The Khan’s Vizier, Mirza Jamal Javanshir Karabakhsky, on the Nature and Conditions of Agreements Signed with the Russian Commander Tsitsianov by the Khans of Karabakh and Sheki Regarding Their Allegiance to Russia (May 14 and 21, 1805)
Although Ibrahim Khan’s daughter, Agha Begim Agha, was the principal and beloved wife of Fath Ali Shah, and his son, Abulfat Khan, was a respected grand emir at the court, Ibrahim Khan, believing in the eternal strength of the great Russian state, in the constancy and justice of its emperor, and knowing that nothing could alter His Majesty’s mercy, disregarded the Iranian state and its favors. He once again sent an envoy to the city of Tiflis to meet with Commander Tsitsianov, requesting an audience to finalize the terms of allegiance.
Commander Prince Tsitsianov received Ibrahim Khan’s envoy with great honor and gifts, informing him that the meeting would take place in the spring in one of the nearby districts of the province. Therefore, on May 1, 1805, Ibrahim Khan, accompanied by his sons—Major-General Muhammad Hasan Agha, Major-General Mehtikuli Agha, Colonel Khanlar Agha—and other notable figures from Karabakh, traveled to meet Prince Tsitsianov, who had arrived earlier and set up camp near the Kurak River. They sent a trusted envoy to the ruler of Sheki, Selim Khan, who was Ibrahim Khan’s son-in-law, and persuaded him to come with the distinguished individuals of the Sheki province to meet with the commander.
For several days, feasts and celebrations were held on the banks of the Kurak River. Subsequently, the treaty and agreement were drafted. Ibrahim Khan and Selim Khan of Sheki affixed their personal seals to the treaty, while the commander signed it. After exchanging great honors and respect, they returned to their respective territories. It was agreed that Muhammad Hasan Agha’s second son would remain in Tiflis as a hostage. At the same time, Ibrahim Khan requested that a Russian military unit with artillery be permanently stationed with him in the fortress of Shusha.
Following the meeting, the commander sent a proposal to His Imperial Majesty recommending that Ibrahim Khan and Selim Khan be granted the rank of lieutenant-general, Muhammad Hasan Agha and Mehtikuli Khan be promoted to major-general, and Khanlar Agha to colonel. Four months later, they were awarded these titles and ranks, along with permanent salaries.
Source: Mirza Jamal Javanshir Karabakhsky, History of Karabakh (Baku, 1959), Chapter 7, pp. 92-93.
Report of the Commander of Russian Troops in Georgia
General Nesvetaev to General Glazenap No. 1789, July 18, 1806
The residents, who had fled to fortified places, seeing our successful operations against Shah-zade and Abdul-Fetkh*, are now returning to their homes with trust, and Karabakh is almost entirely pacified.
Source: AKAK, Vol. III, Tiflis, 1869, p. 330. *One of the sons of Ibrahim Khan, who aligned himself with Persia and entered the Karabakh province at the head of a 2,000-strong Persian force. (Editor’s note)
Report of the Commander of the Saratov Musketeer Regiment
General Nesvetaev to General Glazenap On the Circumstances of Ibrahim Khan’s Assassination and the Appointment of Mehdi Kuli Agha to His Position with the Tsar’s Approval Tiflis, July 18, 1806
By virtue of Your Excellency’s directive No. 148, dated June 25, instructing me to promptly provide detailed reports on developments in the Sheki and Karabakh khanates following the treachery of their ruling khans, I have the honor to report the following:
Regarding Ibrahim Khan of Karabakh, who was killed by riflemen in the fortress where he had taken refuge, I have already reported to Your Excellency. Likewise, I have informed you that, upon receiving a comprehensive account of all incidents related to this event, I will promptly submit a detailed presentation. However, since Major Lisanovich is currently engaged in a campaign against Ibrahim Khan’s rebellious son, Abulerti*, who has entered the Karabakh province from another direction with 5,000 Persian troops—whom he has successfully defeated—I have not yet received his full report on the Khan’s death.
As Major Lisanovich is now returning to the Shusha fortress, I expect his report shortly, following my repeated orders, and I will hasten to inform Your Excellency in person.
Regarding the matter of succession—who should now take Ibrahim Khan’s place, whether he is worthy, and whether his loyalty can be trusted—I must report that determining this issue is challenging and, in my opinion, its resolution falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry. According to the treaty concluded with Ibrahim Khan, it is stated that “the new Khan must be elected by hereditary succession according to the seniority of lineage.” Thus, the treaty designated as heir the late senior son of the Khan, Mamad Hasan Agha, who passed away last year. He left behind his eldest son, Jafar Kuli Agha, now 19 years old, who, by virtue of the treaty, should be chosen as Khan. However, until imperial approval is granted, Ibrahim Khan’s eldest son, Mehdi Kuli Agha, has assumed control of the khanate’s administration.
Source: RGVA, f. 846, op. 16 (VUA), d. 4259, pt. 4, pp. 144–146. *As recorded in the document.
Report of the Commander of the Saratov Musketeer Regiment
General Nesvetaev to General Glazenap Request to Submit Recommendations for Awards to Russian Soldiers and Armenians Who Distinguished Themselves in Battles Deciding the Fate of the Karabakh Province July 1806
Having received a detailed report from the chief of the Troitsky Musketeer Regiment, Major General Nebolsin, on all events accompanying the two victories won by His Imperial Majesty’s invincible forces over the Persian troops led by Abbas Mirza Babakhanov’s son and other notable Persian Sardars, I have the honor to respectfully submit the original report for Your Excellency’s consideration, along with four lists of those who distinguished themselves in the battles of June 8 and 13 of the previous month:
- Staff and senior officers
- Lower ranks
- Medical personnel
- Officials of Shusha and Armenians
These two remarkable victories, which determined the fate of the Karabakh province and, consequently, the future of Georgia itself, were achieved against a vastly superior enemy solely through the courage and bravery of the Russian warriors, who are worthy of His Imperial Majesty’s highest attention.
Therefore, I humbly request Your Excellency to submit this report and the lists of distinguished individuals for the highest consideration, and at the same time, to advocate before His Imperial Majesty for the gracious reward of all three ranks who demonstrated unwavering bravery and dedication in this matter, proving their loyalty to His Imperial Majesty’s service. Such recognition, under Your Excellency’s supreme command, will inspire others to strive for further achievements in service to His Majesty.
Source: RGVA, f. 846, op. 16 (VUA), d. 4259, pt. 4, pp. 47-47.
Report of the Lieutenant Colonel of the 17th Jäger Regiment
Kotlyarevsky to General Count Gudovich, Commander-in-Chief of Troops on the Caucasian Line and in Georgia On Assistance in Returning Karabakh Refugees and Those Taken Captive at Various Times Shusha Fortress, November 30, 1806
To His Excellency, General of Infantry, Commander-in-Chief of Troops on the Caucasian Line and in Georgia, and Cavalier Count Gudovich,
Report from Lieutenant Colonel Kotlyarevsky of the 17th Jäger Regiment
<…> I consider it my duty, in presenting this matter to Your Excellency, to request orders on whether it would be appropriate to conduct an expedition beyond the Araks River to retrieve Karabakh residents who fled or were taken captive at various times and are now held by the rebel Abukharet and other local beks residing there.
Source: RGVA, f. 13454, op. 12, d. 26, pp. 6-6.
Excerpt from the Draft Peace Treaty with Persia
Intended for Conclusion in 1808 November 1808
Article II
From this time forward, the border between the All-Russian Empire and the Persian state shall be defined by the following rivers: the Kura, the Araks, and the Arpachay. The boundary shall begin at the mouth of the Kura River, continue to the confluence of the Araks, then follow the Araks upstream to the confluence of the Arpachay, and further upstream along the latter, which originates in the Shuragel province, annexed to Russia by force. The territories, settlements, cities, and peoples located on this side of the aforementioned rivers, which once belonged to Armenia and Turkey, shall be permanently recognized as the property of the All-Russian Empire. Conversely, the territories, cities, settlements, and peoples on the other side of these rivers shall remain under the ownership of the Persian state. Should Russian or Persian troops cross these rivers in violation of this agreement, such an act shall be considered a breach of peace.
Article III
His Majesty the Shah, acknowledging the permanence of this border as established by the natural course of the aforementioned rivers, which separate his dominions from those of the All-Russian Empire, and wishing to demonstrate his voluntary agreement and loyalty to His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of All Russia—just as his esteemed ancestors showed favor to the Persian state in the previous century during its time of distress—recognizes the assistance provided by the victorious Russian Empire in preventing its fragmentation due to the ill intentions of certain malevolent rulers. Furthermore, following the restoration of general peace within Persia, many provinces previously ceded by treaty were returned to it through the benevolence of the Russian Empire.
To prevent the emergence of any independent power that might harm both states from the territories located between the newly established border and the Caucasian Line, as well as from the lands and peoples adjacent to the Caspian Sea that previously acknowledged no supreme authority, His Majesty the Shah renounces all claims to these regions. He recognizes, both for himself and for his esteemed successors on the Persian throne, the undisputed right of His Majesty the Emperor of All Russia to acquire all territories, kingdoms, dominions, and lands situated between the newly established border and the Caucasian Line, as well as those adjoining the Caspian Sea. These include regions that, at various times before the conclusion of this treaty, voluntarily submitted to Russian sovereignty and protection or were newly conquered by force. The territories in question are:
- The khanates of Erivan, Kakhov, Derbent, Baku, Shirvan, Sheki, Karabakh, Avar, Quba, Talysh, and the province of Shuragel, along with their cities, lands, and peoples.
- The kingdoms of Georgia and Imereti, as well as the principality of Mingrelia.
Article IV
These kingdoms, principalities, and khanates, along with the highland territories and other peoples mentioned in the previous article, having either voluntarily entered or been newly incorporated into the possession of His Majesty the Emperor of All Russia by force of arms, shall remain permanently under his sovereignty. They shall retain their original names and be governed in a manner that ensures their subjects’ loyalty to their new ruler while preserving the privileges granted to their former rulers and inhabitants, without disturbing the peace of neighboring peoples.
Source: AVPRI, f. 144, op. 488, d. 4103, pp. 2-6.
Firman of Persian Shah Fath Ali to Mehdi Kuli Khan of Karabakh
Jumada al-Awwal 1227 (1812)
The esteemed Mehdi Kuli Khan Javanshir, due to various circumstances, had previously distanced himself from our royal service and, being fearful, avoided us. Now, recognizing our sovereign grace and favor as the foundation of his hope and trust, he expresses his willingness to serve and obey us. He pledges to eradicate, destroy, capture, and expel the Russian infidels from Karabakh.
Therefore, by our royal benevolence, we choose to forget his past estrangement and grant him our sovereign favor. We desire that if he initiates hostile actions against the Russians and successfully fulfills the assigned tasks, cleansing Karabakh of the Russian filth, we shall, in accordance with his own wishes, confirm his rule over Karabakh without any external interference. Furthermore, we shall order that the various Karabakh families dispersed across Azerbaijan and other regions be returned to Karabakh and resettled there. His children and relatives shall be protected and secured in terms of their persons, property, and honors.
Thus, we command that Mehdi Kuli Khan Javanshir, upon receiving this supreme firman, proceed with full confidence and trust in us, dedicating himself to our service and striving to fulfill the tasks assigned to him. He must be assured that upon completing the stated mission (expelling the Russians), he shall remain the ruler of Karabakh without external interference and shall enjoy our protection for the rest of his life. His children and subordinates shall be safeguarded in their persons and property by our government. He must preserve this firman as an inviolable guarantee of our promise under the conditions outlined within it.
On the reverse side of this firman, General Mehdi Kuli Khan of Karabakh writes to General Major Pyotr Stepanovich Kotlyarevsky on Jumada al-Thani 20, 1812:
“This firman was sent to me with deceitful intent. Out of loyalty and devotion, I considered it my duty to forward it to my dear friend, the esteemed General Major Pyotr Stepanovich Kotlyarevsky, so that upon reading it, he may understand its contents. Reporting such documents is the duty of every loyal and faithful subject of the great and merciful Emperor.”
Source: AKAK, Vol. V, Tiflis, 1873, p. 576.
Report of General Kotlyarevsky to General N. Rtishchev
Camp at the Ag-Oglan River, June 5, 1812
In previous years and during the latest Persian invasion this year, Karabakh has lost 5,000 families, nearly half of its population. Many of those who remain have been devastated by the enemy, losing livestock and property. Not only are they unable to pay taxes, but they also require assistance themselves.
Given this situation, I submit to Your Excellency a request for granting them tax relief for five years, or at least three years.
Source: AKAK, Vol. V, Tiflis, 1873, p. 577. 146
Yuri Barsegov “Nagorno-Karabakh in International Law and Global Politics”
Artatsolum
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