The Caucasian stage in General V.Y. Levashov’s biography (1722-1735)
The article dwells on General V.Y. Levashov’s activities in the Caucasus between the period of Caspian campaign of Peter I to 1735. By the Decree of September 16, 1723 General was requested to proceed with the management of the Caspian provinces, from Derbent to Astrabata. In the same period he was granted the title of Merit of the Supreme ruler in Gilan. V.Y. Levashov is known as a good general and a talented coordinator and diplomat. The author notes that in 1732, together with Baron P. Shafirov, General concluded Resht Russian-Iranian agreement. The article cites numerous facts showing the range of issues general Levashov dealt with being Plenipotentiary ambassador in Persia. V.Y. Levashov "Restored order", suppressed the revolt, was engaged in economic issues, argued the advantages of redirecting Asian trade through Russia. Particular attention is given to the time when he performed the functions of Commander on the territoties extending from Gilan to Terek. The author draws attention to the fact that V.Y. Levashov was requested to take the oath of Dagestani rulers; he proceeded cooperating actively with the local feudal lords, using the money and the institution of "hostages." He worked on legal "obstruction" of slave trading, led by the Crimean merchants. Considerable attention is paid to the construction and arrangement of the fortresses Rasht, Kizlyar, Holy Cross.