Новые данные о походе султанов Бахты-Гирея (Дели-султана) и Мурад-Гирея на Кабарду весной 1729 года

Abstract

The concept, organization and conditions of the campaign against Kabarda in the spring of 1729, led by the sultans Bakhty-Giray (Delhi-Sultan) and Murad-Giray, are analyzed. The main controversial issues of the study of the topic are considered, related to the number of forces that set out on the campaign, its reasons and causes (which were of particular importance for Bakhty-Giray), the sequence of military actions, etc. New arguments are presented in support of the opinion that the army of the sultans was not many thousands strong and that the Kabardians could probably even outnumber it. New documentary sources are being introduced into scientific circulation, allowing us to clarify the assessments of military operations that have already been established in historiography, as well as the composition of the opposing forces. For the first time in historiography, the opinion about the participation of Kalmyks, who traditionally supported Bakhty-Giray, in military operations has been substantiated in detail. The thesis about the attackers storming the so-called Crimean walls and that their retreat actually took place and turned into a flight is critically examined. New information has been revealed that reports the death of the sultans Bakhty-Giray and Murad-Giray in Kabarda, whose deliberate murder, apparently, was not originally part of the plans of the princes Kurgokin.