Letter from Sheikh Sayyid Jamaluddin al-Husayni al-Ghazikumukhi al-Daghistani to Imam Shamil: a hitherto unknown page of the peace talks at Gunib in August 1859

In July-August 1859, as a result of the successful offensive operation of the Russian troops, Imam Shamil with a small detachment was forced to take refuge on the remote Mount of Ghunib, where soon, by August 10, was blocked by the Russians. On July 18, with the arrival of the commander-in-chief Prince A.I. Baryatinsky the peace talks with Imam Shamil commenced. The talks lasted for four days. During this time, in addition to the ultimatum by Prince Baryatinsky, several letters, which comprised the peace appeal were sent to Gunib. The author of one of the letters to Imam Shamil was Sheikh Sayyid Jamaluddin al-Husayni al-Ghazikumukhi al-Daghistani. This document is published here in Arabic, translated into Russian and commented upon.

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