The
Ottoman Empire built relations with Daghestan in the period of Sultan Mehmet the
Conquerer. After conquering Crimea and Khuban region in 1475, Ottomans could set up a
direct government on Chechen-Khabartai region, and also controlled the Caucasia from north
through Crimean Khans. Moreover, they tried to control all over the Caucasia by
recognizing the sovereignties of local khans in Daghestan – Azerbaijan region. Against
the invasion policies of both Russia and Persia, Daghestan and other Caucasian peoples who
has a Muslim majority, became a close alliance with Ottoman Empire to which they had a
sympathy because of Caliphate institution and Sunni Muslim faith both sides carried.
The Caucasian Muslim society was always in the
interest area of Ottoman Empire and it has always been on the agenda of the Empire for
resolving and supporting the region people against various difficulties and troubles
faced. Of course, the Ottoman Empire could not response these requirements for help by the
Caucasian tribes when they made agreement with Russia, or in times when the Empire applied
a get on well policy against Russia, especially in weak times. Despite this, Caucasian
peoples were the most loyal supporters of the Ottoman Empire against Russia in periods of
conflicts.
In a report sealed by Imam Mansur on 2nd December 1790,
Daghestan and Khabartai peoples say, “We came from Daghestan to Anapa in 1778… in
order to serve the Ottoman Empire…” It shows the strong ties between the Ottoman
Empire and the Muslims in the region. Ottoman Empire required military support from Khumuk
and Daghestan rulers when necessary. Likewise, they gave military aids to these tribes in
time. Especially in Sheikh Shamil period, Ottoman Empire had close relations with the
Caucasians and also gave remarkable financial support.
Some inadequate and even bad tempered administrators
assigned to the region by the Ottoman Government, had negative effects on the
relations; but the local people did found those administrators as faulty not the Ottoman
Empire. On the other hand, the Ottoman Government showed its sensitiveness on the
subject and changed those inadequate administrators. During the Russian invasion,
Daghestan and Caucasian countries could not receive the necessary support from the Ottoman
Empire because of its weakness in that time, but they revolted against Russia and took
their parts on the Ottomans side during Ottoman-Russian war between 1877-1878. The Ottoman
Empire took nito consideration this loyal behavior of Daghestan and Caucasian people and
received and settled thousands of Muslim immigrants from Chechen, Avar, Osethin, Inghush
and Kumukh after the Russian invasion. Daghestan Ghazis were accepted to the Ottoman Army
and were honored by ranks and salaries according to their service.
The government afforded the needs of these immigrants
settled in various places of the Empire, and an Immigrant Commission was founded for this
mission. Even Sultan Abdulhamid Khan the 2nd assigned himself as the chief of this
commission and was interested himself ih the migration problems directly. The immigrants
presented their gladness to the officials and sometimes to the Palace. Being famous of
their bravery and boldness, Daghestan and Caucasian Muslims served in the Ottoman Army as
well as presented their valuable scientific and literal works to Ottoman Sultans.
Likewise, Ibrahim Efendi a member of Daghestan scholars presented to the Sultan his work
published and named as “Miftah-ý Ýlm-i Kelâm” and he was granted for this.
Sultans sent precious presents to Daghestan Khans and
Emirs in order to keep them loyalist as well. It shows the degree of close relations
between the Ottomans and Daghestan Khans that the birth of a prince announced first to
Daghestan Governar Surhay Khan and Derbent Hakim Sheikh Ali Khan together with other
khans. In this announcement, it is required to announce this birth to public and organize
prays in every mescid and mosque. After 1917 Bolshevikh Revolution, it was seen one of the
examples of close relation between the Ottomans and Daghestan in political and military
fields. A delegation consisting of Daghestan and Chechen representatives, which also
included Abdulmecid Chermoy who would be later president, came to Trabzon where they met
by Turkish committee in order to establish an independent country named Daghestan
Republic. Then, this delegate moved to Crimea where they met with Enver Pasha, and went to
Istanbul with him in order to work on the details of this plan.
Daghestan’s independent country ideal met with the
policy of Enver Pasha who wanted to establish a Muslim State in Caucasia in order to stop
Russia. The visit of the delegation found a large place in Istanbul press and in an
article in Tasvîr-i Efkâr paper it was written that North Caucasia required help and
support for establishing an independent administration suitable both for the local people’s
target and the Empire’s aims in order to separate the North Caucasia from Russia.
Likewise, the Ottoman empire recognized the North Caucasia Republic founded on 11th May
1918, despite of Soviet-Russian government’s strong protest. Moreover, there signed
friendship agreements on 8th June 1918 with the national countries founded in Caucasia.
Ottoman’s support to this new republic was not only
political, but also had military aspect against Armenian and Russian attacks by sending
troops upon request. 15th Infantry Battalion controlled the area until Tarki city. But,
after the Ottoman Army had to leave the Caucasia with the Montros Agreement on 30 October
1918, this battalion were farewelled with tears of Daghestan Muslim people at the Derbent
and Petrovsk train stations. Ottomans’ support and help to local Muslim people is still
alive in the memories of Daghestan people and is told in poems today.
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