Hero of the Caucasus, Maksud Alikhanov. Part 1

Pavel Martynov exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza

This year marks 140 years since the Khiva military expedition of Russian troops, which became the culminating point of Central Asia becoming part of Russia. At the same time, in 1883 Merv was recognized as the center of plunder and destruction, which hindered the development of all Central Asia. It was Staff-Captain Alikhanov who played a major role in annexing Merv to the Russian Empire. There has been much written about this courageous warrior, statesman, writer, artist and diplomat, Maskud Alikhanov. He demonstrated his excellent tactical and strategic thinking in several wars that Russia waged in the 19th century.

 

Maskud Alikhanov was born in the village of Hunza, which was the capital of the Avar Khanate. It was controlled by Russian forces and the forces of the leader of the Caucasian mountaineers, Shamil Alikhanov's father for some time supported Shamil, but later defected to the Russian side. During his early childhood Maksud remained in a squad with his father, but at the age of eight he was sent to Tiflis. He entered a gymnasium and graduated from it with honors. He soon became interested in military affairs. He was admitted to the Konstantinovsky military school in St. Petersburg, and after graduation was sent to the Sumsky Hussars, quartered in Moscow. Maskud stayed with the Hussars for six years, became friends with Moscow merchants and engaged in literature and drawing.

 

In 1871, at the age of 25, Alikhanov was transferred to Botlich, directly under the command of the military chief of Western Dagestan, Prince Nikolai Chavchavadze. Chavchavadze expected to see a young officer, spoiled by balls, courtly women and hussar revelry, but very soon Alikhanov managed to prove himself useful.

 

The Unkratlinsky revolt against the Russian administration became a test for Alikhanov. The conflict developed when residents of one of the villages refused to pay taxes to the Russian authorities. When news about the revolt reached Botlikh, Chavchavadze was on vacation, while the military commander of the Dagestani region, Adjutant-General Melikov, was in Tiflis. Alikhanov had to take responsibility for events. Alikhanov had to adopt a difficult decision on how to deal with his fellow countrymen.

 

The initiators of the revolt tried to present it as a religious struggle and forced peaceful villagers to take part in the movement. Alikhanov entered the village with 250 men and managed to avoid bloodshed. Soon Prince Chavchavadze gathered locals to silence participants of the Unkratlinsky revolt. About 7,000 volunteered to travel to the rebellious village. They left their homes and rushed to crush the rebellion, fearing that it could have a devastating impact, not only on Western Dagestan, but the whole of Dagestan. The popular militia crushed the revolt in a month, several policemen were killed and dozens of insurgents became victims. However, some historians say that if Alikhanov had not had excellent tactical skills, many more people could have died. He took responsibility for his people and acted from the standpoint of humanistic ideals. As a result, Maksud Alikhanov stopped turmoil in Dagestan and prevented bloodshed on a larger scale.

 

Captain Alikhanov and his troops attacked the rebels on the night of October 22. His attack was successful, the rebels fled, but Alikhanov did not allow the fugitives to be chased. Alikhanov's deliberate actions determined the success of the operation.

 

Military historians consider Alikhanov's military tactics as unexpected and successful, with minor casualities. Alikhanov's operation in Western Dagestan became the basis for his military tactics until the very end of his life. He used them at the siege of Khiva in 1873, in the famous battle of Tash Kepri in 1885 and during revolutionary movements in Transcaucasia.

To be continued

This article is based on materials taken from the cultural heritage portal tsumada.ru, website gazavat.ru, a book by R.N. Ivanov, The Taming of the Mountain Unkratl and Alikhanov's Work, The Military Campaign in Khiva (of the Caucasian Army).