Report of Prince G. Potemkin to Catherine II on the Need to Restore National Governance in Armenian-Inhabited Karabakh and Thus Revive Armenian Statehood May 19, 1783
Most Gracious Sovereign,
Without yet having received an order from Your Imperial Majesty, I resolved the matter of General-Commander Potemkin regarding Ibrahim Khan of Shusha, facilitating his submission. It should now be considered that, at an opportune moment, his domain—comprising Armenian peoples—be placed under national governance, thereby reestablishing a Christian state in Asia in accordance with the exalted promises made by Your Imperial Majesty, through me, to the Armenian meliks.
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Your Imperial Majesty’s Most humble servant, Prince Potemkin
Archive Reference: TsGVIA, f. 52, op. 2, d. 32, l. 1 ob. Original. Published in the collection: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, doc. No. 148.
Directive from General P. Potemkin to Colonel S. Burnashev on Establishing a Base in Karabakh for Advancement toward Yerevan May 21, 1783
However, I consider three locations of paramount importance for setting up supply depots, namely: from the Caspian Sea in Derbent, which should be connected via an unobstructed communication route to the Karadagh and Karabakh provinces. These regions will provide supplies for the entire army as it advances toward Yerevan, where the principal coordination of all matters is expected to unfold.
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Archive Reference: TsGADA, f. 23, op. 1, d. 13, ch. 5, l. 86. Copy. Published in the collection: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, doc. No. 149.
Report from General P. Potemkin to Prince G. Potemkin Regarding His Letter Sent to Catholicos Gukas Karnetsi, Confirming Catherine II and Prince G. Potemkin’s Intent to Liberate the Armenian People from Oppression and Urging Preparations to Assist the Russian Army May 27, 1783
The Armenian Patriarch Luka, upon receiving the letter addressed to me—of which I have the honor to present a translation to Your Highness—has instructed me, through a trusted messenger, to promptly respond. Having dispatched a reliable envoy with my correspondence, I enclose a copy for Your Highness and await orders on whether I should announce to the Armenian community the necessity of preparing provisions and forage.
[Letter from P. S. Potemkin to Catholicos Gukas Karnetsi]
“To the divinely enlightened and grace-filled miracle-working sanctuary of Ararat, To the eminent and humble Patriarch Luka, Supreme Shepherd of Greater and Lesser Armenia, My Most Gracious Lord.
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God, who created the world and governs all things, entrusted the scepter of power to the Great Catherine for the prosperity of the Russian people and the defeat of godless enemies. He has guided her great and benevolent heart toward the protection of afflicted Armenia and the restoration of this distinguished nation. My protector and foremost kinsman, His Serene Highness Prince Grigory Alexandrovich Potemkin, acting under the imperial throne with the enduring trust of our reigning sovereign, has long sought to rescue the Armenian people from the jaws of ceaseless oppression.
Having been chosen to carry out this great undertaking in accordance with the divine will and the decree of her beloved anointed ruler, I shall be fortunate if the hand of God, which blesses all of Catherine’s endeavors, leads me toward the successful fulfillment of these grand tasks. Assist, Most Honorable Man, in this righteous and noble endeavor with your steadfast devotion to the faith, the dignity of your supreme office, and the grandeur of your noble soul, that you may become the architect of the Armenian people’s hearts.
Declare to them that they should all come under the steadfast shield of Great Catherine, placing their unwavering trust in her invincible arms, seeking through fervor to attain the prosperity enjoyed by all peoples under her blessed reign.
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The oppression weighing upon the Armenian people is grave and unjust; the hand of God prepares to cast it off, and Catherine’s sword stands ready to defend this nation. Her army, entrusted to me, is near. However, this army is vast and requires essential sustenance. The distant territories remain unknown to me. I entreat Your Eminence to command and prepare the inhabitants, ensuring that the soldiers marching to their salvation suffer no shortages in sustenance.
Your Eminence may rest assured that not a single grain of wheat shall be taken without compensation, nor a single blade of grass seized unjustly. Yet, to ensure everything necessary is prepared in advance, I humbly request that arrangements be made for its provision at a fair price.
For insight into the required quantities, I have entrusted a special list to the bearer of this letter. I respectfully implore Your Eminence to offer him guidance and notify me at the earliest convenience.
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Archive Reference: TsGADA, f. 23, op. 1, d. 13, ch. 5, l. 89-90. Copy. Published in the collection: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, doc. No. 148.
Letter from Catholicos Hovhannes and the Meliks of Karabakh to General P. Potemkin Expressing Hope for the Imminent 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-Commander, Actual Chamberlain, and Knight of Various Orders, Pavel Sergeyevich Potemkin, from the Monastery of Gandzasar, by Patriarch Hovhannes
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The humble servant of Jesus Christ and of the God-protected and enlightened Monastery of Gandzasar, The meek Patriarch Hovhannes, in reverence and with the utmost respect, informs Your Excellency through this letter that upon receiving your gracious missive, sent through the chosen emissary Kaprel, concerning the protection of the Armenian people from the persecution of wicked infidels and their restoration from decline to prosperity, we have with joy and urgency offered public prayers before the altar of Almighty God for such inexpressible, sovereign mercy and the absolute bliss granted by Her Imperial Majesty, rendering profound gratitude from the depths of our hearts.
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Your intervention, aimed at restoring the Armenian people from their decline to a state of prosperity, has led us to place firm and unwavering trust in Her Majesty’s immutable sovereign benevolence and to pledge eternal allegiance to Her exalted throne, without hesitation in sacrificing our lives and all our possessions to uphold this loyalty. Your Excellency has written concerning the preparation of provisions—bread and fodder—for the brave cavalry and infantry at a fair price. We would have willingly supplied them without compensation, as previously stated, but in accordance with your latest directive, we inform you that the price of flour per pood is 40 kopecks, barley per pood is 20 kopecks, and we shall not refuse to provide other necessary supplies. Should your forces advance, everything required for sustenance—wheat, barley, meat, hay, and more—will be readily available here, along with abundant grazing lands for summer and winter livestock. You may rely on this without the slightest doubt, and count us and our successors as Her Majesty’s loyal subjects forever. Had we not been fully confident in our ability to supply such a formidable army, we would never have extended this invitation in any form.
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Your Excellency has requested that we send an emissary for more precise coordination, but we must report that at the time of receiving your orders, the ruler Melik Adam passed away. His burial drew a large gathering from nearby regions, including the son of Ibrahim Khan of Shusha, accompanied by more than two hundred prominent figures. This assembly lasted for a week, which is why we could not dispatch a representative publicly, fearing that awareness of such an action might incite unrest or even dire consequences. The invitation of Russian forces is unwelcome among the local infidel communities, and this could easily lead to harm and calamity. Therefore, we deemed it prudent to forgo sending an official emissary and instead respond comprehensively through this letter.
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Regarding the deceased ruler Melik Adam, we must inform you that in accordance with his dying wishes and the request of the community, his rightful successor, his son Melkum Bek, has been appointed. We trust that he will prove as courageous, resourceful, and loyal as his father. Before his passing, Melik Adam repeatedly instructed the bearer of this letter, Kaprel, to convey to Your Excellency the necessity of not abandoning these lands and to visit them for the well-being of the Armenian people without delay, ensuring that they do not lose faith in their hopeful expectations. Kaprel can provide further details.
Conflicts and discord currently persist among the local infidels, which makes the swift arrival of your forces even more essential. A timely intervention could bring great success and advantage. However, a delay in your advance might allow the infidels to resolve their disputes, and with unified strength, they could turn against us, inflicting harm and devastation. It is our most fervent hope that the Almighty may grant the Armenian people the blessing of your arrival and illuminate your endeavors like the radiant sun.
The infidel communities nearby, upon hearing of the approaching Russian troops, are gripped by fear and have begun fortifying their strongholds. Therefore, do not postpone your arrival from day to day but take preparatory measures so that they do not have time to reinforce their defenses.
May the Almighty preserve you in prosperity and success for many years to come.
Written at the settlement of Kagakateg in the district of Charapert, July 5, 1783.
Seals affixed to the original letter: Patriarch Hovhannes, Bishop Isaiah, Bishop Jacob, Bishop Melchisedek, Melik Apov Joseph of Talysh, Melik Melkum Adam of Charapert, Melik Bakhtam Aram of Duzagin, Melik Kaprel Bekiyan of Khachen, Joseph Israelian, Priest Hovhannes Nazarov, Beylyubek Jamalov, Ivan Petrov, Joseph Arutyunov.
Notation: No. 139. Received August 3, 1783. Authentically documented.
Archive Reference: TsGADA, f. 23, op. 1, d. 13, ch. 3/2, ll. 319–320 ob., 324–325 ob. Contemporary translation from Armenian. Published in the collection: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, doc. No. 154a.
Letter from King Heraclius II of Georgia to General P. Potemkin Regarding Ibrahim Khan’s Reliance on Lezgian Mercenaries July 1783
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Ibrahim Khan himself has long ceased communicating with us. Everything essential we have learned has come from several individuals who fled from him. These men, seeking refuge and protection, have fled not only to us but also to other neighboring rulers. They report that Ibrahim Khan has gathered up to 700 Lezgian warriors and keeps them within the Shusha fortress. He recruited them out of fear, having quarreled with his brother and relatives, fearing they might attempt to kill him.
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Archive Reference: TsGADA, f. 23, op. 1, d. 13, ch. 3/2, ll. 312, 321 ob., 315. Translation from Georgian contemporary to the original. Published in the collection: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, doc. No. 158.
Report from General P. Potemkin to Prince G. Potemkin Regarding Melik Shahnazar’s Alliance with Ibrahim Khan and the Need for Caution to Prevent Hostile Escalation That Could Harm the Armenians August 5, 1783
I have the honor of transmitting to Your Highness the letter I received from Armenian Patriarch Luka. Additionally, I present a translation of a letter addressed to me from the Patriarch of Gandzasar and the Armenian community. Among the meliks who signed the letter, Your Highness will note the name of Bakhtam Aramov. Much effort was required to navigate the stance of this powerful and influential melik, who had previously aligned himself with the opposing side.
Among the prominent figures, only one remains—Melik Shahnazar, friend and father-in-law of Ibrahim Khan. However, I believe there is substantial reason to expect his readiness to comply with Your Highness’s will. Since my previous communication to Your Highness, Ibrahim Khan of Shusha has made no further proposals. As such, I deemed it best not to engage with him until he renews his requests.
Reports reaching me confirm that both he and all Persians are in extreme apprehension. It is crucial that we avoid forcing him into a desperate position—either fleeing or resorting to arms. If he flees, he will certainly pillage the entire Armenian population, and if he resists, his ineffective resistance will lead only to their devastation. For this reason, I have determined it best to display cordiality and favor towards him. Accordingly, I have dispatched a universal order from Your Highness to him, as well as to other Azerbaijani khans, accompanied by gifts.
I enclose a registry listing all Azerbaijani khans to whom the notification about the Georgian king’s acceptance of imperial protection has been sent. Since the official orders provided by Your Highness were insufficient for all khans, I issued circular letters on my own authority, of which I include a copy herein.
Recently, both patriarchs—of Ararat and Gandzasar—have privately conferred to determine the measures necessary to supply our troops upon their arrival. I shall report back to Your Highness once their decisions are finalized.
Archive Reference: TsGADA, f. 23, op. 1, d. 13, ch. 5, ll. 129–129 ob. Copy. Published in the collection: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, doc. No. 160.
Letter from Archbishop Joseph Argutinsky Calling on Melik Shahnazar to Persuade Ibrahim Khan to Align with Russia and to Reach an Agreement with Other Meliks
August 11, 1783
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I now urge you, my esteemed ally, upon receiving this letter, to convey to the honorable Khan that, in order to solidify his previous desire, he should dispatch a knowledgeable representative from his side. Likewise, you should write to His Highness and to His Serene Highness Prince Grigory Alexandrovich Potemkin, requesting protection and advocacy for the supreme imperial patronage, and send your son, Djimshid Bek, who will receive extraordinary honor here.
Trust me, dear Melik, if you wish for a prosperous and secure position, heed this instruction as beneficial. Resolve firmly and send your son or a trusted envoy, and you shall witness immense favor. I assure you, by Almighty God, that you will suffer no harm. This endeavor is not merely beneficial for property but also for human society as a whole. Furthermore, those who willingly submit and remain obedient will be rewarded by the supreme imperial court.
Make the necessary effort—coordinate with the Khan and send your son. I am bound by the deep friendship I have enjoyed with you, both in your home and in the wilderness of Saint Gevond. I have extended my goodwill to you with true Christian sincerity and honesty, and you must likewise reciprocate with openness and confidence from all sides, informing His Highness Pavel Sergeyevich about matters of importance, as should the Khan.
I have discussed this matter with Lieutenant Colonel Mirzabek Vaganov, your long-time friend and loyal companion. He speaks of you with great fondness and enjoys special favor with His Highness Pavel Sergeyevich. All letters sent through him should be translated into Russian, as there are no Persian translators available here for the Khan’s letters written in Tatar.
Now, as the foremost Melik of your provinces, you must not only request the Khan to send an envoy but also rally the other meliks to reach a unanimous agreement and send a joint representative to His Highness. I will endeavor to secure a swift response. As your long-time friend, I find it necessary to inform you of these matters with fatherly advice. The rest is entrusted to your discretion and care. Be diligent in obtaining this advantageous outcome.
I remain your well-wisher, Joseph, Archbishop of all Armenian people residing in Russia
Archive Reference: AVPR, f. SRA, op. 100/3, 1797–1799, ll. 166 ob.–168 ob. Translation from Armenian contemporary to the original. Published in the collection: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, doc. No. 161.
Letter from Catholicos Hovhannes and the Meliks of Karabakh to General P. Potemkin Expressing Readiness to Continue Joint Efforts with Russia to Free Their Country from Foreign Domination
Gandzasar, December 21, 1783
Translation of the Armenian letter sent by Patriarch Hovhannes from Gandzasar, along with Melik Melkum Adamov, Melik Apov Josephov, and Melik Bakhtam Aramyan, to the trusted envoy in Yerevan on December 21, 1783.
Your Lordship’s letter of December, delivered through the specially dispatched Armenian Daniel Avanesov, was received on the 14th of the same month with great gratitude. In accordance with His Highness Pavel Sergeyevich’s command, our protector, we intended to travel to Armenia, but due to the unrest prevailing here, we were prevented from doing so.
We are deeply convinced that your arrival will present us with an opportunity to free ourselves from the cruel and unbearable hands of enemies hostile to Christianity, whose destruction we desperately seek. We find salvation only in the protection of Her Imperial Majesty’s mighty and victorious arms, through the advocacy of His Highness Pavel Sergeyevich.
We hereby implore him on behalf of our entire community, expressing our desire to continue our collective service and formally join the ranks of Her Imperial Majesty’s loyal subjects to rid ourselves of the oppressors. Yet, our misfortunes are so great that we remain in prolonged anticipation, deprived of that hope, falling into despair. We earnestly wish to expedite efforts toward our liberation with military assistance, which will serve as our eternal salvation.
Rest assured that we will faithfully fulfill all necessary duties. We pledge, without exception, to provide the Russian forces with adequate supplies of bread and all essential provisions. However, we regret that we cannot achieve this as swiftly as desired.
We, the assembled meliks, solemnly commit ourselves for the rest of our days to the welfare of our people, prepared to sacrifice for the faith. Trusting in divine mercy, we hope this endeavor will be crowned with success on both sides through the mediation of His Highness Pavel Sergeyevich.
Regarding your request for us to send a plenipotentiary representative with due authorization, we now dispatch the distinguished Mugdusi Grigor, accompanied by Daniel Avanesov, both of whom we trust to act on our behalf in all necessary matters.
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Signatories on the original letter: Melik Melkum Adamov, Melik Apov Josephov, Melik Bakhtam Aramyan, with three ink seals affixed. From Gandzasar.
Notation: No. 110. Received March 15, 1784.
Archive Reference: TsGADA, f. 23, op. 1, d. 13, ch. 11, ll. 280–280 ob., 282–282 ob. Translation from Armenian contemporary to the original. Published in the collection: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Vol. IV, Yerevan, 1990, doc. No. 174a. 88
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