Ismail Khan Nakhchivanski facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ismail Khan Nakhchivanski
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| Born | 5 January 1819 Nakhchivan Khanate |
| Died | February 1909 (aged 90) Nakhchivan City, Erivan Governorate |
| Allegiance |  Russian Empire |
| Service/ |
Cavalry |
| Years of service | 1839-1908 |
| Rank | General of the Cavalry |
| Commands held | "Kengerly Cavalry" "Erivan Bey Regiment" "Erivan Cavalry Irregular Regiment" |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | 
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Ismail Khan Nakhchivanski (born January 5, 1819 – died February 10, 1909) was a brave Azerbaijani Cavalry General who served in the Imperial Russian Army. He came from a famous family of military leaders. His father, Ehsan Khan, was a ruler in Nakhichevan, and his uncle, Huseyn Khan Nakhchivanski, was also a well-known general. Ismail Khan's brother, Kelbali Khan Nakhchivanski, also became a Cavalry General in the Russian Imperial Army.
Contents
Early Military Career
Ismail Khan Nakhchivanski was born on January 5, 1819. His father, Ehsan Khan, was the ruler of Nakhichevan. Ismail Khan went to school at the Tiflis Noble Gymnasium. From a young age, he served in a special cavalry unit called the "Kengerly Cavalry."
In 1837, when he was 18, Ismail Khan was part of an honor guard that welcomed Emperor Nicholas I to the Caucasus. For his good service, the emperor gave him a silver medal. He officially joined the Russian Imperial Army on May 1, 1839. He quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a Praporshchik (a junior officer) in 1840 and a Lieutenant in 1841. By 1847, he was put in charge of the "Kengerly Cavalry."
Fighting in the Crimean War
The Crimean War started on October 16, 1853. Ismail Khan was made the head of the Erivan Bek squad, which joined the Russian troops. He was involved in many battles and clashes.
In July 1854, he helped defeat a large enemy force and capture the city of Bayazet. He continued to fight bravely in different areas. For his courage in battle, he was moved to the Cossack Life Guards in 1855. In 1856, he received the Order of Saint Stanislaus for his military achievements.
Between Wars
After the Crimean War, Ismail Khan continued to serve and earn promotions. In 1860, he became a Colonel. He received the Order of Saint Vladimir in 1867 for his long service as an officer.
In 1868, the Shah of Qajar dynasty (the ruler of Persia) gave him the Order of the Lion and the Sun. This showed that he was respected by other countries too. In 1872, he received another Order of Saint Stanislaus for his excellent service.
The Bayazet Siege
Ismail Khan Nakhchivanski became very famous during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878). In April 1877, Russian troops, including Ismail Khan's forces, entered Bayazet. The Turks left the fortress, and a small Russian group took control.
In May 1877, Ismail Khan was put in charge of a new unit called the Erivan Equestrian Irregular Regiment. This regiment was part of a larger cavalry group led by his younger brother, Major General Kelbali Khan Nakhchivanski. Their job was to protect the border.
On June 5, 1877, Turkish forces began to move towards Bayazet. Kelbali Khan sent Ismail Khan and 300 of his men to help defend the fortress. On June 6, a small Russian group went out to scout but ran into a much larger enemy force. They had to retreat back to the fortress.
During the retreat, there was a lot of confusion at the fortress gate. Despite heavy losses, Ismail Khan and the remaining soldiers managed to get inside the citadel. The fortress was not ready for a long siege. There was very little water and food, only enough for about three days. This started the 23-day "Bayazet siege," which lasted from June 6 to June 28.
As the siege continued, the soldiers inside became desperate due to thirst and hunger. Some even talked about giving up. However, Ismail Khan took charge. He stopped the talk of surrender and ordered his men to keep fighting. He was the highest-ranking officer there.
Ismail Khan organized the defense of the fortress. He held it against the Turkish army even without water and food. When an enemy messenger tried to make them surrender, Ismail Khan bravely refused and punished the messenger for being a traitor. For his amazing leadership and bravery during the siege, he was promoted to Major General in December 1877. He also received the Order of St. George, a very high military honor.
Later Life and Legacy
Ismail Khan Nakhchivanski continued his military career for many more years. On October 28, 1890, he celebrated 50 years of service as an officer. On this special day, he was promoted to Lieutenant General.
In 1908, at the age of 89, he asked Emperor Nicholas II to retire. The Emperor honored his long and brave service by promoting him to the highest rank, General of the Cavalry. Ismail Khan Nakhchivanski passed away on February 10, 1909, in his hometown of Nakhichevan. He was buried with great honors, and 14 pillows carrying his many military awards were placed at his funeral.
Ismail Khan was a true hero who showed incredible courage and leadership, especially during the Bayazet siege.
Military Ranks
- Joined the army: May 1, 1839
- Praporshchik (junior officer): October 28, 1840
- Lieutenant: March 20, 1844
- Stabskapitän: August 30, 1847
- Captain: February 5, 1853
- Rittmeister: August 4, 1855
- Colonel: April 3, 1860
- Major General: December 19, 1877
- Lieutenant General: October 28, 1890
- General of the Cavalry: August 18, 1908
Awards and Honors
Ismail Khan received many important awards for his service:
- Order of the St. Stanislaus (3rd, 2nd, and 1st degrees)
- Order of the St. Vladimir (4th, 3rd, and 2nd degrees)
- Order of the St. Anne (1st degree)
- Order of the St. George (4th degree) - for his bravery at Bayazet
He was also allowed to accept and wear awards from Persia:
- Order of the Lion and the Sun (3rd, 2nd, and 1st degrees)
He also received several medals for his participation in different wars and for his long service.
Family Life
Ismail Khan was married twice and had nine children. His first wife was Khanym-Jan Khanum. His second wife was Shovket Khanum.
His eldest son, Amanullah Khan Nakhchivanski, also became a military officer. He was seriously wounded during the Bayazet siege but survived and continued his service. Amanullah Khan married Princess Khanbika Khanum Utsmiyeva, who was the daughter of a famous Azerbaijani poet.
Ismail Khan's other children included:
- Tarlan Khanum
- Khadyr Khanum
- Bahman Khan
- Habib Ulla Khan
- Soltanat Khanum
- Aziz Khan I
- Sona Begum
- Aziz Khan II
