Kazi Mulla's failed assault on Khunzakh checked early Murid expansion in Dagestan and demonstrated Avar resistance to the Imamate during the Caucasian War.
Key Facts
- Date (Old Style)
- 14 February 1830
- Attacker force size
- ~3,000 men under Kazi Mulla
- Murid killed
- 200 men
- Prisoners taken by Khanate
- 60 men
- Distance: Gimry to Khunzakh
- ~25 km (via Andi route ~95 km)
- Ruler of Khunzakh
- Pakhu-Bike, widow of the late Khan
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
In late 1829 Kazi Mulla declared himself Imam and began preaching holy war against Russia, seeking to unite Dagestan under a religious Imamate. This brought him into direct conflict with the Avar Khanate at Khunzakh, which accepted Russian subsidies and protection, making it a political obstacle to his ambitions.
On 14 February 1830 (Old Style), Kazi Mulla led roughly 3,000 Murids against Khunzakh after rallying support at Andi. His force advanced in two columns—one led by himself, the other by Shamil—and nearly broke the defenders before Pakhu-Bike's public reproach rallied the Avars. They repulsed the attack, killing 200 Murids, wounding many more, and capturing 60 prisoners.
Kazi Mulla withdrew and relocated his base to forests near Chumkeskent. Hadji Murad sent the captured enemy banners to Tiflis as proof of Avaria's loyalty to Russia. Kazi Mulla was killed in battle two years later; his successor Hamzat Bek eventually captured Khunzakh in 1834 and executed Pakhu-Bike, but was himself killed by Hadji Murad shortly after.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Kazi Mulla, Shamil.
Side B
1 belligerent
Pakhu-Bike, Hadji Murad.