The Gulistan Treaty – An Interstate Act of Iran’s Cession of the Karabakh Territory to Russia

History

October 12, 1813

In the Name of Almighty God, His Imperial Majesty, the Most Serene and Sovereign Great Lord, Emperor, and Autocrat of All Russia, and His Majesty the Padishah, Sovereign and Ruler of the Persian State*, moved by their high monarchical love for their mutual subjects and sincerely desiring to put an end to the calamities of war—contrary to their hearts—and to restore a firm peace and good neighborly relations that have existed since ancient times between the Russian Empire and the Persian State, have deemed it proper to appoint, for this just and salvatory purpose, their plenipotentiaries.

His Majesty the Russian Emperor appointed the Most Excellent Nikolai Rtishchev, His General-Lieutenant, Commander-in-Chief of the armies in Georgia and along the Caucasus Line, and His Majesty the Persian Shah appointed His Highly Esteemed and Honorable Mirza Abul-Hassan Khan, a former extraordinary envoy to the Ottoman and British Courts, selected from among Persian officials, the closest officer to his Sovereign, a Counselor of Secret Affairs of the Highest Persian Court, originating from the Vizier family, a Khan of the second rank at the Persian Court, and favored by his Sovereign with distinguished gifts, including a dagger and a saber adorned with diamonds, a shawl robe, and an equestrian outfit embellished with diamonds.

Thus, we, the aforementioned plenipotentiaries, having convened at the domain of Karabakh in the locality of Gulistan near the Zeiva River and after exchanging credentials, having examined everything concerning the peace and friendship to be established in the name of our Great Sovereigns, by virtue of the powers granted to us and the Highest authorizations, have decreed and affirmed for all time the following articles:

Article I: The enmity and discord that have existed until now between the Russian Empire and the Persian State shall cease henceforth under this treaty, establishing perpetual peace, friendship, and good agreement between His Imperial Majesty the Autocrat of All Russia and His Majesty the Persian Shah, their heirs, successors to the throne, and their respective High States.

Article II: As it has already been mutually agreed through preliminary negotiations between the two High States to conclude peace on the basis of Status quo ad presentem, meaning that each side shall retain possession of the lands, khanates, and domains that are currently under their complete control, the border between the Russian Empire and the Persian State shall henceforth be delineated as follows: starting from the Odin-Bazar locality, a straight line through the Mugan Steppe to the Edibuluk crossing on the Aras River, then ascending the Aras River to the point where the Kananchay River flows into it, further following the right side of the Kananchay River to the Migri mountain ridge, and continuing along the borders of the Karabakh and Nakhichevan Khanates up to the Alagez mountain range at the Daralagez locality.

Article III: His Majesty the Shah of Persia, in proof of His sincere friendship toward His Majesty the Emperor of All Russia, hereby solemnly recognizes—both for Himself and for the High Successors to the Persian Throne—the Khanates of Karabakh and Ganja, now reorganized into a province under the name of Elisavetpol, as the rightful possessions of the Russian Empire. Likewise, He acknowledges the sovereignty of Russia over the Khanates of Sheki, Shirvan, Derbent, Quba, Baku, and Talysh, along with the lands of the Talysh Khanate that are currently under Russian control. Moreover, the entire region of Daghestan, Georgia, including the Shuragel province, Imeretia, Guria, Mingrelia, and Abkhazia, as well as all territories and lands located between the newly established border and the Caucasus Line, and those adjacent to both the Caspian Sea and the territories connected to the Caucasus Line, shall henceforth belong to the Russian Empire.

Article IV: His Majesty the Emperor of All Russia, as a token of reciprocal goodwill toward His Majesty the Shah of Persia and as a demonstration of His sincere desire to see the neighboring Persian State establish autocratic rule on a firm foundation, hereby solemnly promises—for Himself and His Successors—to assist the Persian Shah’s designated heir whenever necessary, ensuring that no external enemies interfere in the affairs of the Persian State. Moreover, the High Russian Court shall offer support and reinforcement to the Persian Court whenever needed. However, should disputes arise within the Persian State regarding succession between the Shah’s sons, the Russian Empire shall abstain from involvement until such a time that the reigning Shah requests assistance.

Article V–X: (Text omitted for brevity)

Article XI: Upon signing this Treaty, the plenipotentiaries of both High States shall immediately and without delay dispatch notifications to all relevant territories, issuing orders to cease military actions everywhere forthwith.

This Treaty of Eternal Peace, written in two identical copies—including a Persian translation—and signed by the plenipotentiaries of both High Contracting Parties, has been sealed and mutually exchanged. It shall be ratified by His Majesty the Emperor of All Russia and His Majesty the Shah of Persia through formal Ratifications, personally signed by Their Majesties.

The exchange of ratified copies of this Treaty shall take place within three months, with the High Courts sending them to their respective plenipotentiaries.

Concluded in the Russian camp in the domain of Karabakh, in the locality of Gulistan, near the Zeiva River, on October 12, 1813, in the year of the Nativity of Christ, and on the 29th day of the month of Shawwal, 1228, according to the Persian calendar.

Source: T. Yuzefoich, “Treaties of Russia with the East,” St. Petersburg, 1869.

Directive of the Chief Administrator of Georgia and Commander-in-Chief of the Caucasus Line, General N. Rtishchev, to General Kotlyarevsky

No. 91, February 4, 1813

In the meantime, seeing no diligence on the part of Mehti-Kuli Khan in fulfilling his obligations under the treaty and in delivering tribute to the treasury of His Imperial Majesty, I instruct Your Excellency to impress upon him that all due respect will be shown to him in light of the previous devastation of Karabakh. However, from the remaining population of Karabakh, including the families you have returned from captivity this year, he must promptly pay tribute to the treasury and thereby demonstrate his loyalty and devotion to Russia. Should he fail to comply, insist on its execution, informing him that not only may he lose the leniency of the supreme authority, but he will also forfeit all trust as someone incapable of governing the khanate entrusted to him.

Source: AKAK, Vol. VI, Tiflis, 1874, pp. 559-600.

From the Instructions of Alexander I to the Russian Envoy in Persia, General A. Yermolov, on the Irrevocability of Persia’s Cession of Karabakh and Other Territories to Russia under the Treaty of Gulistan

St. Petersburg, July 29, 1816

At the first meeting, he announced the proposals he was instructed to make. Upon being invited to present them in writing, he delivered a note a few days later, a copy of which is attached herewith.* The content of the note consists of a demand that we return to Persia either all the lands ceded to us or a portion thereof in exchange for monetary compensation. No specific lands were named, but private sources indicate that he made this demand merely to secure at least a fraction of the territory. It is known that the Persian court would be fully satisfied if, among the lands acquired by us, we ceded the Khanates of Talysh, Karabakh, and Ganja.

Regardless of the circumstances that prompted this demand, one cannot but acknowledge that such a request for the return of lands after the conclusion of a treaty, by which they were solemnly ceded, must seem peculiar.

Signed personally by His Imperial Majesty: Alexander. Source: AVPR, Main Archive, 1–7, 1816, File No. 1, Part 2, pp. 52–69 reverse. Copy. Published in the collection: “The Annexation of Eastern Armenia to Russia,” Vol. II (1814-1830), Yerevan, 1978, Document No. 5. *Note not published.

Directive of the Commander of the Separate Caucasian Corps and Administrator of Civil Affairs in the Caucasus and Astrakhan Province, General A. Yermolov, to Colonel Ladinsky on the Conditions for the Acceptance of Abdul-Fetkh Khan into Russian Citizenship Along with 4,000 Families Withdrawn from Karabakh

November 15, 1816

In response to your report:

As beneficial as it would be for Karabakh if Abdul-Fetkh Khan, along with 4,000 Karabakh families gathered from various locations, transferred to us and entered into eternal allegiance to the Russian Empire, I cannot agree to the conditions he proposes. He cannot inherit the Karabakh Khanate after the current ruler, Mehti-Kuli Khan, as the legal rights to this inheritance have already been graciously granted by His Imperial Majesty to Colonel Jafar-Kuli Agha.

Furthermore, we cannot now accept the districts of Kapan, Gyunei, Chugundur, and Migri, where these 4,000 families have settled. Although these lands were previously part of Karabakh, they were ceded to Persian rule under the treaty concluded with Persia. Accepting them would constitute a clear violation of the peace treaty.

However, if Abdul-Fetkh Khan agrees to relocate with these families to other areas within Karabakh while recognizing his dependence on the authority granted to the Karabakh Khan, I am willing to immediately accept him under Russian protection and citizenship. In this case, all families he has withdrawn will be placed under his administration as his property, with hereditary rights extending to his descendants. These families will also be granted exemption from all obligations for four years.

Therefore, I instruct you to discreetly ascertain through trusted individuals whether Abdul-Fetkh Khan would agree to relocate within Karabakh under these conditions. Impress upon him that, should he do so, his wishes could be fulfilled immediately. Meanwhile, regarding his current proposals, avoid giving a definitive response or extinguishing hope entirely. Strive to maintain his favorable disposition toward the Russian government and secure his trust, as such conduct will be beneficial until my diplomatic mission is completed and I return from Persia.

Additionally, it would not be unwise to subtly inform the Karabakh families settled in the districts ceded to Persia that if they relocate within Karabakh, they will be granted the most favorable lands and a four-year exemption from obligations.

This directive is for your exclusive knowledge.

Source: AKAK, Vol. VI, Part I, Document 1261; CGIA of the Georgian SSR, File 2, Inventory 1, Case 543, pp. 4–4 reverse. Copy. Published in the collection: “The Annexation of Eastern Armenia to Russia,” Vol. II (1814-1830), Yerevan, 1978, Document No. 6.

Decree of Mehti-Kuli Khan on the Return of Prince V. Madatov’s Ancestral Estates in Karabakh

1816

Since my highly esteemed and honorable sincere friend, General-Major and Knight of various orders, Prince Rustam Grigorievich Madatov, has long been away from the Karabakh domain, serving at the High Court of His Imperial Majesty, my most gracious sovereign, and has now returned to Karabakh, it is necessary and proper to honor and treat His Highness with the respect due to him as a descendant of the Karabakh domain, born of the Bek lineage and the family of Melik Bagi.

Thus, as an expression of our complete respect for him, we hereby grant him rightful ownership of the following villages from the Varanda district, listed in detail:

  • The eastern village of Chartazi
  • The western village of Chartazi
  • The village of Jamiati
  • The village of Keshishkandi
  • The village of Chanakhchi

Additionally, from the villages of the Goris district:

  • The village of Khot
  • The village of Shenker
  • The village of Khalizar

All these villages, along with their peasants, lands, and families who have moved elsewhere, wherever they may be, are hereby transferred to the aforementioned highly esteemed General-Major Prince Madatov. Henceforth, they shall belong to him as his subjects, serving him faithfully without deviation from their assigned duties. Their loyalty in service and peasantry must remain unwavering. Should any of my family members or relatives dispute this decree, it shall be deemed invalid and without effect.

Furthermore, all revenues from the aforementioned villages, apart from state taxes and obligations, must be delivered to Prince Madatov without exception or protest.

Written in the month of Jamadi al-Akhir, 1232 (1816).

By the grace of His Imperial Majesty, my most gracious sovereign, General-Major of the Karabakh domain by inheritance and rightful ruler, Mehti-Kuli Khan.

Annotations: His seal is affixed. Source: CGIA of the Georgian SSR, File 2, Inventory 1, Case 476, p. 22. Translation contemporary to the original. Copy. Published in the collection: “The Annexation of Eastern Armenia to Russia,” Vol. II (1814-1830), Yerevan, 1978, Document No. 4.

Notes of General A. Yermolov on the Devastating Consequences of Khanate Rule in Karabakh and the Motives Behind the Armenian Exodus

November 19, 1816

The Karabakh Khanate was under the rule of Mehti Khan, who held the rank of General-Major. His father, plotting treason against us and favoring the Persians—whom we were at war with—invited their troops. However, he was preempted, and our forces, launching a sudden night attack, deprived him of his life. His daughter, the sister of the current Khan, is married to the Shah of Persia. Thus, despite his outward loyalty to our Government, his attachment to his sister keeps him in contact with Persia.

The Khanate first submitted to the authority of His Majesty in 1805. As a sign of dependence, the Khan paid an annual tribute of 8,000 ducats.

Since then, our troops have remained stationed in the Khanate, and the Persians have looked with envy upon this rich land that has fallen into our hands.

The population of Karabakh amounts to approximately 24,000 families—less than half of its former size. Repeated Persian invasions have devastated the land; many inhabitants were taken captive, while others dispersed across various regions. Even now, the plains of Karabakh, near the Persian border, remain sparsely populated, with residents hesitant to establish permanent settlements. Ruins of cities and large villages, remnants of vast mulberry orchards and agricultural fields, bear witness to the land’s once-prosperous state.

The current Khan, indifferent to the welfare of the land, is overly trusting of his officials, who deceive him. He spends his time in debauchery, engaging in nothing but hunting with dogs and falcons.

Despite the Khanate’s formal submission to Russian rule, the governance of Karabakh remained deeply flawed. The current Khan, Mehti-Kuli, showed little concern for the welfare of the land, placing excessive trust in his officials, who deceived him. He spent his time in debauchery, engaging in nothing but hunting with dogs and falcons.

Karabakh had suffered greatly from Persian invasions, leading to a significant decline in population and wealth. The land itself was extraordinarily fertile, and its people were naturally warlike, always siding with us. In time, this region could yield immense benefits, but only if Russian administration were properly established.

Rumors circulated that the Persians were preparing to demand the return of all Muslim provinces annexed by Russia, including Karabakh. Shortly thereafter, I traveled to Kartli and proceeded to inspect the Sheki, Shirvan, and Karabakh provinces. It was particularly necessary for me to examine Karabakh following the flight of General-Major Mehti-Kuli Khan.

The reasons for his departure to Persia were as follows: His nephew, Colonel Jafar-Kuli Agha, who was legally designated as his successor, harbored open hostility toward him. I had attempted several times to mediate their conflict, but to no avail. Their feud intensified due to the Khan’s unfair division of property between them.

One night, as Jafar-Kuli Agha was passing near the Khan’s residence in Shusha, he was ambushed and wounded by two gunshots. His attendants, startled, failed to apprehend the assailants, who managed to escape. The regional commander of Karabakh, General-Major Prince Madatov, launched a thorough investigation following Jafar-Kuli Agha’s direct complaint.

Suspicion immediately fell upon the Khan. Jafar-Kuli Agha claimed that he had been warned days earlier of the Khan’s intentions. Consequently, several of the Khan’s closest servants—known for their audacity—were placed under arrest. Meanwhile, an influential Bek, whom the Khan trusted most, was also detained for unrelated reasons. Fearing exposure—not necessarily for attempted murder, but for other illicit activities and his mismanagement of the land, which had provoked widespread discontent—the Khan fled hastily to Persia.

Upon my arrival in Karabakh, I established a city court (divan), and the entire province swore allegiance to the Emperor. I ensured that each individual’s property remained untouched and that their previous rights and customs were upheld.

The investigation into the attempted assassination of Colonel Jafar-Kuli Agha was completed, and it became evident that the Khan had no involvement whatsoever. On the contrary, many respected individuals concluded that Jafar-Kuli Agha had orchestrated the attack himself to frame the Khan, have him punished, and seize his position.

Such actions, coupled with the widespread animosity toward Jafar-Kuli Agha in Karabakh and his prior betrayal—having sided with Persian forces during Abbas Mirza’s invasion—compelled me to remove him from Karabakh and send him to Russia. I explained the situation to him in detail and personally oversaw his transfer.

Source: “Notes of Alexei Petrovich Yermolov with Appendices.” Edited by N.P. Yermolov. Part II, 1816-1827, Moscow, 1868. See section “Appendices to the Notes of A.P. Yermolov,” Part II, pp. 7-8, 29, 30, 138-140.

Report of General A. Yermolov to Emperor Alexander I on the Necessity of Abolishing Khanate Rule in Former Persian Provinces

February 1817

To His Imperial Majesty

Report

In considering the means of establishing order in this region, I recognize significant difficulties. However, I hope that, with time and patience, the entrenched inclination toward disorder in Georgia can be mitigated. The provinces governed by khans will long resist any form of reorganization, as the treaties granted to them preserve their former authority without the slightest restriction—except over the treasury, to which they hold no rights. The governance of the khanates was granted to them as hereditary rule.

The benevolent laws of Russia can only extend to these rich and abundant provinces in cases where the hereditary line ceases or the khans commit treason. The late General Prince Tsitsianov, lacking sufficient resources and facing strong external and internal enemies, annexed the khanates to Russia. Necessity compelled him to grant lenient treaties in favor of the khans.

Later, it became evident how detrimental these treaties were to our interests, burdensome to the people, and inconsistent with the intentions of Your Imperial Majesty. Yet, no one took advantage of the opportunity to alter them. The treason of the Sheki Khan delivered his wealthy domain into our hands. Our troops captured the capital, the Khan fled to Persia, and Russian fortifications were established.

Field Marshal Count Gudovich, without any necessity, reinstated one of the fugitive khans from Persia, and now his son, General-Major Ismail Khan, governs the territory. Similarly, the Karabakh Khan betrayed us but was killed. His children remained loyal, and Field Marshal Count Gudovich should have elevated his son to the khanate, which he still holds. However, he is incompetent and in poor health. His successor, his nephew Colonel Jafar-Kuli Agha, betrayed us in 1812, fled to Persia, repeatedly led Persian troops into his homeland, and, alongside them, attacked and annihilated one of our battalions.

My predecessor, General Rtishchev, summoned him from Persia, reinstated him as a colonel, and restored his hereditary rights to the khanate. Both of these khanates—strategically important and rich in resources—must be governed by Russian laws, following the model of the Elisavetpol district, which was once the Ganja Khanate.

In bringing this matter to Your Imperial Majesty’s attention, I humbly request that Colonel Jafar-Kuli Agha not be confirmed as the heir to the Karabakh Khanate. Although General Rtishchev, in Your Majesty’s name, recognized his claim, I will find legitimate reasons to prevent him from ruling the khanate.

The Sheki Khan, who has embittered the people with his governance, is widely despised, cruel in nature, and has violated the rights granted to him by treaty. I have already begun to subdue him with strict measures and am shaping public opinion to deem him unworthy of his position.

I do not seek Your Imperial Majesty’s direct command on this matter; my duties interpret Your Majesty’s concern for the welfare of the people who submit to Your High Dominion. My guiding principles are: not to invoke the Sovereign’s authority where it cannot bring benefit, and to leave necessary punishments to the law. Upon my return from Persia, I will proceed with certain essential reforms in accordance with prevailing circumstances.

Source: “Notes of Alexei Petrovich Yermolov with Appendices.” Edited by N.P. Yermolov. Part II, 1816-1827, Moscow, 1868. See section “Appendices to the Notes of A.P. Yermolov,” Part II, pp. 37-39. 156

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

Artatsolum

Read Also:

You might also like:

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KARABAKH ARMENIAN NATIONAL COUNCIL

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KARABAKH ARMENIAN NATIONAL COUNCIL

Appeal of the Karabakh Armenian National Council To the Commander of Allied Forces in Baku

Appeal of the Karabakh Armenian National Council To the Commander of Allied Forces in Baku

Note of Protest from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia

Note of Protest from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia

2 thoughts on “The Gulistan Treaty – An Interstate Act of Iran’s Cession of the Karabakh Territory to Russia”

  1. Pingback: Note of Protest from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia - Art-A-Tsolum
  2. Pingback: Appeal of the Karabakh Armenian National Council To the Commander of Allied Forces in Baku - Art-A-Tsolum

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *