On the Issuance of the Decree Appointing Panah Khan

On the Issuance of the Decree Appointing Panah Khan as Khan and Ruler of Karabakh

After the assassination of Nadir Shah, his brother’s son, Ali-Quli Khan, who proclaimed himself Adil Shah, ascended the throne in place of the late ruler. Sardar Amir Aslan Khan, residing in Tabriz and appointed by Adil Shah as the sardar of Azerbaijan, having heard of Panah Khan’s independence and growing prestige in Karabakh, sent him a horse, a saber, and various gifts on behalf of Adil Shah. These gifts were meant to encourage Panah Khan to submit to Adil Shah’s rule.

Having duly received and honored the messengers, Panah Khan escorted them back to Sardar Amir Aslan Khan, accompanied by several prominent elders from the nomadic tribes and respected individuals. At the time, waging war against such a powerful and wealthy figure as the sardar was not feasible. Additionally, although the khans of some neighboring regions outwardly pledged friendship and sincerity, they secretly harbored intentions to harm Panah Khan. Therefore, he declared his submission by sending gifts and letters expressing his loyalty to Adil Shah’s government.

Sardar Amir Aslan Khan recognized this obedience and the arrival of the envoys as a significant demonstration of loyalty to Adil Shah’s rule. In response, he sent a report to Adil Shah. In the Muslim year 1161 (corresponding to 1748 in the Christian calendar), a decree from Adil Shah was sent to Panah Khan at Bayat Fortress, granting him the title of khan and appointing him as the ruler of Karabakh. Along with the decree, he received gifts, including a precious robe, a horse with a gilded saddle, and a saber adorned with gemstones. Sardar Amir Aslan also sent additional gifts.

Thus, the title of khan and the right to govern Karabakh were officially bestowed upon Panah Khan for the first time by Adil Shah, the son of Nadir Shah’s brother.

On the Appointment of Panah Khan’s Son, Ibrahim, as Ruler of Karabakh

Kerim Khan, referring to himself as the vakil (authorized deputy) of the Shah of Iran, declared: “Since Iran lacks an absolute monarch, I act as the vakil of the Padishah until a new shah is crowned.” Hence, he became known as the Vakil.

After releasing Ibrahim Khalil Agha, who had been detained in Urmia, Kerim Khan summoned him and issued a decree appointing him as the ruler of Karabakh with the title of khan. Ibrahim Khalil Agha was also given a horse, a saber, a ceremonial robe, and was sent to Karabakh with great honors.

Kerim Khan, having great affection for Panah Khan, requested that he remain with him for some time so that he could properly repay his loyalty and sincerity. Thus, Panah Khan was taken to the Shiraz province.

Upon arriving in Karabakh, Ibrahim Khalil Khan established himself as an independent ruler, governing without subordination. The inhabitants of Karabakh and the surrounding provinces accepted his authority. Panah Khan, meanwhile, spent a brief period in Shiraz, the capital of Kerim Khan. Eventually, his time came, and he passed away in Shiraz. His body was transported back to Karabakh with great ceremony and was buried in his estate, now known as Aghdam.

Ovanes Lazarev’s Memorandum to General A. Suvorov

on the Necessity of Assisting the Meliks of Karabakh in Preserving and Strengthening Karabakh’s Independence as the Core of a Future Armenian State

January 10, 1780

For several centuries, Armenia has been without a sovereign or an independent government. Many territories have been seized by the Turks and Persians, leaving only a small portion, the Karabakh region, in a state of relative independence. However, if a leader from their own nation were to emerge, Armenia could be restored with relative ease, and in a short time, a significant population could be gathered.

The rulers of Karabakh and Syunik, though nominally independent, allowed the rise of a Muslim khan, Panah Khan, due to their internal discord, weakening their own position. Furthermore, the lack of strategic foresight among these Armenian leaders renders them ineffective. Other regions, such as Shemakha, Ganja, Yerevan, Nakhichevan, Akulis, and other cities, have been devastated under Persian rule, forcing a large population to migrate to the Ottoman territories, including Lesser Armenia, Van, Kars, Erzurum, and beyond.

If, by the people’s choice or imperial decree, a single Armenian leader were appointed, he could first establish himself in Derbent. With proper assistance, he could seize Shemakha and Ganja, after which the forces of Karabakh and Syunik would undoubtedly join him. With sufficient troops, he could then take Yerevan and other key cities.

Source: Archive of the USSR Academy of Sciences, Fund 99, Inventory 2, File 13, Pages 59-64. Translation from Armenian, contemporary to the original document. Collection of Acts Related to Armenian History, Volume II, Moscow, 1838, Pages 68-70.

Appendix to General A. Suvorov’s Report to Prince G. Potemkin

On the Armenian Melikdoms of Karabakh Astrakhan, February 15, 1780

Appendix

Three months ago, two Armenians, subjects of Melik Atam* and Melik Yusup, left Karabakh and arrived in Astrakhan. They reported the following:

In Karabakh, the meliks’ names according to seniority are:

• Melik Atam, whose children are his son, Medzhlyum-Bek.
• Melik Yusup, who is said to have passed away (though confirmation is needed). His children are his sons Beglag-Aga and Apov-Aga—both are notable, respected, and related by kinship.
• Melik Shah Nazar, whose son is Junshut-Bek. He is closely aligned with Ibrahim Khan of Shusha, which has led to oppression against other meliks by Ibrahim Khan.
• Melik Isay, who, due to Shah Nazar’s intrigues and Ibrahim Khan’s actions, has been impoverished. His estate was taken and given to his nephew, Melik Bamat. He is an elderly man and possesses a decree from Peter I.
• Melik Mirza Khan remains strategically aligned with Ibrahim Khan and the other meliks.

Notation: February 15, 1780. Source: Central State Military Historical Archive (CSMHA), Fund 52, Inventory 1/194, File 218, Pages 1, 5–6 (Copy). Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century (1760–1800), Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 92. (*In the original text, “Ammata” is used instead of “Atama”.)

General A. Suvorov’s Report to Prince G. Potemkin

On the Oppression of Armenian Meliks by Ibrahim Khan of Shusha Astrakhan, February 23, 1781

Following my dispatch on the 16th of this month to Your Highness, I have the honor to submit the following updates:

General-Poruchik Alexander Suvorov (…) Ibrahim Khan of Shusha, under duress, demanded a large sum from Melik Esay of Duzag and tortured him to death. A month later, he employed similar methods on Melik Vakhtang, Esay’s successor. These acts of tyranny instilled fear among Melik Atam of Charapert and Melik Yesup of Igermidar, who, due to the strong defensive positions of their lands, openly withdrew their allegiance to Ibrahim Khan and placed themselves under the protection of King Heraclius II of Georgia.

Source: CSMHA, Fund 52, Inventory 1/194, File 234, Pages 11–12 (Original document). Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century (1760–1800), Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 107.

Excerpts from General A. Suvorov’s Report to Prince G. Potemkin

On the Looting and Murder of Melik Esay by Ibrahim Khan of Shusha July 27, 1781

In May of the previous year, Ibrahim Khan of Shusha, knowing of the immense wealth of Melik Esay of Varanda, invited him under the pretense of a visit. Ibrahim Khan sought information on the extent of his financial holdings, but when Melik Esay refused to disclose the details, Ibrahim Khan ordered his brutal interrogation, leading to his death. Ibrahim Khan then confiscated his possessions, enriching himself through this act of violence.

Source: CSMHA, Fund 52, Inventory 1/194, File 234, Page 36 (Original document). Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century (1760–1800), Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 111.

Appeal of the Karabakh Meliks to General A. Suvorov

Requesting Military Assistance and Russian Protection September 2, 1781

Translation from a letter written by the Armenian military meliks of Karabakh to His Excellency, General-Poruchik Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov.

We, the undersigned Armenian meliks residing in Karabakh, having learned that Your Excellency has shown sympathy towards our plight in military matters and, having heard that you may come here, awaited your arrival with great joy. However, as we have not yet seen your presence, and meanwhile, the Muslim population has intensified its oppression, leaving us without aid, we humbly place ourselves under divine protection—first, to Almighty God, and second, to the Most Serene, All-Powerful, and Merciful Empress of Russia. Through this letter, we beseech Her Imperial Majesty to send us military reinforcements.

Thus, we humbly request Your Excellency not to disregard our plea and to provide us with necessary assistance.

Both Prince Grigory Alexandrovich Potemkin and Your Excellency, we implore you to grant us ten thousand Russian infantry troops to repel the burdensome oppression we endure. In addition to this plea, we submit two letters to ensure our protection through your advocacy, trusting that you will deliver us relief out of benevolence, as the Holy Gospel and Apostles command.

(…) We humbly ask Your Excellency to personally deliver this request through our brother-in-arms, Sergei Agadjanov, son of Melik, who is present with Your Excellency. Again, we beseech Your Excellency to secure satisfaction for our request through your merciful intervention. If you are inclined to inform us of your decision, kindly send your response through David Osipov, son of Popov, our friend, ensuring we receive it without delay.

September 2, 1781 Signed by Melik Atam-Bek, Melik Beklar-Bek, and Governor Stepan of Karabakh and Syunik.

Source: CSMHA, Fund 52, Inventory 1/194, File 266, Pages 5, 7. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century (1760–1800), Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 112a. (Highlighted by Y.B.).

(Translation from Armenian, contemporary to the original document. Italics and emphasis are our own—Y.B.)

Appeal of the Karabakh Meliks to Catherine II

Requesting the Salvation of the Armenians of Karabakh and Their Acceptance Under Russian Protection September 2, 1781

Translation from the petition written by the meliks governing the Armenian people in Karabakh.

Most Serene and All-Powerful Empress and Sovereign of the Unshakable State, Catherine Alexeyevna! Most Gracious and Enlightened Mother! Unparalleled Sovereign among Christians in this world, your supreme and incomparable maternal mercy has spread far and wide, illuminating our Armenian nation with your benevolent rule and imperial compassion. Many have sought your aid, and we, the military meliks and rulers of this land, humbly prostrate ourselves before your most exalted feet, tearfully and submissively pleading for your kindness and mercy toward our Armenian nation. Out of your love for humanity and maternal compassion, we implore you to grant us, Christians, assistance and salvation from our enemies, to deliver us through the victorious power of your arms from the oppressors of our people and the enemies of the Holy Cross, and to accept us under your supreme protection.

Thus, we tearfully and humbly beg Your Imperial Majesty to extend your monarchical grace to the oppressed Armenian people, acting out of love and devotion to the faith of Christ our Savior. As the Holy Scriptures proclaim, He redeemed believers with His blood from eternal death. Likewise, we are now condemned to spiritual death, subjected to the rule of those who oppose the faith of Christ. Due to their overwhelming numbers and our small population, we have fallen into their hands and exist as captives, having no hope for salvation except through your supreme imperial name.

You, Most Serene Empress, Most Merciful Mother, have the power to deliver us from this spiritual death and save us from barbaric captivity, thereby likening yourself to the Savior and remaining His most faithful servant and generous mother to all Christians. Grant us your aid, Most Merciful Sovereign, for we await your supreme assistance. Accept us as your eternal and faithful servants, and we fervently wish that, at the Second Coming of Christ our Savior, you shall receive from Him an imperishable crown and eternal kingdom.

Regarding the fertility of our Karabakh lands, we provide the following details: Some areas contain gold, silver, and lead, though they remain hidden due to the threat of our enemies. However, we openly utilize copper and iron ores, as well as alum and sulfur deposits. Additionally, our lands yield silk, cotton paper, madder root, millet, and other essential crops. We possess fertile mountains and meadows, rivers abundant with fish, land suitable for agriculture, and orchards rich in various fruits and produce. Our region also boasts numerous stone churches, housing holy relics, preserved by divine will. Yet, we witness with great sorrow the destruction of these churches and the desecration of the life-giving Cross, as it is mocked by the followers of the Mohammedan faith. For us, the oppressed, our only hope remains Your Imperial Majesty’s supreme grace, without which we are like those condemned to terrible suffering in this world. Remembering the coming of Christ our Savior, we endure our torment, counting it as nothing.

Few have signed and sealed this collective plea, fearing retaliation from the enemies of Christ our Savior. If they were to discover this petition, they would enslave us further and bring complete devastation upon our Armenian nation. However, should the doors of Your Imperial Majesty’s grace open to our people, we shall declare our allegiance publicly, disregarding the fear of our enemies, and join Your Imperial Majesty’s forces against the adversaries of the Cross of our Savior. We pray for His assistance to you, Most Serene and Sovereign Empress of the Unshakable State, in all things and at all times.

September 2, 1781 Signed by the meliks of Karabakh and Syunik, the humble servants: Melik Atam-Bek, Melik Beglar-Bek, Melik Israel, Melik Yusup-Bek, Archbishop Solomon of the Monastery of St. Elijah, Governor Stepan Sarkis, Grigory, Babay, Daniel—Commanders

Source: Central State Military Historical Archive (CSMHA), Fund 52, Inventory 1/194, File 270, Pages 50–51. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century (1760–1800), Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 113a. (Highlighted by Y.B.).

(Translation from Armenian, contemporary to the original document. Italics and emphasis are our own—Y.B.)

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

Artatsolum

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