Beibulat Taimiev

In his notes known as “A Trip to Arzrum” the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin wrote: “The impressions are genuinely oriental! The renowned Beibulat, the most feared man in the Caucasus, came to Arzrum with two elders from Cherkess villages… They were dining at Count Paskevich’s”.

Though a real historical figure, Beibulat Taimiev is also a leading character of Chechen folklore. In poems and songs he is depicted as a legendary dare-devil. In oral narrative the name of Beibulat is associated with courage or reckless boldness.

Meanwhile, Beibulat Taimiev is an important figure in the history of Chechnya. He may well be considered the first Chechen diplomat for his negotiating efforts at the height of armed clashes between mountaineers and regular troops. Taimiev was a flexible politician and diplomat. He wanted good neighbourly relations between his people and the people of Russia, so he aimed at reconciling the interests of the two and called for peace talks. To this end, Taimiev often met with the tsar’s commissioner in the North Caucasus General Yermolov. He established diplomatic contacts with Iran and Turkey and went to visit the countries personally.

Contemporaries were fully aware of the fact that Taimiev could be both a useful ally and a dangerous foe. They also did justice to him as a talented military commander.

Many historians say the role of Taimiev in the political life of the North Caucasus in the first three decades of the 19th century was that of the leader of rebellions by Chechen and Ingush people. But he used his position to prevent revolts by mountaineers from turning into bloodshed and robbery. Taking the command of the mutinies Taimiev never stopped his diplomatic activity. This might explain why the circumstances of his death remain unclear. There is a possibility that Taimiev was eliminated by more radically minded associates.

The political activity of Taimiev lasted for 30 years. Sympathizing with his views, his struggle for independence and fair relations with Russia were Alexandr Pushkin, Alexandr Griboyedov, the Decembrists, and later on – Mikhail Lermontov, Leo Tolstoy.

The first three decades of the 19th century are rightfully called “the era of Beibulat” in the history of the Caucasus. A resourceful politician, he could have done a lot to end the conflict in the North Caucasus in the early 19th century.