Russian Intrusion into Caucasia     

       Without certain information about their origin, it is known that Kazaks are of slav origin and mixed with other nations throughout the history. They were Orthodox Christians, and thus, they were always on the side of Russian forces and fought against the Ottomans and Crimean Tatars. As a colonies settled on the invaded lands, Kazaks had large lands and military privileges, which helped them to gain larger lands on behalf of the Russians.

       Being used by the Russians, Kazaks were also granted same privileges by the Tzardom. Some of these privileges were tax exemption, permanent military service and large lands as war spoils. Russians supported them when they were successful in attacks and suppression against Muslims, but they were left alone when they were unsuccessful and Russians complained that they could not control them. Settling near Terek river in north Caucasia, Kazaks learnt from Chechens and Kumukhs progressed agricultural techniques. Because of their addiction to alcohol and women’s fashion, they were interesten in vinery and silk producing. In time, new forts were built and settled with new Kazak comers from Don, Volka and Dinyeper rivers so that famous Kazak Line were also built.

      This 700 meters long line was steadily strengthened by effective colonization which also caused some of Ossetia and Kabardalar people became orthodox in belief.  It was also connected with  forts and agricultural groups as well. This line played a major role supporting Russian attacks towards Caucasia. Georgians also had an important role in Russian settlement in Caucasia. Georgia required Russian help against Ottoman and Persian suppression and got into connection with Russia through Daryal passage which was the only road to Georgia over Caucasia. Thus, Russians could influence in Caucasia from 1769 thanks to Georgians. Later on, this road had a great role for the unsuccessful religious and national campaign against Russia by Imams, because this road set East Caucasia apart from West Caucasia where Chechens held a respectable struggle.

       Kazaks were always in a struggle after the Caucasian independence campaign started. But, they had not faced much difficulty against disarrayed Highlanders wha could not unified except Imam Shamil period. Russians intruded into Caucasia in May 1785 through the first Tzar Representative Potemkin and they settled in the region with bringing German immigrants at the last quarter of the century. They expected to develop viticulture and sericulture in the region and they were planning to imply new agricultural techniques in th reigion by the help of these new inhabitants. Potemkin supported and went into close relations with Armenians in order to develop commercial activities. By this way, Armenians controlled commercial activities in Caucasia for many years. After strengthening its position in Cauasia, Russia found an excuse for invading Daghestan. Upon a loot of a Russian merchant’s goods of half a million Ruble in Shamahi, capital of Shirvan under the control of Persia, Tzar Petro started his plan. By this time, Ottomans moved through Caucasia and this meant a danger for Russia that trade ways would be under the control of Turks. Being afraid of this possibility, Petro should behave faster and grasp Caspian Sea coasts before Turks might do.

       At this time, Persia was in an important turmoil. Safevi dynasty lost its soverein in October 1722 because of Afghan revolt. And Afghan Mahmut controlled the country. Tzar Petro used this turmoil and invaded Daghestan country. Kazaks from Terek showed that they were important power for Russian army in these attacks. Although Kaytak ruler Ahmet Khan, having the second place after Kumuk rulers in Daghestan, tried to defend the country against Russians, Daghestan forces had no chance against systematic Russian armies in plain places. They lost the war and war prisoners were fined severely by Russians. Petro came into Derbent on 23 August 1722 and received the gold key of the city. Thus, being a Turk and Islam city for almost a thousand year, Russian sovereign in Derbent started.

       Lezgi leader sin Shamahi, capital city of Shirvan, required Ottoman shelter against Tzar. Bâb-ı Âli (Ottoman Government) assained him as Derbend ruler. But, as Petro had already invaded all the region until Bakhu, Ottoman Government had to accept Russian sovereign on the invaded lands. At the end of the 18th century, the population of countries in the region were as follows: Tarki Samhalligi 12,000, Kaytag Usmiya 25,000, Avar Khanate 30,000, Ghazi Kumuk Khanate 15,000, Tabasaran Maysum 10,000 families. The first half of th e19th century was the most vivacious, bloody and unforgettable period of Daghestan history. Being invaded by Russia, Daghestan showed a remarkable and respectful independence campaign with the leadership of Imams.