Report by State Councillor P. Kovalesky

History

Report by State Councillor P. Kovalesky to the Foreign Affairs Collegium Regarding the Awarding of a Gold Medal to Melik Abov Tiflis, February 17, 1800

Among the medals allocated under my supervision for Armenian meliks, and following the request from His Excellency Laskarev—conveying the sovereign’s supreme permission—I have awarded, in accordance with the precedent set for other meliks who received similar royal marks of favor during their time at His Imperial Majesty’s court, a diamond-studded medal on a blue ribbon to Melik Abov, currently residing here. Reporting this to the Collegium, I find it my duty to also enclose the sworn declaration executed by the aforementioned Melik Abov, pledging his allegiance and loyalty to His Imperial Majesty and his devotion to His Highness, the King of Kartli and Kakheti. Furthermore, I attest that this melik, renowned in these lands for his enterprise and exceptional military spirit, has long demonstrated great promise in showcasing his valor in service to the supreme Russian throne when the opportunity arises.

State Councillor Pyotr Kovalesky (Reference: AVPR, SRA fund, file 100/3, 1797–1799, doc. 464, p. 339. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760–1800. Volume IV. Yerevan, 1990, Doc. No. 369.)

Charter of King George XII of Kartli and Kakheti Granting Melik Jimshid Ownership of Lori February 29, 1800

By the grace of God, we, descendants of Jesse, David, Solomon, and Pancrates—King of Kartli and Kakheti, ruler of all our lands—George XII, together with our consort Queen Maria, née Princess Tsitsianov, and our heir David, along with our children Ioane, Bagrat, Teimuraz, Mikhail, Gavriil, Ilya, Zlatoust, Irakli, and our grandson Grigory, grant you, Melik Jimshid, and your future offspring, in perpetuity, this gracious charter.

Considering that you left the domain of Ibrahim Khan of Shusha to reside permanently in our lands and subsequently presented to us an imperial decree from the great sovereign of Russia regarding your settlement here and the granting of land for your possession, we have now bestowed upon you ownership of Lori Fortress and its associated lands, including the villages currently under its jurisdiction. However, since Lori was previously granted to Shamir Agha, should his son or grandson claim the estate, it must be returned to them per our prior promise; in such case, we shall grant you another property in its stead. Should no claimant arise, you shall possess Lori in perpetuity.

Additionally, we grant you permanent stewardship over the Karabakh people residing in Disik. We sincerely hope that your loyalty and service will remain steadfast for generations and will never be altered by you or any future successor of our kingdom.

Furthermore, we command our viziers and officials not only to uphold this decree but also to offer necessary assistance in all matters related to its execution.

This decree was issued on February 29, 1800.

(Reference: AKAK, Vol. 1, p. 637. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760–1800, Volume IV, Yerevan, 1990, Doc. No. 370.)

Excerpt from a Letter by Governor of Georgia and Representative in Persia, State Councillor P. Kovalesky, to General K. Knorring Regarding the Exodus of Armenian Meliks and Their Subjects from Karabakh August 3, 1800

Karabakh: Ibrahim Khan of Karabakh—a wise Persian of advanced years—originally inherited only a limited share of Karabakh’s governance, which was still controlled by Armenian meliks who had retained their independence since ancient times. However, over time, he consolidated power, ultimately expelling these native rulers.

During the Russian troops’ approach to his territory, Ibrahim Khan demonstrated utmost loyalty and willingness to cooperate, placing himself under the supreme protection of the Russian Empire. Yet, following the troops’ withdrawal, circumstances turned unfavorable for him. Amid the Persian invasion of Georgia under Agha Mohammad Khan, Ibrahim was forced to disperse his Armenian subjects—those unable to bear arms or take refuge in the fortress of Shusha—to neighboring regions, mostly Georgia, intending to recall them once stability was restored. Instead, none returned, and many others—observing Ibrahim Khan’s weakened state—fled with their meliks to Ganja and Georgia, where they now settle permanently.

Ibrahim Khan remains particularly displeased with Georgia, as, despite his expectations, many of his former subjects have been detained here.

On the Armenian Meliks of Karabakh: The Armenian meliks who are now settling in Georgia include:

  • Melik Jimshid, son of Melik Shah-Nazar
  • Melik Abov, son of Melik Joseph
  • Melik Fridon, son of Melik Beglar

These individuals descend from five meliks of Karabakh who had preserved their dominions even after the fall of the Armenian kingdom and remained independent until recent times. However, as noted earlier, Ibrahim Khan’s father established his rule over them and ultimately displaced them.

The oppression inflicted by this foreign ruler compelled the meliks to seek refuge. Thus, Melik Abov and Melik Medzhlum fled to Georgia with their subjects after Agha Mohammad Khan devastated Tiflis, receiving favorable privileges from the late King Heraclius, upon which they began to establish themselves here.

Melik Medzhlum passed away shortly thereafter, and his subjects, along with his young son, mostly resettled in Ganja, while Melik Abov remained in Georgia, gradually gathering his scattered people. Meanwhile, Melik Jimshid and Melik Fridon traveled to the Imperial Court, petitioning on behalf of all five meliks for protection and the right to settle in Georgia or Russia. The Emperor graciously granted them this request, affirming their settlement in Georgia and issuing imperial decrees in their favor.

Upon my arrival, I found Melik Abov imprisoned due to mere suspicion. My first action was to appeal for a formal investigation, and since no evidence was found against him, he was released and brought to me. I administered his oath of allegiance to the Russian Empire, awarded him a medal from the sovereign, and, recognizing his exceptional qualities—his diligence, zeal for service, initiative, and military prowess—placed him under my special protection and encouragement.

Melik Jimshid and Melik Fridon currently have scarcely over one hundred households each, except for the villages granted to the former as part of Lori Fortress.

(Reference: AKAK, Vol. 1, 1866, pp. 120-124.)

Letter from the Karabakh Rulers and Meliks to Emperor Alexander I Requesting Assistance in the Liberation of the Armenian Population of Karabakh “from Captivity” and Their Resettlement in Georgia

Tiflis, June 10, 1802

Translation of the letter from the Georgian authorities to His Imperial Majesty from the Karabakh rulers and meliks, signed below.*

When the rule of our nation was abolished, governance in the Karabakh region remained in place. By preserving our subjects, we continued to administer them. However, under these circumstances, our adversary and enemy of Christianity, Ibrahim Khan, seized Shusha Fortress from us and, day by day, further ravaged our lands, depriving us of our subjects. Due to this, we appealed to the late Emperor, who graciously issued us a decree and sent us to His Highness King George.

The King allotted land for our displaced subjects, but without the necessary force of Your Majesty, we have been unable to relocate them from Karabakh to Georgia. Therefore, on January 20, 1801, we submitted a second appeal to the late Emperor through General Knorring regarding the same matter. We were honored to receive a highly esteemed and gracious response, which filled us with boundless joy and comfort. Our request was promised to be fulfilled according to our petition and aspirations.

Now, we humbly beseech Your Majesty to command the military commander present here to advance toward Ganja with an invincible force. Ganja is the central point connecting Karabakh, Shirvan, and Georgia, and as soon as our subjects witness the presence of Your Majesty’s army, they will begin to flock to us. Should anyone attempt resistance, the military commander should be ordered to punish them severely.

Once our request is successfully executed and we regain our subjects—who number up to 50,000 souls—we pledge our readiness to provide military service in this region against common enemies. Furthermore, should circumstances demand, we will demonstrate unwavering dedication, deserving acknowledgment according to our merits.

We implore Your Majesty to decree the return of our subjects, both Armenian and Tatar, who were dispersed across various regions of Georgia and beyond after Agha Mohammad Khan’s invasion. Upon receiving all that we request, we vow to dedicate our lives entirely to Your Majesty, sacrificing even the last drop of our blood in unison as Christians freed by an invincible force from captivity at the hands of barbarians.

(Reference: AVPRI, Fund 100, Op. 100/3, File 2, pp. 48–49. Highlighted in the publication by Y.B.)

  • Title of the archival document. ** The document erroneously refers to Ibrahim Khan as “Igreim.”

Letter from the Governor-General of Georgia and Commander-in-Chief of the Caucasus, Prince P. Tsitsianov, to Ibrahim Khan of Shusha

Ganja, January 8, 1804

“…Finally, by opening a path for you to the supreme protection of our great and God-exalted Sovereign, I shall await your trusted envoy or one of your children to establish the terms under which you may be received.”

(Reference: AKAK, Vol. II, Tiflis, 1868, p. 606.)

Letter from the Governor-General of Georgia and Commander-in-Chief of the Caucasus, Prince P. Tsitsianov, to Ibrahim Khan of Shusha

No. 79, February 4, 1804

I have received your letter, which contains no substantive matter but fully expresses the deceitful nature of the Persian soul. Neither verbal reports nor written instructions—such as those given by Mirza-Mamed-Ali without signature or seal—are acceptable to me. You will pay for such Persian cunning with your own blood, just as Javad Khan did.

I do not seek nor have I ever sought your submission or allegiance, for I trust Persian loyalty as much as one trusts the wind. My demand was solely for the return of the Ganja livestock. So, wait for Nowruz, wait for Baba Khan’s assistance, but I shall visit you at my own time, without warning.

I know that while I stood near Ganja, you trembled like a leaf on a tree and would not have dared to respond in this manner. I know that before my arrival at Ganja, you acted like a cowardly hare and a cunning fox, sending envoys to Mourav Andronikov of Shamshadil. At that time, you did not dare to speak in this tone, as you do now, believing me to be far away.

But mark my words: even the forces stationed in Ganja are sufficient to crush you completely. Believe me, the supposed impregnability of your fortress will be nothing to the Russians—you will see this in due time. Javad Khan spoke similarly until he bit the dust. I keep my word.

Has it ever been heard that a fly negotiates with an eagle? Strength commands, and the weak are born to obey the strong.

In short, if within two weeks the Ganja livestock is not returned, and Melik Jimshid’s son Astvatsatur and his grandson are not sent to Ganja to report to the local commander, I will not teach Your Highness obedience through deceitful letters but through action. My heart, which you mention in your letter, will only be at peace when you fulfill your duty as a neighbor and return the livestock.

I call you to repentance, not submission—I do not need your allegiance. If you wish to live in peace, fulfill the demands outlined in this letter.

(Reference: AKAK, Vol. II, Tiflis, 1868, p. 696.)

Letter from the Governor-General of Georgia and Commander-in-Chief of the Caucasus, Prince P. Tsitsianov, to Ibrahim Khan of Shusha

No. 261, May 26, 1804

Although your actions contradict the letter delivered to me by Israfil Bek—regarding the herd of Ganja residents that remains in your possession despite my demand for its return, as well as the attack on my patrol and the recent seizure of 292 horses from Elisavetpol (formerly Ganja)—I should not intervene on your behalf or protect you from the Persians, who, by their custom, would gouge out your eyes or cut off your nose or ears.

Indeed, I should have handed you over to them and then taken Shusha from their grasp. However, I now declare to you, in the sacred, resounding, and glorious name of His Imperial Majesty, the most radiant and powerful sovereign of all Russia, that He has chosen to grant you forgiveness for all past offenses, consigning them to oblivion, and accepting you into the blessed citizenship of the All-Russian Empire.

To secure this, Your Highness must:

  1. Maintain unwavering loyalty,
  2. Confirm this loyalty through an oath before my appointed official,
  3. Surrender the fortress for the accommodation of Russian troops,
  4. Provide your eldest son as a hostage,
  5. Offer 10,000 ducats as a token of submission.

In return, His Imperial Majesty will confirm your hereditary right to the khanate through a supreme decree, granting you all associated privileges and rights.

If you agree to these terms, inform me promptly. I will send an official to administer the oath, and you shall send your son along with a trusted envoy, to whom I will provide assurances regarding the preservation of this arrangement. I will then dispatch troops with artillery to your aid.

I keep my word, have never lied, and swear by Almighty God that there is no other path to prosperity. You will find happiness only through loyalty. Mere verbal assurances will not suffice—I require everything in writing.

(Reference: AKAK, Vol. II, Tiflis, 1868, p. 697.)

The Treaty of Kurekchay, signed on May 14, 1805, marked the formal incorporation of the Karabakh Khanate into the Russian Empire. The agreement was concluded between Ibrahim Khan of Shusha and Karabakh and Prince Pavel Tsitsianov, the Commander-in-Chief of Russian forces in the Caucasus, acting on behalf of Emperor Alexander I.

Key Articles of the Treaty

  1. Renunciation of Persian Allegiance Ibrahim Khan and his successors permanently renounced any vassalage or dependence on Persia or any other state, recognizing only the supreme authority of the Russian Emperor.
  2. Imperial Protection The Russian Emperor guaranteed the integrity of Ibrahim Khan’s territories and pledged imperial favor and care for him and his successors.
  3. Hereditary Khanate Confirmation Ibrahim Khan and his descendants would receive imperial confirmation of their rule through the Governor of Georgia, with an official decree and state seal.
  4. Restrictions on Foreign Relations Ibrahim Khan agreed not to engage with neighboring rulers without prior approval from the Governor of Georgia.
  5. Russian Military Presence A 500-strong Russian garrison with artillery was to be stationed in Shusha Fortress for protection, with reinforcements provided if necessary.
  6. Economic Obligations Ibrahim Khan pledged to supply grain and provisions to Russian troops at regulated prices and provide housing and firewood for them.
  7. Imperial Banner The Russian Emperor granted Ibrahim Khan a banner bearing the imperial coat of arms, symbolizing his official status.
  8. Annual Tribute Ibrahim Khan agreed to pay 8,000 ducats annually to the Russian treasury in Tiflis, in two installments.
  9. Hostage Requirement As a guarantee of loyalty, Ibrahim Khan’s eldest son and grandson were to reside in Tiflis.
  10. Perpetual Validity The treaty was declared eternal and unchangeable.
  11. Imperial Ratification The Russian Emperor was to issue an official decree confirming the treaty within six months.

The treaty was signed in the Russian military camp near the Kurekchay River, close to Ganja, and remains a significant document in the history of Russian expansion into the Caucasus. 135

1en.wikipedia.org
2karabakh.org

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

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