Treaty of Gulistan map. Treaty of Gulistan

The history of the Caucasus is rich in dramatic events and upheavals caused by Arab-Iranian expansion, the purpose of which was the violent seizure of the territories of this vast region. It ended with the signing of the Treaty of Gulistan, an agreement concluded between the governments of Russia and Persia (Iran) in 1813. He marked the beginning of a new period in the life of the Caucasian peoples and for many years saved them from the encroachments of aggressive neighbors.

Russian fortresses on the Terek

To fully understand the significance of the Treaty of Gulistan (1813), one should turn to history and trace the ongoing series of invasions of Iran and Turkey into the territory of the Caucasus. It began in the 16th century, when in Russia, after the annexation of the Astrakhan and Kazan Khanates, the process of establishing a centralized state was completed.

Despite all the difficulties of that period, in 1567, Tsar Ivan the Terrible found the opportunity to build several fortresses on the Terek that blocked the path to the Turkish and Persian conquerors. This marked the beginning of the process of establishing friendly relations between Russia and the peoples of the Caucasus, one of the links of which was the Peace of Gulistan signed two and a half centuries later.

Meanwhile, the construction of fortresses on the Terek caused tensions between Russia, Iran and especially Turkey, which planned to extend its expansion to the entire territory of the North Caucasus. Russia, in turn, was also interested in strengthening its positions in this strategically important area, and repeatedly repelled the offensive of the Ottoman troops.

Appeals to our northern neighbor for help

In the subsequent 18th century, tensions intensified even more, resulting from fierce competition between Iran and Turkey, which tried with all its might to win over the local khans and thus gain priority.

In such a situation, especially the Dagestanis had a very difficult time, and they repeatedly throughout the 18th and subsequent 19th centuries turned to the Russian authorities with requests to come to their aid. Subsequently, this served as a factor due to which the Peace of Gulistan was signed.

The desire of the Caucasian rulers under the scepter of the Russian tsars

Based on the wishes of the inhabitants of Dagestan themselves, the founder of the Romanov Dynasty, Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich, a year after his accession to the throne, accepted the Avar, Erpelin, Kazikumukh and Kumyk khans, along with the territories subject to them, under Russian jurisdiction.

Subsequently, throughout the 17th century, several more khans followed their example, which further strengthened Russia’s position in the Caucasus. All local rulers who voluntarily entered under the scepter of the Moscow Tsar took upon themselves the obligation to protect Russian merchants, as well as to replenish the ranks of the regular army with their compatriots. Provided that these requirements were met, they received a salary from the treasury, otherwise they were declared outlaws.

Turkish aggression under the guise of religious war

The peace thus established in the Caucasus turned out to be short-lived. Already in the next 18th century, Türkiye, which intensified its actions, caused discord. This time, the reason for expansion was the deviations of a number of Caucasian peoples, and especially the residents of Dagestan, from Sharia law, according to statements by its rulers. Having declared a holy war of jihad on them, the Turks undertook open aggression.

In reality, Turkey was prompted to begin active military operations by the weakening of Iran (Persia) observed at that time, which was a consequence of the protracted economic crisis in it. Since this particular state was considered by Istanbul as its main competitor, this moment seemed to the Sultan the most favorable for a radical solution to territorial disputes.

Territorial disputes of the 18th century

However, the plans of the Sublime Porte (as Turkey was often called) were thwarted by the same Russia, headed by Peter I by that time. Having carried out the Caspian campaign in 1722 and concluding a peace treaty with Persia, he annexed Baku, Derbent, Rasht, as well as a number of provinces claimed by Turkey.

At the same time, the sovereign accepted the citizenship of several more Dagestan feudal lords. Even though the Ottomans managed to devastate Armenia, Georgia and a significant part of Azerbaijan, the Sultan was forced to recognize Russia's rights to its acquisitions in the Caspian region. However, the concluded diplomatic agreements could not put an end to the continuous wars that tore apart the Caucasus throughout the 18th century.

Signing a peace treaty with Turkey

Despite the fact that in the first decade of the 19th century all of Dagestan and the eastern part of Georgia were officially under the jurisdiction of the Russian tsars, both the Turks and the Iranians again intensified their actions, wanting to take advantage of the difficulties that Russia was experiencing at that time.

However, despite everything, the representatives of Alexander I in 1812 managed to conclude a peace treaty with the Ottoman Empire, which put an end to the Russian-Turkish war that had lasted for the last six years. The signing of this document forced the Turks to abandon active actions in the Caucasus for some time. It remained to resolve all issues with Persia (Iran), and such an opportunity soon presented itself.

Agreement signed in Gulistan

The following year, the Russian-Persian war, which had lasted for the last nine years, ended, in which the Persians suffered a crushing defeat, and their commander-in-chief, the heir to the throne, barely escaped capture. Such disastrous results of the military campaign demoralized both the population of the country and the ruling elite.

As a result, Russian diplomats were able to conclude the Gulistan Peace Treaty (1813) on terms favorable to Moscow. Russia signed this document with Iran on September 12 in the small Karabakh village of Gulistan, which gave it its name and thus went down in history.

British diplomat Sir Gore Owsley acted as a mediator in the negotiations. On the Russian side, the Treaty of Gulistan, the terms of which were formulated in 11 articles, was signed by Lieutenant General N. Rtishchev, and on the Persian side - by Abul-Hasan Khan.

The agreement reached was greeted with joy by all the peoples of the Caucasus. This is not surprising, since the military actions that preceded it greatly undermined their economy, the restoration of which was facilitated by the Gulistan Peace Treaty. Its essence can be briefly summarized by focusing on the main provisions it contains.

What did the next treaty with Persia bring with it?

First of all, it provided for the cessation of mutual hostilities and the establishment of peace between Russia and Persia. Further, the document clearly defined the borders that separated the two previously warring sides, and listed the territories that were transferred to the Russian Empire, among which were Abkhazia, Imereti, Kakheti, Dagestan, Guria, Megrelia, Kartli, as well as a significant part of modern Azerbaijan. In turn, Russia, by signing the Treaty of Gulistan, committed itself to providing comprehensive assistance to Persia.

In addition, the agreement reached provided for the right of each party to free navigation throughout the entire Caspian Sea and the exchange of prisoners captured during the last war. In the sphere of further diplomatic relations between Russia and the Persian state, the statuses of ambassadors and ministers were clearly defined.

Establishment of legal norms in the field of trade

Of the eleven articles of the treaty, three were rules of trade between the two countries, also included in the Gulistan Peace Treaty. The terms of the agreement provided for freedom of commercial activity of merchants of both sides in the territories of both states. In addition, the volume of duties levied was determined, and issues related to non-customs trade were also considered.

Despite the fact that the Treaty of Gulistan clearly and clearly established legal norms that made it possible to hope for a quick increase in trade turnover between the two states, in reality it came with a long delay, the reason for which was bureaucratic delays.

Due to the fault of Russian officials, at the customs of Astrakhan and Baku, for the next five years, a duty was levied, provided for by the long-outdated “Prohibitive Tariff of 1755” and implying the payment of 23% of the value of the imported goods.

Consequences of the conclusion of the Gulistan Treaty

The current situation returned to normal only after the Gulistan Peace Treaty was officially promulgated in 1815. The conditions briefly listed in the previous sections of the article created a legal basis for the establishment of peaceful relations, which ultimately led to positive changes in the commercial sphere. As a result, the entire economy benefited.

Despite the fact that the Treaty of Gulistan was concluded primarily with the aim of normalizing relations between Russia and Persia, it also had a number of side consequences - both positive and negative. On the one hand, he saved the peoples of Transcaucasia from the invasions of Persian and Turkish invaders, contributed to the elimination of centuries-old feudal fragmentation and the rise of the economy, and therefore the standard of living, to new heights. But on the other hand, the resulting rapprochement between Russians and residents of the Caucasus often became the cause of conflicts that arose between them on ethnic and religious grounds.

A new war and another peace treaty

In addition, the peace that reigned as a result of the Gulistan Treaty turned out to be fragile. Already in 1826, Persia, incited by Great Britain, violating the previously reached agreement, unleashed a new Russian-Persian war, which lasted two years and ended with its next defeat.

When the guns fell silent and the initiative passed from the military to the diplomats, a peace treaty was concluded, called the Turkmanchay Treaty. According to its articles, Russia retained all the territories that were transferred to it as a result of the Gulistan Agreement signed thirteen years ago. Moreover, it received Nakhichevan and the territory of Eastern Armenia under its jurisdiction. It is known that the outstanding Russian poet, playwright and diplomat Alexander Sergeevich Griboedov took part in developing the terms of this agreement.

Includes many wars, conquests and truces. Arab-Iranian expansion ended in the 19th century, when Russia annexed many Caucasian territories and, by concluding the Treaty of Gulistan in 1813, put an end to the aggressive attacks of its neighbors. This agreement turned out to be a kind of starting point, after which the lives of many Caucasian peoples entered a peaceful direction.

Prerequisites for the start of a great war

By the 19th century it was weakened by constant invasions by Iran and Turkey. This situation arose back in the 16th century, when both countries competed for the right to annex new territories. At that time, Russia was building up its strength and completing the period of formation of centralized statehood. The Astrakhan and Kazan khanates had already been annexed, and the first business and economic relations were established with the rulers of the Caucasus.

Ivan the Terrible built several fortresses on the Terek in 1567. This made it possible to strengthen ties between the Russian state and, however, caused tension in Russia’s relations with Iran and Turkey. There was no way they could allow the Russians to strengthen their position in the Caucasus. The Persian and Turkish rulers demanded that the Moscow Tsar demolish the built fortresses, but to no avail.

Türkiye dreamed of completely subjugating Dagestan and making the entire North Caucasus its own. She did not succeed thanks to the Russian troops, who repelled all the attacks of the Crimean troops. Russia was interested in strengthening itself here, so it did not allow Turkey to do this.

The next century was marked by even greater tensions. Turkey and Iran (Persia) tried to subjugate them, while simultaneously competing with each other and increasing pressure on the highlanders. The Turks sought to attract local khans to their side and oust Iran from these lands. The Iranian Shah Abbas did the same. The population of Dagestan had a difficult time in this situation. Therefore, the Caucasian khans more than once asked their northern neighbor to come to their aid.

Russia again began to increase its influence in the south. The first king of the Romanov dynasty, Mikhail, in 1614 accepted the request for citizenship of several Dagestan rulers at once - Kumyk, Erpelin, Avar, Kazikumukh. All of them asked Russia to take their lands under its protection. Mikhail Romanov responded to this call.

The final consolidation of Russia in the Caucasus

The Russian fortresses on the Terek were further strengthened and reliably blocked access to enemies. Dagestan breathed more freely and became even more confident in the correctness of the chosen decision in favor of Russia. In the 17th century, several more Dagestan feudal lords asked to come under the wing of the Russian Tsar. In exchange for protection and citizenship, they pledged to protect Russian merchants and serve in the Russian troops. The khans who carried out their duties received a salary from the state treasury.

The 18th century is the next stage of Turkey’s activation in the Caucasian lands. She decided that it was time to change the situation in her favor. The Turkish Sultan accused the Kabardians of moving away from the foundations of Islam and demanded submission. The Crimean Kaganate also got involved, trying to win over the Kumyk khans.

At that time, Persia was weakened by a severe economic crisis, which turned out to be in Turkey's favor. The Turks were preparing to invade the territories of Georgia, not allowing Russia to access the Black Sea. However, Peter I, who at that time already ruled the Russian state, made his famous Caspian campaign in 1722. He accepted the citizenship of several more Dagestan princes. Throughout the century, Russia had to endure more than one skirmish with Turkey and a recuperating Iran.

By the beginning of the 19th century, the Iranians and Turks again intensified their activities in the North Caucasus. But by that time it was already completely Russian, the eastern parts also joined Russia. The entire first decade of the new century turned out to be very difficult for the country and for Transcaucasia. It ended with the signing of the Peace of Bucharest in 1812 between Russia and Turkey. Iran was forced to sign the famous Gulistan Peace Treaty with Russia the following year.

Contents and results of the Gulistan Peace Treaty

The last Russian-Persian war lasted from 1804 to 1813. Thus, the Gulistan Peace Treaty of 1813 put an end to the dispute between Russia and Iran. The agreement itself was signed in the small village of Gulistan in Karabakh on October 12. The mediator in the negotiations was Sir Gore Owsley, an English diplomat. Lieutenant General Nikolai Rtishchev and Mirza Abul-Hasan Khan put their signatures on the document.

The peace treaty between Russia and Iran marked the end of territorial disagreements between the two countries. Persia at that time was completely demoralized, since its troops suffered a complete defeat, and the heir to the Persian throne was almost captured by the Russians.

The treaty included 11 articles, which sequentially read:

The end of enmity, the conclusion of friendship.
Determination of the border between the Russian Empire and the Persian state.
Enumeration of territories ceded to Russia.
Russia's promise to help Persia.
The right of both countries to free navigation in the Caspian Sea.
Mutual release of prisoners.
Determination of the status of ambassadors and ministers of both countries.
Establishment of rights in the trade sphere.
Determination of the volume of trade duties.
The issue of non-customs trade.
Approval of the Gulistan Treaty.

It is worth noting that it was not immediately known that this agreement had been signed. Nevertheless, such an event was welcomed. After all, the local economy was greatly undermined by the Russian-Iranian war, so the peace treaty turned out to be very timely.

The significance of the peace treaty in the history of Russia

The agreement was able to regulate many issues that until that moment had significantly complicated the relations between Russia, Persia and Transcaucasia - this largely concerned trade. Now the merchants of both countries were able to trade freely in both territories. The positive results of the agreement include a clear listing of those Caucasian regions that were legally transferred to Russia. This:

Dagestan;
Azerbaijan (partially);
Megrelia;
Kakheti;
Imereti;
Kartli;
Houri.

After the Treaty of Gulistan was signed, the Persian invasions of the North Caucasus ceased, and Russia was able to gradually bring the khanates together and put an end to fragmentation. Peace reigned in Transcaucasia for several decades. But there were even greater shocks ahead. We will talk about them in the following articles.

On October 12, 1813, a peace treaty consisting of 11 articles was signed in Gulistan. The basis of the peace agreement was the principle of status quo ad presentem, that is, the establishment of borders on the territories occupied during the war. According to Art. II, the fate of the Talyshin Khanate was finally to be decided during the demarcation of the borders; subsequently, this article became the subject of disagreement and confrontation between the two powers. Art. III recognized for Russia the khanates of Karabakh, Hajin, Shchekino, Shirvan, Derbent, Kuba, Baku and Talyshin, as well as “... all of Dagestan, Georgia with the Shuragel province, Imereti, Guria, Mingrelia and Abkhazia.” Western Georgia was part of the Ottoman Empire, which was confirmed by Russia in the Treaty of Bucharest in 1812. Art. V granted only Russia the right to maintain a navy in the Caspian Sea.

TEXT OF THE AGREEMENT

In the name of the Lord Almighty.
His Imperial Majesty the Most Serene and Sovereign Great Sovereign, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia and His Majesty the Padishah, Possessor and Ruler of the Persian State; according to Their high-monarchal love for each of Their subjects, having a sincere mutual desire to put an end to the disasters of war, which was disgusting to Their hearts, and to restore on a solid basis the solid peace and good neighborly friendship that existed from ancient times between the All-Russian Empire and the Persian State, they decided for the good of appointing for this righteous and the saving cause by His Plenipotentiaries: His Majesty the Emperor of All Russia, His Excellent Nikolai Rtishchev, His Lieutenant General, Commander-in-Chief of the troops in Georgia and on the Caucasian line, etc., And His Majesty the Shah of Persia, His High and Honorable Mirza Abul Hassan Khan, former envoy extraordinary to the Turkish and English Courts, elected among the Persian Chiefs, the closest Official of his Sovereign, Advisor to the Secret Affairs of the Highest Persian Court, descended from the Vizier family, Khan of the second class at the Persian Court and having from his Sovereign an excellent favor consisting of a dagger, and a saber, decorated with diamonds, in a shawl dress and a horse headdress, showered with diamonds; as a result of which, We, the above-mentioned authorized representatives of the Karabakh possession in the Gulistan tract near the Zeyva river and after the exchange of powers, having each examined for our part everything related to the peace and friendship that we decreed on behalf of our Great Sovereigns, by virtue of the power given to us and the Highest powers, we decided and approved forever the following articles:
Art. I. The enmity and disagreement that hitherto existed between the Russian Empire and the Persian State will henceforth cease with this treaty, and may there be eternal peace, friendship and good agreement between His Imperial Majesty the Autocrat of All-Russia and His Majesty the Shah of Persia, Their heirs and successors to the Thrones, and their mutual High Powers.
Art. II. Since, through preliminary relations between the two High Powers, it has already been mutually agreed to establish peace on the basis of the Status quo ad presentem, that is, so that each side remains in possession of those lands, Khanates and possessions that are now in their complete power; then the border between the All-Russian Empire and the Persian State, from this time forward, will be the following line: starting from the Odin-Bazar tract in a straight line through the Mugan steppe to the Yedibuluk ford on the Araks River, from then up the Araks to the confluence of the Kapanakchaya river into it, then on the right side of the Kapanakchaya river to the ridge of the Migrin Mountains and from there continuing the line between the Khanates: Karabagh and Nakhichevan with the ridge of the Alazer Mountains to the Daralageza tract, where the boundaries of the Khanates connect: Karabagh, Nakhichevan, Yerevan and part of the Elisavetpol district, (the former Ganzhin Khanate) then, from this place the boundary separating the Yerevan Khanate from the lands of the Elisavetpol district, as well as Shamshadil and Kazakh to the Eshok-Meydan tract; and from there along the ridge of mountains along the right side of the river and the Gimzachimana road along the ridge of the Bambak Mountains to the corner of the Shuragel boundary; from this same corner to the top of the snowy mountain Alageza, and from there, along the ridge of the mountains along the Shuragel boundary, between Mastaras and Artik to the Arpachaya river. However, as the Talyshin possession passed from hand to hand during the war, the borders of this Khanate from the Zinzels and Ardavil, for greater certainty, will be determined upon the conclusion and ratification of this Treaty by the Commissars elected from both sides with mutual consent, who under the leadership of the Commanders-in-Chief with both sides will make a correct and detailed description of the lands, villages and gorges, as well as rivers, mountains, lakes and tracts, which to this day are in the actual power of each side, and then the boundaries of the Talyshin Khanate will be determined on the basis of the Status quo presentem, so that each the party remained in its possession. Likewise, within the above-mentioned boundaries, if anything goes beyond the line of one side or the other, then, upon examination by the Commissioners of both High Powers, each side, on the basis of the Status quo ad presentem, will provide satisfaction.
Art. III. His Majesty the Shah, as proof of His sincere affection for His Majesty the Emperor of All Russia, hereby solemnly recognizes, both for Himself and for the High Successors of the Persian Throne, the Khanates of Karabagh and Gpnzhin, now converted into a province called Elisavetpol, as the property of the Russian Empire ; also the Khanates: Sheki, Shirvan, Derbent, Kuba, Baku and Talyshen with those lands of this Khanate, which are now under the authority of the Russian Empire. Moreover, all of Dagestan, Georgia with the Shuragel province, Imereti, Guria, Mingrelia and Abkhazia, as well as all possessions and lands located between the now established border and the Caucasian line, with lands and peoples touching this latter and the Caspian Sea.
Art. IV. His Majesty the All-Russian Emperor, in showing his mutual affection for His Majesty the Shah of Persia, and as proof of His sincere desire to see in Persia, this neighboring State, autocracy and dominion on a solid basis, hereby solemnly promises for Himself and His Successors to whichever of His sons The Shah of Persia, who will be appointed by him as the Heir to the Persian State, will provide assistance if necessary, so that no external enemies can interfere in the affairs of the Persian State and so that, with the help of the Supreme Russian Court, the Persian Court will be strengthened. However, if disputes arise between the Shah’s sons regarding the affairs of the Persian State, then the Russian Empire will not enter into it until the then-ruling Shah asks for it.
Art. V. Russian merchant ships, according to the previous custom, are given the right to sail off the coast of the Caspian Sea and pester them; Moreover, friendly assistance should be provided from the Persians during a shipwreck. This same right is also granted to Persian merchant ships, according to the previous custom, to sail on the Caspian Sea and to land on the Russian shores, where, in the event of a shipwreck, all assistance should be provided to the Persians. In the reasoning of the military courts: both before the war, so during peace, and always, the Russian military flag alone existed on the Caspian Sea; then, with this respect, he is now granted the same right with the fact that except for the Russian Power, no other power can have a military flag in the Caspian Sea.
Art. VI. All prisoners of both sides taken in battle, or ordinary people captured by Christians and other laws, should be released for a period of three months after the conclusion and signing of the Treaty, providing on each side with food and travel expenses to Karaklis, where the border commanders, to receive the prisoners , will communicate with each other. Those who fled willfully, or because of crimes, are given the freedom to return to their Fatherland to everyone who voluntarily desires it, and those who do not wish to return, no matter who ours may be, are not forced to do so. Moreover, those who fled on both sides are granted an amnesty or a petition.
Art. VII. In addition to all of the above, His Majesty the Emperor of All Russia and His Majesty the Shah of Persia deign that the mutual High Courts of Their Ministers or Envoys, sent if necessary, to the residence of Their Majesties were received according to their rank and the importance of the affairs entrusted to them; and those appointed from them, according to previous examples, where they will judge for what is necessary, in cities for the protection of trade, Agents or Consuls, who would not have with them a retinue of more than ten people, would enjoy, as trusted officials, the respect and honors befitting their rank, with instructions , not only do not offend them at all, but in the offenses of both sides, the subjects, according to their representation, do righteous justice, and deliver righteous satisfaction to the offended.
Art. VIII. As for trade relations, between the mutual subjects of Their Majesties, who will have from their Governments, or border Chiefs, from the Government, written forms to prove that they are genuine merchants, Russian or Persian subjects, will be allowed to travel freely by land and sea to both High Contracting States, to live in them as long as anyone wishes, and to send the merchants, and also to have a return trip without any detention. Goods brought to Persia from places belonging to the Russian Empire, and reciprocally exported from Persia to these places, should be sold and exchanged for other goods. In disputes that occur between merchants of both High Powers, in debts and other complaints, they are dealt with in the usual manner, referring to the Consul or Agent, and where there is none, then to the local Chief, who are obliged, having considered their requests in absolute justice, whether to do it themselves , or demands through whomever follows, due satisfaction and in no way allow them to be subjected to any insult or oppression.
Russian merchants who came to Persia will be free to travel from there with goods to other States friendly with Persia, if they wish; for which, for free passage, the Persian Government will not leave to supply them with appropriate passports, and that the Russian Government will also be mutually observed in the consideration of Persian merchants who wish to go through Russia on their trade affairs to other States friendly with Russia.
In the event of the death of one of the Russian subjects who came to Persia, or who were residing, their belongings and other property, movable and immovable, as belonging to subjects of a friendly Power, shall be given to their comrades or relatives, without withholding or concealment, on a legal basis with receipts, and the latter is to allow those relatives to sell to whomever they want, according to their wishes and for their benefit, as this is always done in the Russian Empire in all enlightened States, regardless of what Power they may be.
Art. IX. Duties on goods brought by Russian merchants to Persian cities or ports should be collected no more than five percent of one hundred, without requiring them again, wherever those merchants with those goods go, and the same amount on Persian goods exported from there, and no more fees , taxes, taxes and duties, do not demand under any pretext or fiction, which duties and on the same basis must be reciprocally collected once and from Persian goods brought by Persian subjects to Russian cities or ports, as well as from those exported.
Art. X. Upon bringing goods ashore or to a port, or by land to the border cities of both contracting Powers, freedom is granted to the mutual merchants to sell their goods and buy others, or receive in exchange, without asking permission from the Customs Rulers or tax farmers, whom they have a duty to look after. so that trade has unhindered circulation and that legal duties are regularly collected into the treasury from the seller or from the buyer, according to their voluntary agreement.
Art. XI. Upon signing of this Treaty, the authorized representatives of both High Powers mutually and without delay send to all places the appropriate information about this and orders for the immediate cessation of hostilities everywhere.
This Treaty of Perpetual Peace, in two identical copies with a Persian translation, written and signed by the above-mentioned both High Contracting Parties, signed, approved by their seals and mutually exchanged by them, shall be approved and ratified by solemn Ratifications for signed by Their Majesty.
The delivery of these ratified copies of this Treaty must be followed by mutual sending from these High Courts to their Authorized Representatives mentioned above within a period of three months.

He was imprisoned in the Russian camp of the Karabagh possession in the Gulistan tract near the Zeyva river, in the summer of Christ 1813, the month of October 12 days, and according to the Persian calculation 1228, the month of Shawallah 29 days.

What is the Gulistan World? The meaning of the word “Gulistan World” in popular dictionaries and encyclopedias, examples of the use of the term in everyday life.

Gulistan Peace Treaty of 1813 – Historical Dictionary

The peace treaty between Russia and Persia ended the Russian-Persian War of 1804-1813. Signed on 10/12/1813 in the Gulistan tract in Karabakh. On the Russian side, the agreement was signed by the Commander-in-Chief of the troops on the Caucasus Line and in Georgia, General N.F. Rtishchev, from Persian - Mirza Abdul-Hasan Khan, adviser to the secret affairs of the Persian court. Persia recognized the annexation to Russia of the Karabakh, Ganja, Sheki, Shirvan, Derbent, Kuba, Baku, Talysh khanates, Dagestan, Georgia with the Shuragel province, Imereti, Guria, Mingrelia and Abkhazia. Russia received the exclusive right to have a fleet in the Caspian Sea, Persia was obliged to return all Russian prisoners. Russia pledged to recognize the heir appointed by the Shah and provide him with support in the event of third party intervention in Persian affairs; subjects of both sides received the right to trade in the territory of another country. The Peace of Gulistan was not published immediately after its conclusion; for 4 years there was a struggle to revise its articles. Persia, with the support of Great Britain, insisted on returning to the borders of 1801, i.e. returning the entire Eastern Caucasus to the rule of the Shah. Russia sought to weaken English influence in Persia and strengthen its economic position. In 1818, as a result of the work of the mission of A.P. Yermolov in Persia The Treaty of Gulistan was fully recognized by Persia and came into force. The main provisions of the Treaty of Gulistan were included in the Turkmanchay Peace Treaty of 1828.

On this day in 1813, in the Karabakh village of Gulistan, a peace treaty was signed between Russia and Persia. Persia recognized the transfer to Russia of Dagestan, Georgia, Mengrelia, Imereti, Guria, Abkhazia and a number of khanates. Russia was given the exclusive right to have its own navy in the Caspian Sea. The Gulistan Treaty drew a line under the Russian-Persian wars of the 19th century.

Text of the Agreement
In the name of the Lord Almighty.

E. and. V. and the Most Serene and Most Powerful Great Sovereign, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia and H.V. V. pada Shah, the owner and ruler of the Persian state, out of his high-monarchal love for their mutual subjects, having a sincere mutual desire to put an end to the disasters of war, which is disgusting to their hearts, and to restore on a solid basis the solid peace and good neighborly friendship that existed from ancient times between the All-Russian Empire and The Persian state decided for the good of appointing their plenipotentiaries for this righteous and saving cause: e.v. All-Russian Emperor - the excellent Nikolai Rtishchev, his lieutenant general, commander-in-chief of the troops in Georgia and on the Caucasian line, chief civil officer in the provinces of Astrakhan, Caucasus and Georgia and all border affairs of the local region, commander of the military Caspian flotilla and holder of the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky, St. Anna of the 1st class, St. Great Martyr and Victorious George of the 4th class and having a golden sword with the inscription “For bravery”, and H.V. Shah of Persia - his high-ranking and highly respected Mirza-Abul-Hassan Khan, who was the extraordinary envoy to the Turkish and English courts, elected among the Persian superiors of the closest official of his sovereign, adviser to the secret affairs of the highest Persian court, descended from the vizier's family, khan of the second class at the court Persian and having excellent favor from his sovereign, consisting of a dagger and saber, decorated with diamonds, a shawl dress and a horse headdress, showered with diamonds; as a result of which, we, the above-mentioned commissioners, gathered in the Karabagh possession in the Gulistan tract near the Zeyva river and after the exchange of powers, having each examined for our part everything related to what we decide on behalf of our great sovereigns of peace and friendship, by virtue of the power and highest powers given to us Decreed and approved in perpetuity the following articles:
Art. 1. The enmity and disagreement that previously existed between the Russian Empire and the Persian state will henceforth cease with this treatise, and may there be eternal peace, friendship and good agreement between e. and. V. All-Russian autocrat and H.V. the Shah of Persia, their heirs and successors to the thrones and their mutual high powers.
Art. II. Since, through preliminary relations between the two high powers, there has already been a mutual agreement to establish peace on the basis of the status quo ad presentem, that is, so that each side remains in possession of those lands, khanates and possessions that are now in their complete power, then the border between the empire From now on, the All-Russian and Persian state will have the following line: starting from the Odin-Bazar tract with a straight line through the Mugan steppe to the Yedibuluk ford on the Araks River, from then up the Araks to the confluence of the Kapanakchaya river into it, then on the right side of the Kapanakchaya river to the ridge Migra Mountains and from there continuing the line between the khanates of Karabagh and Nakhichevan, the ridge of the Alagez Mountains to the Daralageza tract, where the boundaries of the khanates of Karabagh, Nakhichevan, Yerivan and part of the Elisavetpol district (former Ganzhin Khanate) are connected, then, from this place, the boundary separating the Yerivan Khanate from the lands Elisavetpol district, also Shamshadil and Kazakh, to the Eshok-Meydan tract, and from there along the ridge of mountains along the right side of the river and the Gimzachiman road along the ridge of the Bambak mountains to the corner of the boundary, Shuragel; from this same corner to the top of the snowy mountain Alageza, and from there along the ridge of the mountains between Shuragel between Mastaras and Artik to the Arpachaya river. However, as the Talyshin possession passed from hand to hand during the war, the borders of this khanate from the Zinzels and Ardavil will, for greater certainty, be determined upon the conclusion and ratification of this treaty by commissioners elected from both sides with mutual consent, who are under the leadership of the commanders-in-chief on both sides will make a true and detailed description of the lands, villages and gorges, as well as rivers, mountains, lakes and tracts, which to this day are in the actual power of each side, and then the boundaries of the Talyshin Khanate will be determined on the basis of the status quo ad presentem, so that each the party remained in its possession. Likewise, within the above-mentioned boundaries, if anything goes beyond the line of one side or the other, then after examination by the commissars of both high powers, each side, on the basis of the status quo ad presentem, will provide satisfaction.
Art. III. His Shah's v. as proof of his sincere affection for H.V. to the All-Russian Emperor, he solemnly recognizes both for himself and for the high successors of the Persian throne as belonging to the Russian Empire the khanates of Karabagh and Ganzhin, now converted into a province called Elisavetpol; also the khanates of Sheki, Shirvan, Derbent, Kuba, Baku and Talyshin with those lands of this khanate that are now under the authority of the Russian Empire; moreover, all of Dagestan, Georgia with the Shuragel province, Imereti, Guria, Mingrelia and Abkhazia, as well as all possessions and lands located between the now established border and the Caucasian line, with lands and peoples touching this latter and the Caspian Sea.
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He was imprisoned in the Russian camp of the Karabakh possession in the Gulistan tract, near the Zeyva river, in the summer of Christ 1813, the month of October 12 days, and according to the Persian reckoning 1228, the month Shevalla 29 days.