Order of General I. Paskevich to Colonel L. Lazarev

Order of General I. Paskevich to Colonel L. Lazarev regarding the organization of the return of Armenians from Persia to the territories of Historical Armenia annexed to Russia Tabriz, February 26, 1828 Excerpt:

13. In general, Christians are to be encouraged to relocate to the Nakhichevan and Erivan regions, with the intent of increasing the Christian population there as much as possible. However, the inhabitants of the village of Uzumchi and three nearby Armenian settlements are permitted to proceed to Karabakh, as that province is closer to them.

Order of General I. Paskevich to the Temporary Government of Erivan regarding the reception and resettlement of Armenians repatriated from Persia Tabriz, February 26, 1828 Excerpt: I have resolved to settle these people primarily in the Erivan and Nakhichevan provinces, and partly in Karabakh, ensuring that such relocation under the protection of the Russian government is carried out in an orderly manner, so that they suffer no oppression from Persians during this process. For this purpose—and to provide necessary assistance to the settlers—I have commissioned Colonel Lazarev with proper instructions, assigning him staff and junior officers, all of whom are to maintain coordination with the local administration.

8. It must be avoided at all costs that the new Christian settlements are mixed with Muslim ones. Instead, efforts should be made to form separate districts or magals composed exclusively of Christians. To this end, it should be examined whether some Muslim villages might be relocated to areas predominantly inhabited by their co-religionists, and the Christian settlements currently surrounded by Muslims should likewise be resettled among Christians.
9. If Armenian villages with surplus land are willing to accept new settlers—either as families or entire villages—this should not only be permitted but actively encouraged.
10. The chosen sites for settlements must be favorable, healthy, and well-supplied with clean water.

Signed: Count Paskevich of Erivan

Rescript of Emperor Nicholas I on the Conclusion of the Treaty of Turkmenchay between Russia and Persia March 21, 1828 We, Nicholas the First, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia, do solemnly declare to all our subjects: The Almighty has once again blessed Russia with a dearly sought peace, bringing an end to the prolonged war with Persia. … Our brave army conquered Erivan, hitherto deemed impregnable, and planted its banners beyond the Araxes, upon the heights of Ararat. Advancing further into the Persian interior, it seized the city of Tabriz and the surrounding region. The Khanates of Erivan—on both banks of the Araxes—and of Nakhichevan, which form part of Ancient Armenia, have fallen into the hands of the Victor. … It has been Our intention to fortify the Empire with natural and secure frontiers, to fully recover all losses sustained through the war, and to remove any future cause for renewed hostilities. On these grounds, on the 10th day of February, the Treaty of Eternal Peace was concluded and signed between Russia and Persia in Turkmenchay, and is hereby proclaimed to the public. … Given in Saint Petersburg on the 21st day of March, in the year of Our Lord 1828, in the third year of Our reign.

In the original, written in His Imperial Majesty’s own hand: NICHOLAS

Supreme Decree of Emperor Nicholas I to the Governing Senate March 21, 1828 By virtue of the Treaty concluded with Persia, We COMMAND that the Khanates of Erivan and Nakhichevan—now annexed to Russia from Persia—henceforth be officially designated the Armenian Province, and that this title be included in Our Imperial Style. The Government Senate shall, in due time, receive appropriate instructions regarding the administration of this Province.

Report of General I. Paskevich to General I. Diebitsch on the Repatriation of Armenians from Persia to the Armenian Province of Russia and Partially to the Khanate of Karabakh May 26, 1828

Being fully aware of the difficulties inherent in relocating a large number of settlers—especially without proper preparations or logistical means—into a land ravaged by war and poor in local resources, I could not but anticipate the challenges that would inevitably accompany the resettlement of several thousand Christian families from Adirbijan into our territories.

Although, following the conquest of Erivan, I was presented with a proposal assuring that such an undertaking would involve no complications, and that the relocation of Christians would only benefit the Russian side without imposing burdens on the government, I refrained from initiating the enterprise until the Armenian communities themselves, upon the entry of our troops into Adirbijan, sent deputies to me at Deikargan. These delegates, without making any prior demands or conditions, merely requested—humbly and as a matter of grace—to be allowed to relocate to provinces under Russian rule.

Convinced by their appeals and recognizing that settling the deserted lands along our frontier with a devout, diligent, and loyal people would be of great benefit, I received the deputies graciously and granted their request. However, I made no promises of any special assistance or benefits beyond a temporary exemption from taxes and levies.

After the Treaty of Turkmenchay was concluded and I returned to Tabriz, I learned of the utter poverty of the migrating Christians. Lacking financial support from the Russian government, they would have inevitably suffered extreme hardship during their journey to our borders. I also discovered their unwavering determination to emigrate—openly declared—despite the loss of agricultural prosperity, immovable property, and even part of their belongings, which they were unable to carry.

At this point, I could no longer prevent their relocation, nor abandon them to the vengeance of the oppressive Persian authorities. Nor could I disregard the pleas for aid from these Christians. Therefore, I appointed Colonel Lazarev—a devoted officer whose name, I believe, is held in high esteem among the Armenian people—alongside Lieutenant Colonel Prince Argutinsky and other officials to organize and escort the settlers into our provinces.

To aid in their settlement and provide support at their destinations, I established a special committee within the former Erivan, now Armenian, provincial administration. I allocated an initial sum of 50,000 silver rubles, from which financial assistance in the form of loans would be distributed to the poorest families.

You may find additional details on this arrangement in my report dated March 3 of this year, No. 340.

In parallel, His Eminence Nerses dispatched Bishop Stephan and Archimandrite Nicholas to assist in this undertaking. I provided them with open letters of instruction to all unit commanders requesting they render possible assistance. Yet according to Colonel Lazarev’s reports, these clergy had little influence over the resettlers.

Despite all Persian opposition, the migration of Christians from Adirbijan is proceeding successfully. As of the most recent reports, 279 families have been resettled in Karabakh and 948 in the Erivan Province. Colonel Lazarev estimates that the total number of families will exceed 5,000.

Several factors contributed to the success of this enterprise:

1. The oppressive Persian regime, which burdened Christians with heavy taxation and injustices of every kind.
2. The presence of our troops in Adirbijan, under whose protection the migrants could set out and travel to our borders without fear of robbery or violence.
3. The graciously granted financial loan, which allowed the settlers to purchase or hire pack animals to transport at least part of their possessions and families.
4. The outstanding dedication of Colonel Lazarev, Lieutenant Colonel Prince Argutinsky, their appointed aides, and even unrelated officers—among them, members of the Kabardian Infantry and Cossack regiments of Colonel Shamshev. According to Colonel Lazarev, during the settlers’ march through mountainous terrain in bitter cold and inclement weather, these officers gave up their own mounts for the families and traveled the entire route on foot.

Colonel Lazarev assures me that all expenses the treasury incurs in aiding the resettling Armenians will eventually be repaid with interest—for aside from their proven loyalty to Russia, they are renowned for their tireless work ethic.

Despite the great success of the resettlement and the evident benefits these people may bring, I must nevertheless anticipate further difficulties and significant expenditures. The treasury must provide for the settlers not only until this year’s harvest, but through the next season as well, and must furnish them with seed grain. Here I find myself particularly constrained due to the following:

1. The Erivan and Nakhichevan provinces, where the settlers are to be placed, were left depleted by the recent war and lack sufficient grain supplies.
2. Whatever surplus existed has been allocated to the army, whose provisioning remains my primary concern.
3. The war with Turkey prevents us from purchasing grain in nearby pashaliks that have ample supplies.
4. The Persians are equally unwilling to permit the purchase of grain in their own territories.

Therefore, although I have done everything within my power to protect the settlers from famine—and have issued strict orders to Colonel Lazarev not to move those who cannot bring grain with them until after the new harvest (i.e., after July 1)—I cannot fully guarantee that all migrants will have food until they can sustain themselves from their own crops. I foresee the necessity of considerable expenses, although I do not believe they will exceed the sum most graciously allocated for this purpose.

I consider it my duty to report all of the above to Your Excellency.

General-Adjutant Count Paskevich of Erivan

Two Reports to the Commandant of Karabakh, Kalachevsky, on the Consequences of the Plague Affecting Armenians Returning from Persia in Accordance with the Peace Treaty between Russia and Persia August 24 and 25, 1828

Report No. 45 by Ensign Tumanov from the Chailu Region to Acting Karabakh Commandant Kalachevsky August 24, 1828

In response to your directive dated the 23rd of this month, No. 3384, I have the honor to report that among the Armenian resettlers, there is not a single healthy individual who might come forward to give a report on the deceased or on those present. Even the elders who were among them have already died, and those who remain are gravely ill. There is no one left to tend to their households.

—Ensign Tumanov

Report No. 46 by Ensign Tumanov to Acting Karabakh Commandant Kalachevsky on the Plague Ravaging Armenian Returnees from Persia August 25, 1828

In compliance with your directive dated the 20th of this month, No. 3351, regarding the official reception of the resettlers from Lieutenant Beglarov per the register: since Lieutenant Beglarov does not possess any list confirming the composition of the families, nor does he know how many have perished due to the plague, I am unable to accept them until it becomes clear who is actually present.

Additionally, I have the honor to report that the settlers are in such a state that there is no one to bury the dead. Twenty people are dying daily.

—Ensign Tumanov

Report of the Administrator of the Armenian Province, Lieutenant Colonel Prince Argutinsky-Dolgorukov, to the Russian Envoy to Persia, General Prince Dolgorukov, Requesting an End to Bandit Raids on Villages of the Armenian Province of Russia November 7, 1829

To His Excellency Major General and Knight Prince Dolgorukov,

From the Administrator of the Armenian Province, Lieutenant Colonel Prince Argutinsky-Dolgorukov

Report

Before the Turkish Serasker Nadir Sagan…lya (illegible) was defeated by the Commander-in-Chief of Georgia, and before our forces captured Erzrum, subjects of Persia—whether by covert theft or open robbery—inflicted great losses on the inhabitants of the Armenian Province.

Among them were residents of Salmas who had emigrated to Persia and were known as the Shadli. These individuals crossed the Araxes by night and drove off from the village four buffalo, two oxen, and two horses. Within another day or two, they robbed two homes—one in the village of Devali and another nearby in Khalis. The thefts amounted to 15 Persian tumans in one case and 12 in the other. The number of bandits was seven, and their leader was named Duban-Bek. They found shelter with Ulakh Ismail Khan-Bek, a retainer of Beyram Mirza, governor of the Khoy province. Jafar-Agha, who arrived in Khoy with credentials from the Armenian Provincial Administration, was able to recover only two horses and two buffalo; Ismail Khan-Bek refused any further restitution.

A cavalry unit of seventy Karapapakh riders from Maku and Salmas, under Nogi Khan, attacked the livestock of Devali at nine in the morning. Villagers gave pursuit and exchanged fire with the raiders. One of our settlers was killed. Though most of the animals were recovered, the robbers escaped with thirty horses, five head of cattle, one donkey, and the government-issued rifle of the fallen villager.

The bandit chief, Muruz Ali, is now under the protection of Rasym Agha in Salmuze. Although Prince Abbas Mirza had ordered the full return of the stolen horses, the bandit leaders withheld the thirteen best ones, along with five cattle, one donkey, and the soldier’s rifle that had been assigned for village defense.

Furthermore, Ragul Agha, son of Kapali Agha, accompanied by two mounted guards, crossed through Avajun and the Maku district—territories belonging to Persia—then forded the Araxes and stole 330 head of various livestock before retreating to Van. He is now believed to be in the province of Khoy.

Reporting all of the above, I must add that Maku’s Ali Khan (governor of the neighboring Persian province), Ragul Khan (chief of the Karapapakh), and Ismail Khan-Bek (retainer of His Highness Beyram Mirza) not only fail to punish such offenses but actually encourage them through impunity and by retaining the stolen property of Russian subjects.

—Lieutenant Colonel Prince Argutinsky-Dolgorukov Report No. 1039 November 7, 1829 Fortress of Erivan 214

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

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