may humbly state that I played a significant role in this endeavor, as I was entrusted by imperial command to persuade the Georgian king to submit to Russian rule.

For similar reasons, I was often summoned by Prince Pavel Sergeyevich Potemkin to the Caucasian front, where he presented numerous inquiries regarding the circumstances of both Armenias. I answered them in Armenian, and I have the honor of submitting a copy of those discussions herewith.

Later, as plans to free Karabakh from the yoke of the infidels took shape, the Prince wrote to its rulers, informing them of His Majesty’s goodwill and the imperial decree commanding their liberation from Persian rule. I was instructed to relay the same assurances, urging them to remain prepared.

Holding loyalty to the supreme throne as my sole commitment, I fervently undertook this mission. I corresponded widely, personally urging each ruler, depicting vividly the benefits they would gain under the mighty Russian protection. Similar petitions were submitted by Catholicos Ioann of Alvan, who earnestly supported this plan.

Through persistent correspondence, I encouraged the rulers of Karabakh to stockpile provisions and ensure moderate pricing. That entire region solemnly pledged its allegiance, eagerly awaiting Russia’s banner of salvation. Alas, the long-anticipated campaign did not reach its fulfillment, as General Burnashev, who had joined forces with the Georgian king and had reached the city of Ganja, received orders to return to Russia with his battalions.

Thus, the rulers and people of Karabakh, having openly engaged with Russian leadership, suffered merciless retribution—death, exile, and eternal subjugation. The surviving rulers and Karabakh’s remaining inhabitants, though enduring devastation and persecution, remain steadfast in their allegiance to the Emperor. Through me, their spiritual representative, they humbly plea for intervention, outlining their last wishes in the following two points:

1. To free them from the barbaric yoke by granting them military assistance, even in small numbers. By joining forces with Russian troops, feared in Persia even by name alone, they could overcome Persian strength and overthrow the rule of the Shusha Khan. Thereafter, they humbly request that supreme authority be restored to Prince David, grandson of King Heraclius of Georgia, whom they regard as a worthy ruler. […]
2. If they are unable to receive this aid, they recall the petitions submitted by their ancestors to Emperor Peter the Great and, relying on His Majesty’s goodwill toward their cause, humbly request to be relocated and settled around Derbent, along the Caspian Sea, with their lands granted to them in perpetuity. They also request that their rulers retain full sovereign rights over their subjects, passing their authority to their descendants. […]

Source: Russian Archives, Diplomatic Documents Collection, 1797-1799. Published in Armeno-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990.

From the Recommendations of Archbishop Joseph Argutinsky to General Count V. Zubov Regarding the Conduct of War Against Agha Mohammad in Karabakh and the Persian Province of Azerbaijan

September 2, 1796

[…]

Then, it would be possible to cross the Kura River and, upon reaching Mugan, issue an order to the Shusha Khan, Ibrahim—that he must either come in person or, at the very least, send his eldest son alongside the Armenian meliks to Your Excellency. Ibrahim’s compliance with this command would serve as evidence of his loyalty and dedication to Russia. Once the necessary affairs are settled there, the army can proceed unhindered toward Tabriz or Ardabil, depending on what appears most advantageous at the time.

As for Ibrahim, it will be essential to demand his son’s presence along with a thousand of his troops, as well as five Armenian meliks, each accompanied by a thousand warriors. These forces could be deployed in various ways, particularly as front-line troops, since they are not strangers to military discipline. However, if the Shusha Khan refuses to comply with Your Excellency’s orders, it would serve as indisputable proof of his treachery and deceit.

In such a case, the Armenian meliks could be utilized as an effective means to depose him and strip him of his high-ranking position and fortress. This would allow Azerbaijan to be subdued without military engagement, thereby significantly increasing the Armenian forces available for Russian interests. Ultimately, all undertakings will lean toward a favorable conclusion.

The Shusha Khan, in his opinion, considers his fortress impregnable. However, he may be gravely mistaken, for the true strength of his position lies in the Armenians, who, though courageous and steadfast, remain sincerely loyal to the Russian throne. Thus, not only will they refuse to bear arms against Russian forces, but if Ibrahim proves to be a traitor, they will actively assist in his rightful downfall. It is imperative to secretly reassure the Armenian meliks of Your Imperial Majesty’s grace and protection.

[…]

Source: Russian Archives, Diplomatic Documents Collection, 1764-1800. Published in Armeno-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990.

Letter from Georgian King Heraclius II to Chancellor A. Bezborodko Regarding the Forced Resettlement of the Meliks and Armenians from Karabakh

Tiflis, June 23, 1797

Most Illustrious Prince, Gracious Sovereign!

Regarding the petition we presented to His Imperial Majesty some time ago, we have yet to receive a response. Thus, we refrained from troubling Your Excellency on other matters. However, as Christians, we are now compelled to remind you of our previous plea and to present the following situation.

For centuries, the Armenian people residing in Karabakh have expressed their desire to migrate to Christian lands to escape the hands of the infidels and the severe oppression they endure. This is why the Karabakh princes, Melik Jimshid, son of Melik Shahnazarov, and Melik Pridon, son of Melik Beglarov, seized an opportune moment and fled Karabakh with their families. Upon arriving here, they conveyed their wish for the broader Armenian population’s resettlement, as well as their intention to appeal directly to the Imperial Court.

Since His Excellency, Archbishop Prince Joseph Dolgorukov Argutinsky, had arrived here by supreme order alongside the victorious Russian army and was now returning to Russia, we have sent these Melik princes with him. I have the honor of recommending them to Your Excellency’s high protection, requesting that they be granted an audience to personally report their circumstances and be presented before His Imperial Majesty.

May these displaced Christians, afflicted by turmoil, be spared from further suffering through Your Excellency’s advocacy. In all other matters, we place unwavering trust in Your Excellency’s goodwill toward us and remain, as ever, at your service.

King of Kartli and Kakheti, Heraclius

Translator’s Note: Translated by Collegiate Assessor Mirza Abuturab Nasyrov.

Source: Russian Archives, Diplomatic Documents Collection, 1797-1798. Published in Armeno-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990.

Petition of Meliks Jimshid and Fridon to Emperor Paul I, Presenting the Dire Situation of the Armenians of Karabakh Due to the Unfulfilled Promises of Peter I and Catherine II to Support Their Liberation Movement, and Requesting Assistance in Resettling the Entire Armenian Population of Karabakh to Russian Territories to Avoid Physical Extermination

Georgievsk, August 1, 1797

It is well known, Most Illustrious Count, how fallen and devastated our Armenian nation has become. Subjected to the rule of barbarous Turks and Persians, we have been stripped of our ancient privileges and dignity, groaning under the heavy yoke of cruel servitude. How much suffering our ancestors endured, and how much we continue to endure—countless atrocities inflicted upon us by the impious, who forcibly tear our brethren from us, sever them from the true faith in Christ, and convert them to Islam. They plunder the last remnants of our possessions, leaving us with nothing but grief and despair.

In such dire circumstances, we see no hope of salvation except from God and the All-Russian Empire.

With this hope, our ancestors, during the glorious reign of Emperor Peter the Great, repeatedly sent distinguished envoys to petition that the Armenian nation be taken under his mighty protection. The benevolent monarch, moved by sacred Christian zeal, graciously accepted this plea and resolved to extend a hand of salvation to us, suffering Christians. Soon thereafter, he entered Persian territory with his invincible army. Our meliks, filled with joy and encouragement, gathered a considerable Armenian force under the leadership of the Georgian King Vakhtang and hastened to join the Russian army.

However, to our great misfortune, just as we stood at the threshold of salvation, Peter the Great withdrew his forces back to Russia, leaving us in tears and sorrow. Our loyalty to the Russian throne had been exposed to our enemies, and as a result, we suffered plunder, exile, and even death—punishments that, compared to our suffering, seemed merciful.

Having failed to secure liberation from the barbarian yoke, our ancestors once again petitioned His Majesty, requesting that if our lands could not be taken under Russian protection, at the very least, we be allowed to resettle in Russia. By imperial decree, settlement along the Caspian Sea was permitted, but due to the great turmoil in Persia at the time, only a few families managed to escape. Their descendants now serve in the Russian military, while the rest of us remained trapped.

Later, in 1781 and 1782, another attempt was made to secure our liberation. General Suvorov and General Potemkin corresponded extensively with us, assuring us of unwavering hope for our salvation. Encouraged by these assurances, we wrote to Prince and General Potemkin with the most earnest pleas to fulfill our rescue, and likewise petitioned our Archbishop Joseph, residing in Russia, to advocate for us.

The matter seemed to be progressing toward our deliverance. By General Potemkin’s order, we had prepared a large quantity of provisions for the Russian troops. However, upon learning of our efforts, Ibrahim Khan of Shusha murdered our Catholicos Ivan of Alvan, starved Melik Bakhtam to death in prison, and imprisoned Meliks Mejlum and Abov. These meliks, seizing an opportune moment, fled to the Georgian king’s army, which was then stationed alongside Russian forces near Ganja.

Despite their desperate pleas to Colonel Burnashev, who commanded the Russian troops, to advance toward Shusha or at least remain in position for three days so that the Christian population of Karabakh could gather and flee to Russia, he was unable to comply. He had already received orders from General Potemkin to return to Russia. Even the Georgian king’s intervention and the meliks’ tearful appeals could not change the decision. Burnashev withdrew through Georgia to the Caucasian Line, leaving the Christian population to be plundered, destroyed, and exterminated by Ibrahim Khan.

I, Melik Jimshid, was forced to save my life by paying an enormous sum of money until 1796.

That year, by the supreme will of the late Empress Catherine II, the Russian army entered Persian territory under the command of General Count Valerian Alexandrovich Zubov. Since the Armenian nation has long sought to be under the supreme protection of the Russian scepter, we sent Melik Fridon to Count Zubov with a petition. Through his officials and our Archbishop, he repeatedly assured us of imperial protection and salvation. Encouraged by these assurances, all five meliks and their people were ready to assist in eliminating our oppressors and overthrowing their unlawful rule.

However, with the withdrawal of Russian troops, our salvation was once again left incomplete. Ibrahim Khan, suspecting my allegiance to Russia—which was indeed true—extorted seventy thousand rubles from me, plundered my home and all my possessions, and thus spared himself from the torment of his oppressors.

Later, we sent Melik Abov to Tiflis to General Rimsky-Korsakov and then to Colonel Nelidov, requesting permission for the Russian troops stationed in Ganja to approach our lands, thirty versts from Ganja, so that we could retrieve our possessions and families. However, lacking orders, they were unable to assist us.

Meanwhile, the merciless tyrant Agha Mohammad Khan, slaughtering people without mercy, finally arrived in Karabakh. When I was presented before him, he barbarically ordered me to pay seventy thousand rubles, threatening my life if I failed to comply. To save myself, I was forced to surrender my last possessions. However, by divine providence, this tyrant met his rightful end on June 6 in Shusha. Seizing the opportunity, I fled to Ganja, later bringing my family there after they had wandered through impassable forests and mountains, losing all their belongings.

Having endured so many misfortunes, our oppressed Armenian nation finally received joyful news from our Archbishop Joseph—that Your Excellency had informed him of an imperial decree from His Most Gracious Majesty Emperor Paul I, allowing Christian subjects of Persia to resettle in Russia.

Thus, we humbly present our petition:

1. We most loyally request that His Majesty fulfill our long-awaited salvation, as Peter the Great once intended, by accepting us—five meliks and our people—into the All-Russian Empire and settling us along the Caucasian Line, wherever His Majesty deems appropriate. Our subjects number around 6,000 families, with an additional 5,000 Armenian families from Shaki and Shirvan who fled there during the turmoil.
2. Since Persia currently lacks a central authority, Ibrahim Khan is powerless and seeks refuge among the Lezgins. No resistance is expected. Therefore, our salvation is now most feasible. We humbly request that His Majesty order the Russian troops in Georgia to march toward Shusha, 300 versts from Tiflis, so that we may gather our people and possessions and follow them to Russia. If the troops withdraw, our hope for salvation will vanish, and the Christians of Karabakh will either be massacred or forced to convert to Islam.
3. We most humbly request that Your Excellency present this petition to His Majesty and allow us, along with our Archbishop Joseph, to travel to the imperial court to expedite this matter.

Signed, Melik Jimshid Melik Shahnazaryan – Ruler of Shusha and Varanda Melik Fridon Melik Beklaryan – Ruler of Igirmidort Petros Yuzbashyan Matateyan – Commander of Varanda

Source: Russian Archives, Diplomatic Documents Collection, 1797-1799. Published in Armeno-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990.

Letter from General Count I. Gudovich to Chancellor A. Bezborodko Regarding the Request of Meliks Jimshid and Fridon to Facilitate the Resettlement of 11,000 Armenian Families to Russian Territories

Georgievsk, August 10, 1797

Most Illustrious Prince, Gracious Sovereign,

Upon the return from Persia of the Armenian Archbishop Joseph, who had been with the Russian troops and is now traveling to Saint Petersburg, two of the most distinguished Armenian meliks of Karabakh—Jimshid, ruler of Varanda, and Fridon, ruler of Gulistan—arrived with him. In their petition submitted to me, they describe the dire situation of the Armenian nation, their unwavering devotion to the supreme throne of His Imperial Majesty, demonstrated through various acts during the recent presence of Russian troops in Persia, and the significant losses they have suffered as a result.

On behalf of five meliks and their people, they earnestly request that I humbly convey to His Imperial Majesty their plea for acceptance into the All-Russian Empire, along with their people—initially numbering up to 11,000 families—and for their settlement along the Caucasian Line. They also seek assistance from the Russian troops stationed in Georgia to facilitate their departure and request permission to send representatives to the imperial court.

I do not dare to send them to the imperial court without supreme authorization, nor can I provide a decisive response to their request, especially since the troops in Georgia, from whom they seek assistance, are scheduled to depart for the borders this month by supreme command. Therefore, I consider it my duty to present their petition to Your Excellency, humbly requesting that it be conveyed to His Imperial Majesty for his supreme consideration and decision.

[…]

Source: Russian Archives, Diplomatic Documents Collection, 1797-1799. Published in Armeno-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990. 111

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
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• 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
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• 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
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• 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