Capture of the Imam Shamil and the end of Muridism

Abstract

In the 19th century, the strengthening of sufism in the North Caucasus united various Caucasian sub-ethnic groups, and muridismgave them the idea of independence. The struggle of the North Caucasians against the Russian Empire lasted from 1817- to 1864; and in this battle, a worthy opponent, Imam Shamil, stood out from the highlanders. Shamil knew that only the wise government of the people could be a solid foundation for the successful conduct of the war. He was able to unite the mountain population and manage it with a properly organized and firm administration. The highlanders under his command comprised one military rank, in which muridism played an important role.This article has processed and presented two documents found in the National Archives of Georgia, which describe in detail thecapture of Shamil the end of Muridism and specific facts revealed during the captivity of the imam, which brought the victory of theRussian Empire.