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THEMATIC CATALOGUE
MELIK DYNASTIES OF KHAMSA: In the 18th century the following
five melik dynasties reigned in Karabagh:
1. The dynasty of Melik-Beglarians ruled in Giulistan. This dynasty was one
of the branches of the prince family of Lowland Khachen. The dynasty resided
in the fortress of Giulistan and Talish, opposite to Gorek Temple.
2. The dynasty of Melik-Israelians ruled in Jraberd / Charaberd and resided
in the fortress of Jraberd on a peninsula in the junction point of the Rivers
Tartar and Trgi.
3. The dynasty of Hasan Jalalians reigned in Khachen and resided in the fortresses
of Khokhanaberd and Kachaghakaberd.
4. The dynasty of Melik-Shahnazarians ruled in Varanda and resided in the
fortress nearby Avetaranots village (Chanakhchi), and for security purposes
remained in Karaglukh (Shushi) during the periods of danger.
5. The dynasty of Melik-Yeganians ruled in Dizak and resided in the fortress
of Gtich (Goroz) which is situated on a hill between the villages Tokh (Dokh)
and Tumi. Melik-Avanians originate from the dynasty of Yesai Abu-Muse which,
in turn, belonged to the prince family of Aranshakhiks. Most of the members
of this dynasty were forcedly turned to Islamic confession by Ibrahim Khan.
MELIKDOMS OF KHAMSA: There were five prince melikdoms in Artsakh-Karabagh
in the 17th-18th centuries. The union of these five melikdoms was known as
"Khamsa" (in the Persian language "Five").
1. Giulistan or Talish Melikdom included the territory from Gandzak to the
bed of the River Tartar.
2. Jraberd or Charaberd Melikdom was situated in the territory stretching
from the River Tartar to the River Khachenaget.
3. Khachena Melikdom existed in the territory from the River Khachenaget to
the River Tartar.
4. Varanda Melikdom included the territory from Karkar to the southern side
of Big Kirs Mountain.
5. Dizak Melikdom stretched from the southern slope of Big Kirs mountain to
the River Yeraskh (Àrax).
MELIKDOM: The Arabic the word "Melik" means master, prince,
king. The institution of melikdoms was established in the subjects of Persia,
including Karabagh, in the 16th century. The minor princes, the disunited
descendants of the formerly large prince dynasties. This form of administration
was introduced by the Persian Shahan Shah. However, as a system it was established
during the reign of the Persian Shah Abbas I (1587- 1629). The relations of
between the Persian authorities and their subjects were regulated through
the meliks who had to pay contribution to the Persian shah but had unlimited
authorities in their domains. The title was passed on to the offsprings of
the melik by the right of succession. Nowadays the prefix 'Melik' used with
the last name is indicative of the princely origin of the bearer of the name.
MOSCOW AGREEMENT was concluded on March 16, 1921 between Turkey and Russia.
Under the said agreement, RSFSR and Turkey assigned to a third country the
territories of a fourth country without the consent of the latter. The unlawfulness
of the act was "rectified" in Kars by involving the Transcaucasus
Soviet republics in the agreement.
MASSARCE OF ARMENIANS IN BAKU IN SEPTEMBER, 1918: On September 15, 1918
the Turkish Army together with the armed gangs of Turkish Tatars, occupied
Baku. For three days there was a vacuum of power in the town: Baku was taken
under the control of the Askers and Turkish Tatar gangsters. During those
days the Armenian populace was severely offended, tortured and brutally attacked
without regard to their sex, age and social status. Hundreds of public buildings,
houses and stores belonging to the Armenians were destroyed. As the result
of the massacre 1/3 (30,000 people) of the Armenian population of Baku was
killed. The material losses amounted to 660 million rubles.
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