| Count Mikhail Loris-Melikov |
| Count Mikhail Loris-Melikov was born in Tiflis on October 19, 1824. His father was of the Melik nobility of Karabakh, and was born in Lori. The name Loris-Melkov is derived from both the title and location. Count Loris-Melikov recieved his education at the Lazarian Institute of Eastern Languages in Moscow, an institute founded by the Lazarian family. After concluding his studies at the insitute, Count Loris-Melikov entered a military academy. In 1843 he joined the Hussar Regiment and was sent to fight in the North Caucasus against Muslim rebels. His adventures in the North Caucasus were vividly described in a novel by Count Leo Tolstoy, called "Haji Murad." The main character Haji Murad, who was a Muslim rebel leader, was under the supervision of Count Loris-Melikov when he surrendered. After his military time in the North Caucasus, Count Loris-Melikov fought bravely against the Turks in Western Armenia during the Crimean War. Loris-Melikov, while commanding his troops in 1877, almost single handedly conquered the Ardahan and Kars territories of Western Armenia from Turkish hands. For his military genius he was made a Count of the Russian Empire. Although all of Western Armenia was liberated, most of it was eventually lost during the infamous treaty of San Stefano. After the war against the Turks, Loris-Melikov was named General Governor, and eventually the Minister of the Interior of the Russian Empire, which was the highest civilian position in the empire. After the assasination of Emperor Alexander II, Count Loris-Melikov was forced to relinquish his position as the Minister of the Interior, and eventually retired to Nice, France for health reasons. He spent his time resting and entertaining European aristocracy. One his recurring guests included the then Prince of Wales, future British King Edward VII. He died on December 12, 1888 in Nice, and his remains were laid to rest in Tiflis. Count Loris-Melikov will always be remembered as a great Armenian nobleman who fought for the liberation of Western Armenia, and led the way for other Armenians to realize the dream of one united Armenia. |
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