Request of General P. Potemkin to Prince G. Potemkin

Instructions Regarding the “Type” of Government in Establishing the Independence of Karabakh and Karadag

January 1784

1. When establishing the independence of Karabakh and Karadag, what type of government should be instituted? Should the decision be left to my discretion based on local circumstances, or will I receive specific instructions on the matter?
2. Both Khans—Shusha’s Ibrahim Khan and Derbent’s Fetali Khan—must presently be treated with diplomacy to ensure their eventual submission. If one or both are captured, where should they be sent? Should their imprisonment be publicly attributed to popular grievances and dissatisfaction?

Source: TsGADA, f. 23, op. 1, d. 13, part 8, ll. 417-418. Copy. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Volume IV. Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 183.

Report of Prince G. Potemkin to Catherine II

On Russia’s Promises to Assist in the Liberation of Karabakh and Armenia

Dubrovna, April 6, 1784

Most Gracious Sovereign,

In fulfillment of Your Majesty’s highest will, I have sent emissaries to Armenia, specifically to the Persian provinces of Karabakh and Karadag, to convey Your Majesty’s supreme protection, under which they may free themselves from the yoke of the infidel. The favorable disposition of these peoples strengthens day by day. From the reports presented here, Your Majesty will see that Ibrahim Khan, fearing the loss of his oppressive control over these peoples, seeks incorporation into Russia.

However, as the local leader must align with the supreme intention and be a Christian rather than the current Khan, I have ordered my representatives to inform him that I will report his request to Your Majesty. Meanwhile, upon my return, I shall have the honor of presenting the best strategies for securing Armenian territories.

Source: AVPR, f. SRP, op. 77/6, 1784, d. 469, ll. 1–2. Original; f. SRG, op. 110/3, 1795–1797, d. 459, l. 33. Copy. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760–1800, Volume IV. Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 194.

Prince G. Potemkin’s Communication to Catherine II

Ibrahim Khan’s Readiness to Accept Russian Allegiance Under Armenian Pressure

April 1784

Lieutenant General Potemkin reports from March 15 about letters received from Shusha’s Ibrahim Khan and Ahmed of Goy. The courier of the first, his favorite Mirza Veli, and of the latter, his close official Imam Kuli Bek. Ibrahim Khan, deeply hesitant in his actions, seeks Your Majesty’s supreme protection—partially due to the insistence of the Karabakh and Karadag Armenians requesting Your Majesty’s gracious safeguard. Yet, at the same time, he increases his oppression of the Armenian population.

In his letters, referring to his alignment with King Irakli II, Ibrahim Khan conveys his demands through his emissary, who presented two key requests:

1. That he be assured of unshaken tenure as Khan under Russian protection.
2. That Russia refrain from interfering in his governance.

The latter request clearly illustrates his stance toward the Armenians. Mirza Veli was sent back to Ibrahim Khan with the message that if he truly seeks Russian allegiance, he should dispatch a proper diplomatic mission.

Source: AVPR, f. SRP, op. 77/6, 1784, d. 469, ll. 3-4 ob. Copy. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760–1800, Volume IV. Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 199.

Report of Colonel S. Burnashev to General P. Potemkin

On the Armenian Attitude Towards Ibrahim Khan

Tiflis, Classified. May 26, 1784

Your Excellency,

I have the honor of presenting herewith a translation of the royal letter to Ibrahim Khan, dispatched on the 23rd of this month. Ibrahim Khan controls no more than five thousand Muslims, apart from the Armenians, who, as asserted, await only our arrival and command to punish their oppressors.

Annotation: Received June 12, 1784.

Source: TsGADA, f. 23, op. 1, d. 13, part 8, l. 163 ob. Original. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760–1800, Volume IV. Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 202.

From Catherine II to Prince G. Potemkin

Inquiry Regarding the Circumstances of Ibrahim Khan’s Presence in Karabakh

May 28, 1784

It seems that Ibrahim Khan’s letters are far more politely written than Turkish or other Persian ones I have seen before. Tell me, who is he? How did he become Khan? Is he young or old, strong or weak? Do the Persians favor him? <…>

Source: RGADA, f. 5, d. 85, part 1, ll. 538-538 ob. Autograph. Published in: Collections of the Imperial Russian Historical Society, St. Petersburg, 1867-1916, Vol. 27, pp. 336-337; Catherine II and G.A. Potemkin: Personal Correspondence, 1769-1791, Moscow, 1997, Document No. 709.

Letter from Catholicos Hovhannes and the Karabakh Meliks to General P. Potemkin

On Possible Deterioration of the Armenian Situation Due to Delayed Liberation of Karabakh

Gandzasar, May 29, 1784

Translation of the Armenian letter sent by the Catholicos of Gandzasar, Ioann, and all the Meliks to the noble and esteemed General Lieutenant and Knight of Various Orders, Pavel Sergeyevich Potemkin.

The letter from Your Excellency, sent last month, was received with great pleasure by our confidant Gavriil on May 28 of this year. Reading it with the utmost attention, we felt some relief from our distress, reassured that we have not yet been deprived of Her Majesty’s grace through Your Excellency’s intervention. It has calmed our troubled souls, mitigating our suffering.

At the same time, news of the success against the Ottoman Porte for the glory of Her Majesty, the great benefactress and protector of humanity, has given us hope for salvation. When the discord among our enemies ceases and their strength weakens, it emboldens our resolve. We pray to God that the same liberation may come against all adversaries, those who currently resist us from within while outwardly feigning goodwill.

We cry out to Almighty God, asking Him to strengthen the resolve of the great victorious ruler. We have already fixed our eyes upon the prospect of imminent death and pray ceaselessly that, hearing the voice of His servants, He may grant mercy and instill compassion in the heart of the Holy Prince Grigory Alexandrovich Potemkin, extending his hand to free us from the grip of our violent enemies.

As we previously wrote to Your Excellency through Daniil Ivanesov, now witnessing our continued suffering, we reach out again, reaffirming our steadfastness and sincerity. We assure Your Excellency that we are prepared to sacrifice everything—ourselves and our possessions—with unwavering loyalty to continue our service to the great Catherine, our protector. Our hearts yearn for the moment of salvation when we may rise again from our downfall.

Our growing strength every day fuels our hope that we will not be deprived of a prosperous life, having sought refuge with the mighty and victorious ruler. This is an undeniable hope, but the prolonged waiting demands caution from our leader. Having heard that the sovereign’s protection is intended for our rescue, he now pretends to reassure us while secretly working to undermine our efforts before our alliance with other Khans.

We all, the humble ones, dare to request that if salvation is not seen at present, it may become even more difficult to achieve once we have joined forces with the Khans.

Your Excellency inquired about the grain supply, which is much better this year compared to the previous one. Despite the destructive presence of some ten thousand Lezgins, who previously caused shortages, we now thank God for the abundance. If fifty thousand troops arrive, they will be well provided for without difficulty.

Signed on the original document with attached ink seals: Catholicos Ioann Bishops: Grigory Eliazar, Ioann Eliazar, Saak, Israel Meliks: Melik Mejlum Adamov, Melik Hakob Iosifov, Melik Bakhtam Aramov, Melik Bek Barunbabov, Chief of Khachun, Daniil Jalalov, Gavriil Melikbekov.

Translated by Corporal Varlam Vaganov of the Life Guards Cavalry Regiment.

Annotation: Received June 20, 1784

Source: TsGADA, f. 23, op. 1, l. 13, part 12, ll. 176-177 ob. Contemporary translation from Armenian. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Volume IV, Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 204a.

From Chancellor A. Bezborodko to P. Bakunin

On the Conditions for a Peace Treaty with Persia as Proposed by Prince G. Potemkin, Including Recognition of an Independent Armenian Territory

May 31, 1784

On my journey near Porkhov, I received a letter from Prince Grigory Alexandrovich, informing me of the removal of the current Persian governor Ali-Murat Khan and the arrival of his envoy, offering to fulfill whatever we desire in order to gain the Empress’s favor and secure his recognition as Shah.

Prince Grigory Alexandrovich sees this as the most reliable means of concluding our Persian affairs through a treaty that will establish our acquisitions, define the borders of Irakli’s kingdom, and determine the status of independent regions—Armenian and another one to be formed along the Caspian coast. Furthermore, the treaty will delineate the Persian Empire’s limits and stipulate trade and other benefits.

From various indications, I infer that Ali-Murat eagerly wishes to conclude a defensive—and possibly even an offensive—alliance against the Porte, with territorial gains not being out of the question. His envoy will be sent back by Prince Potemkin with counsel and reassuring promises, while final decisions await his arrival.

Source: “Archives of Prince Vorontsov,” XIII, Moscow, 1879, pp. 53-54. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Volume IV, Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 207.

Information Provided to General P. Potemkin

On the Anti-Armenian Actions of Ibrahim Khan and the Readiness of the Karabakh Meliks to Join Russian Forces Against the Ottoman Empire and Persia

June 7, 1784

The Holy Patriarch Ioann, together with the meliks, wrote to Your Excellency regarding the current situation in Karabakh. Additionally, they sent a priest through Baku under the guise of a poor man to deliver a letter to Archbishop Joseph in Astrakhan, requesting him to appeal to Your Excellency for salvation and to take measures for our liberation.

The meliks instructed me to report to Your Excellency that Ibrahim Khan, having learned of our correspondence with you, is striving to annihilate this entire undertaking, pushing our people into great peril while attempting to strengthen his own power.

Envoys from the Turkish court have been sent to all Azerbaijani Khans, including Ibrahim Khan, urging them to confirm in writing their unanimous agreement to mobilize against Russian troops. The Khans, along with the Turkish envoys, plan to convene at a gathering point near the banks of the Kura River with the intention of preventing the Persians from joining the Russian domain and instead forming a treaty between the Ottoman court and Persia. This treaty would ensure that in the event of Russian troop movement into Persia, a joint force would confront them. The Persians have given assurances on this matter but requested military reinforcements from the Ottoman court to fortify positions along the expected path of Russian forces—starting from Derbent and extending along the Caspian coast and other strategic Persian territories. Their goal is to deprive the Russian army of secure routes for passage.

From the moment Russian forces entered Georgia and rumors spread about their potential advance into Derbent, the Ottoman court became highly apprehensive. Consequently, the meliks urge Your Excellency that should the Turks, in alliance with the Persians, preemptively occupy and strengthen multiple strategic locations, it will become increasingly difficult to secure salvation for the Armenian people.

If Your Excellency intends to liberate the Armenian people from their oppressors, now is the opportune time. By securing this region along with Derbent, all Turkish and Persian schemes would be thwarted. Although the Turkish court has recently reinforced its treaty with Russia, rumors suggest that it is unlikely to last long.

If Your Excellency is not inclined to immediately mobilize troops, then at the very least, we request that two regiments be stationed in Georgia, with one directed toward Ganja. This proximity would allow efforts to eliminate Ibrahim Khan. Moreover, among his own relatives, some are sympathetic to our cause. If Your Excellency entrusts this mission to His Highness King Irakli, he will undoubtedly support it.

Additionally, the meliks declare that they have 5,000 of their bravest warriors—both infantry and cavalry—who are always prepared for action. As soon as Russian troops enter Ganja, these forces will swiftly join the campaign if needed. Furthermore, if Russian forces advance towards Derbent, these warriors are prepared to meet them at the Kura River.

Should the Turks occupy Yerevan with their army, all Azerbaijani Khans will align with them, later launching an attack on Georgia—a development well known to many.

The city of Ganja, currently under King Irakli’s jurisdiction, was previously governed by Mahmed Khan, who is now held under guard by Ibrahim Khan of Shusha. Meanwhile, Fet Ali Khan is rallying the other Khans to help reinstate Mahmed Khan to his former position, believing it will provide a strategic advantage for an attack on Irakli’s territories—a fact already known to King Irakli.

As for provisions, which Your Excellency inquired about, Archbishop Joseph assured us that sufficient supplies exist to support any number of Russian forces. The local inhabitants have stored ample supplies in their cellars, and in previous months, they also prepared a significant quantity of fish to sustain Russian troops.

Therefore, we earnestly implore Your Excellency to provide all possible assistance for the liberation of our people from these enemies who hate Christians. Without such aid, we shall remain in oppression and disgrace.

Annotation: Received June 7, 1784

Source: TsGADA, f. 23, op. 1, d. 13, part 8, ll. 124-126. Copy. Published in: Armenian-Russian Relations in the 18th Century, 1760-1800, Volume IV, Yerevan, 1990, Document No. 208. 96

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

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