March 4, 1817
The Karabakh Khanate, once among the most fertile lands, was continuously ravaged by enemy incursions from Persia between 1806 and the end of 1813, suffering extreme devastation. In 1805, upon entering into perpetual allegiance to the Russian Empire, the province had a population exceeding 10,000 households. However, by 1812, during the census of Karabakh’s residents, only 3,080 families remained—many of them completely impoverished and stripped of their possessions. The rest had either been taken captive by the enemy or fled abroad to preserve their lives and belongings, which were constantly under threat from Persian forces.
During my personal inspection of Karabakh, I observed that the province is only just beginning to recover its population. Since the peace treaty, over the past three years, approximately 4,000 families have managed to return from Persia, resettling in their former dwellings. A newly conducted census under my directive reveals that Karabakh now has 7,872 households, yet still lacks over 3,000 compared to its previous population. However, the inhabitants remain in an extremely impoverished state, struggling to meet even the most basic needs. Moreover, the returning families are themselves dependent on government assistance, which has been granted to them through a four-year relief policy.
Thus, with complete assurance, I humbly report that in the current state of the Karabakh Khanate, it is utterly impossible to collect the outstanding tax arrears. Keeping the debt on the books would serve no practical purpose for administrative affairs, as the government would be burdened by continuous correspondence and demands for an amount that is unattainable. Meanwhile, the Karabakh populace, faced with an annual tax burden of 8,000 ducats, would grow despondent, fearing total ruin. Furthermore, strict enforcement of tax collection could once again lead to the depopulation of Karabakh, forcing residents to flee abroad—an outcome that, given the region’s proximity to the Persian border, would be impossible to prevent.
Conversely, the removal of this tax debt could produce a beneficial effect for the government. The Karabakh population, reassured by Your Imperial Majesty’s merciful benevolence, would solidify its loyalty and willingly fulfill its duty of paying the required annual tribute. Likewise, the families still residing in Persia may be encouraged by such generosity to return to their homeland. Karabakh, positioned as a strategic stronghold along our borders, would fortify its security through the growth of its population.
Therefore, appealing to the boundless grace of Your Imperial Majesty and in consideration of the immense hardships endured by Karabakh’s residents over the past eight years of war, I humbly request a full pardon for the tax arrears accumulated up to 1817.
Source: AKAK, Vol. VI, Part I, Doc. 1265; Central State Historical Archive of the Georgian SSR, File 2, Inventory 1, Case 612, Pages 35-38; Published in: The Annexation of Eastern Armenia to Russia, Vol. II (1814–1830), Yerevan, 1978, Doc. No. 9.
Decree of Alexander I to the Minister of Finance Regarding the Waiver of Tax Arrears for the Population of Karabakh
July 4, 1817
General-Lieutenant Yermolov, Chief Administrator of Georgia, reports to me that the Karabakh Khanate, having endured eight years as the battleground of war with Persia, has been devastated and depopulated due to captivity and the emigration of its residents. Consequently, of the annual tribute of 8,000 ducats owed by the Karabakh Khan under the established contract (treaty), a total debt of 34,872 ducats has accrued by 1817—an amount impossible to collect without severely burdening the population.
To restore their condition and encourage the remaining Karabakh residents abroad to return to their former dwellings, I decree that the aforementioned debt of 34,872 ducats be pardoned. This decision must be publicly announced throughout Karabakh to ensure that the inhabitants fully recognize the government’s attention to their plight. Furthermore, it must prevent the Khan from reclaiming this sum for his own gain.
However, following this decree, the Khan must commit to paying his annual tribute from 1817 onward in full and without arrears. The implementation of this measure shall be entrusted to General-Lieutenant Yermolov, as the region’s highest-ranking official.
Source: AKAK, Vol. VI, Part I, Doc. 1266; Published in: The Annexation of Eastern Armenia to Russia, Vol. II (1814–1830), Yerevan, 1978, Doc. No. 14.
Petition of the Karabakh Armenians Resettled in Nukha to General A. Kutuzov, Requesting Protection from Forced Return to Karabakh by V. Madatov
August 25, 1817
Finding ourselves in a most distressing situation, we have no other recourse but to seek the paternal protection of Your Excellency. Our fathers, as well as we, left Karabakh at an early age due to the oppression inflicted by the local khans and settled in the city of Nukha, where, through great and relentless labor, we built homes and cultivated gardens. Under the benevolent rule of the God-sent Emperor, we have lived peacefully and prosperously, faithfully fulfilling all the obligations imposed upon us.
However, General M. Madatov, having arrived here—we know not by whose command—placed Cossacks around us as though we were state criminals or murderers. He then forcibly took many of us back to Karabakh, aided considerably in this action by Ismail Khan of Sheki. These unfortunate individuals, having abandoned their homes and all their possessions, were taken away in sorrow and despair as captives. We who remain live in constant fear of suffering the same fate, trapped in great uncertainty.
Thus, we humbly beg Your Excellency to protect us from the unjust actions of General Madatov and to grant us official documentation ensuring that no one disturbs us, forcibly moves us from place to place, or drives us into complete destitution and despair.
Written as dictated by the petitioner, Bugrovsky.
Source: AKAK, Vol. VI, Part I, Doc. 1078; Central State Historical Archive of the Georgian SSR, File 2, Inventory 1, Case 176, Page 2; Published in: The Annexation of Eastern Armenia to Russia, Vol. II (1814–1830), Yerevan, 1978, Doc. No. 19.
Letter from Ismail Khan of Sheki to General A. Kutuzov on the Transfer of Native Karabakh Armenians to Prince V. Madatov, Who Had Fled to Sheki Due to Oppression by Persian Khans
August 25, 1817
I have received your directive, in which you state that, according to a report by Colonel Pleshkov, during General M. Madatov’s stay in Sheki, I supposedly expelled 400 Armenian families from Sheki and resettled them in Karabakh. I consider it my duty to inform Your Excellency that Colonel Pleshkov’s report is false: I did not send 400 families to Karabakh.
Upon his arrival in Sheki, Prince Madatov requested the relocation of families from the Varanda district of Karabakh, which had been granted to him by Mehti Kuli Khan as his rightful possession. Following Prince Madatov’s order, I transferred 240 Armenian families from Varanda, who had fled to Sheki during the devastation of Karabakh by Agha Mohammad Khan and its aftermath.
Could Prince Madatov have demanded the relocation of indigenous Sheki residents? Or could I have handed them over to him? No. However, as these families were his subjects and he, as our superior, requested them, I complied with his request and handed them over.
Source: AKAK, Vol. VI, Part I, Doc. 1079; Translation from the original Persian; Published in: The Annexation of Eastern Armenia to Russia, Vol. II (1814–1830), Yerevan, 1978, Doc. No. 17.
Directive from General A. Kutuzov to Ismail Khan of Sheki Regarding the Karabakh Armenians Residing in Nukha
August 29, 1817
Upon returning my envoy, who delivered your letter, I find it necessary to respond to Your Excellency regarding the resettlement of the Varanda families from Nukha to Karabakh. In doing so, you have failed in your duty, as such a significant matter—concerning the fate of 240 families who had lived in Nukha for over twenty years, established various economic enterprises, and owned immovable property—required official approval.
By relocating them, these families were stripped of their assets. Given this gravity, you were obligated to inform the central authorities of Prince Madatov’s request before taking action. No matter how inclined you may have been to accommodate him with such a gesture, seeking permission was imperative.
Thus, I formally instruct you to refrain from disturbing the remaining Karabakh Armenians in Nukha, regardless of who demands their relocation—except by the command of the central government. Under no circumstances should they be subjected to oppression or forced displacement.
Source: AKAK, Vol. VI, Part I, Doc. 1080; Published in: The Annexation of Eastern Armenia to Russia, Vol. II (1814–1830), Yerevan, 1978, Doc. No. 19.
Report of Prince V. Madatov to General A. Yermolov Requesting the Restoration of His Inherited Estates, Accompanied by the Firman of Shah Abbas Addressed to Melik Bagi and Other Documents Confirming Ownership
Tiflis, November 19, 1817
As a native of the Karabakh Khanate, I have the right to immovable property in that khanate, which belonged to my ancestors by virtue of a firman (i.e., a legal document) issued by the former Shah Abbas of Persia in the name of one of my forebears, Melik Bagi. This estate, consisting of Armenian and Tatar families and land, was freely enjoyed by my ancestor until Karabakh was seized by Panah Khan, who, upon assuming power, confiscated the property.
Now, Mehti Kuli Khan, by the right he holds under the treaty concluded between his father, Ibrahim Khan, and Prince Tsitsianov, and of his own free will, has returned part of this estate to me as a perpetual and hereditary possession, issuing a document to that effect. I hereby present the original of this document for Your Excellency’s consideration, along with the firman of Shah Abbas confirming my rightful claim to the estate.
I humbly request Your Excellency to order the registration and legal confirmation of all villages returned to me by Mehti Kuli Khan, as well as additional Tatar families not specified in his document but granted to me. Furthermore, I seek the return of Armenian families currently residing in the Shirvan and Sheki Khanates, who fled there during the Persian devastation of Karabakh. Both khans acknowledge that these families belong to Karabakh and, within it, to me.
In accordance with Article 6 of the treaty concluded with Mustafa Khan of Shirvan and the letter of the late Prince Tsitsianov, written by imperial decree to Selim Khan of Sheki on January 9, 1806, I respectfully request an official order for their return. Additionally, I ask for the return of the aforementioned original documents, with copies made for record-keeping.
Talaga of Mehti Kuli Khan to Prince Madatov
(Translated from Persian, old translation)
Since His Highness, the esteemed General Prince Rostom Grigorievich Madatov, having long departed from the Karabakh domain to serve the imperial throne, has now returned to Karabakh, it is fitting that we show him the respect and kindness due to a member of one of the prominent noble families of Karabakh.
Thus, in recognition of our esteem for him, we grant him the following villages from the Varanda district: Chanakhchi, Signakh, Keshish-Kendi, Zarishen, Djamiat, Kuzum-Kendi, Chartaz-Kuzay, Chartaz-Guney, and from the Duzag district, the village of Tag. Additionally, from the Muslim villages, we grant the village of Kajar, along with its immovable properties, including the hamlet of Karademurchi and its associated families, known as Tefrike, under the leadership of their noble Bek, Emir Aslan Bek.
For agricultural purposes, we grant the estates of Shahab-Eddin and Chaylu, located on the northern bank of the Terter River. Furthermore, we grant summer and winter pastures known as Yaylag and Kishlag, extending from the base of Sariyokhush, the Deliktash region, and the Elekchi River to Chilgyaz, as well as Kishlag near Kotavan.
These villages, along with their inhabitants, revenues, immovable properties, and Tefrike families, are hereby granted in perpetuity to the aforementioned esteemed General. From now on, they shall remain under his authority and service, ensuring loyalty and diligence in their duties. Any disputes from my lineage regarding this matter shall be considered invalid. All revenues and produce from these villages, aside from the imperial tax and obligations, shall be delivered to the overseer appointed by the General. However, imperial taxes and duties must be fulfilled without delay.
Written in the month of Sha’ban, 1234 (1818).
By the grace of His Imperial Majesty, my most merciful sovereign, General and rightful heir to Karabakh, Mehti Kuli Khan (Seal).
Followed by the seals of other khanate officials.
Firman of Shah Abbas Addressed to Melik Bagi
(Translated from Persian, old translation)
Melik Bagi, elected among the Christians, has informed us that the elders of the Varanda region, having written a letter of consent, have agreed to recognize him as their Melik. Certain districts within this land consist of immovable properties and generate annual revenues, which belong to our closest officials: Subat-Yasaul Sefi-Kuli Bek, Yuzbashi Ali-Mardan Bek, Meshadi-Babair Bek, and others. These officials confirm the aforementioned letter, which Melik Bagi has voluntarily presented to us, requesting the title of Melik of Varanda.
Upon reviewing the records, it was found that, by imperial decree, the Melikship of this land was previously entrusted to Melik Muzaffer and Karakhan. Melik Muzaffer states in the letter that he relinquishes the title, as his brother has passed away and the position remains vacant.
Thus, in response to this petition and by our sovereign grace, we grant the Melikship of Varanda to Melik Bagi, effective from the first day of the year Lu-il (Year of the Fish). He is to govern with absolute justice and fairness, ensuring equality among his subjects so that none suffer injustice.
The inhabitants of this land shall recognize Melik Bagi as their ruler. They must heed his wise counsel, which is directed toward their well-being, and refrain from imposing any levies or duties without his knowledge. His authority is exclusive, without interference from others. All revenues due to the Melikship, as previously given to former Meliks, shall be granted to him in the same manner. He is obligated to govern in a way that ensures the satisfaction of his people, without requiring annual decrees on this matter.
Written in the year 1062 (1651).
(Sealed by seven ministers of the Shah.)
Source: AKAK, Vol. VI, Part I, Doc. 1269; Published in: The Annexation of Eastern Armenia to Russia, Vol. II (1814–1830), Yerevan, 1978, Doc. No. 27. 162
Yuri Barsegov “Nagorno-Karabakh in International Law and Global Politics”
Artatsolum
Read Also:
- Ancient and Medieval Sources on Artsakh (Karabakh) as Part of Armenia’s State Territory
- Message from Gandzasar Catholicos Esayi to Peter I August 10, 1716
- Memorandum Issued to Ivan Karapet Along with the Imperial Letter to the Armenian People Regarding Russia’s Readiness to Take the Armenians of Karabakh Under Its Protection June 3, 1723
- Decree of Peter I to the Armenian People Regarding Russia’s Willingness to Offer Protection to the Armenians of Karabakh
- On Armenian Hopes for Russian Assistance
- Report of Minas Vardapet to Peter I
- Contents of the Secret Letters from the Armenian Assembly and the Armenian Army of Karabakh to the Russian Emperor and Chancellor August 1724
- Contents of the Secret Letters from the Armenian Assembly and the Armenian Army of Karabakh to the Russian Emperor and Chancellor August 1724
- State Charter of Peter I On the Acceptance of the Armenian People Under the Protection of the Russian State and Their Resettlement from Karabakh to Newly Acquired Persian Provinces November 10, 1724
- Letters from the Catholicos and the Meliks of Karabakh
- Charter of Catherine I Addressed to the Armenian Assembly
- Message General Mkhitar—to the Russian Government
- The Armenian Assembly’s Request for Military Assistance June 19, 1727
- Result from Russia’s failure to fulfill its promises of assistance to the Armenians March 1736
- On the Issuance of the Decree Appointing Panah Khan
- Letter from General Potemkin to Prince Argutinsky with questions about the liberation of Armenia
- Appeal of Gandzasar Catholicos Hovhannes to Catherine II
- Letter from Melik Apov Iosifov to Provide Assistance to Russian Military Forces for the Liberation of Enslaved Karabakh
- Report of Prince G. Potemkin to Catherine II
- Request of General P. Potemkin to Prince G. Potemkin
- Letter from Archbishop Joseph Argutinsky to General P. Potemkin
- Memorandum to Catherine II on the Project for the Restoration of the Armenian Kingdom
- Decree of Paul I to General Count I. Gudovich
- Letter from Archbishop Joseph Argutinsky
- Report by State Councillor P. Kovalesky
- The Khan’s Vizier, Mirza Jamal Javanshir Karabakhsky
- From the Report of General Marquis Palluci to Alexander I
- The Gulistan Treaty – An Interstate Act of Iran’s Cession of the Karabakh Territory to Russia
5 thoughts on “Report of General A. Yermolov to Alexander I Requesting the Waiver of Tax Arrears for the Karabakh Khanate”