A Truthful History

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THE IMPRISONMENT OF PANAH AND OTHER KHANS BY HERAKL

When Muhammad Hasan Khan went away with no success, Panah Khan feltstronger. He consulted with Kazem Khan of Karadagh, Heidar-qoli Khan of Nakhichevan, Shahverdi Khan of Ganje and came to a decision to punish Haji Chelebi and awaken him fromthe sleep of ignorance because on becoming the sovereign of Shirvan and Daghestan, he tookno notice of them and their friendship.

They let Herakl (Arakli) Khan, the Vali of Georgia knowabout their intentions. He gave his consent and asked them to come (87a) and meet him onhis territory, to consult and talk about their future struggle against him [Haji Chelebi]. The khans got ready and came to the place called Qizil-Qaye, near to the city of Ganje, and put up their tents there.

Vali imprisoned the four khans [Panah Khan, Kazem Khan, Heidar-qoliKhan and Shahverdi Khan]. One of Shahverdi Khan's servants immediately hastened toHaji Chelebi, who had come with a huge mob to the bank of Kur and stopped near theriver-crossing of Mingechaur, on horseback to break the news. Haji Chelebi suggested himto cross the river and asked him:

-What has happened, youth?

The servant answered:

-My Lord, Vali deceived the khans.

Haji Chelebi said:

-Your Lord will go to their rescue.

Then he ordered his officials and retinue to take counsel and said:

-Whatever conclusion you are coming to, we must cross the river all thesame.

Those words became a proverb among people.

Soon after Haji Chelebi crossed the river with his big army andproceeded to Vali 's residence. Vali was afraid hearing this, becauseearlier he had already felt the power of Haji Chelebi's hard blow. Nevertheless Vali had to fight. The battle between the rivals took place not far from Sheikh Nizami'stomb. The Georgian army was defeated and gave the slip. Vali could not return tohis camp and escaped to Tiflis, leaving its whole wealth, tents and transport togetherwith khans at Qizil Qaye. Haji Chelebi chased them three farsakhs beyond the bridgeof Siniq and killed many of them.

Haji Chelebi constructed a fort at Baydar (Paydar) and appointed hisson Aqa Kishi Beg the governor of the Moslems living in the neighborhood of Tiflis. Alsohe dismissed the above mentioned khans and sent them to their countries.

Soon after Vali conscripted a huge army from Georgia, Bash Achoqand Circassians and attacked Aqa Kishi Beg. The latter was unable to resist and ran away. The advanced detachments of Vali 's troops reached him near to the river ofTovuz, and a battle was fought between them. After losing some of his men: some werekilled, others- captured, [Aqa Kishi] crossed Kur and returned to Shaki safe and sound.

Vali 's army reached the bridge of Khoda-Aferin and plunderedthe whole territory of Ganje and Karabagh on the way back, causing great harm andsufferings to its inhabitants.