اهمیت منابع ارمنی در شناخت تاریخ خوارزمشاهی؛ مطالعه موردی «نبرد گارنی» (مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)
درجه علمی: نشریه علمی (وزارت علوم)
آرشیو
چکیده
مطالعه تاریخ خوارزمشاهیان و واکاوی فتوحات سلطان جلال الدین خوارزمشاه در قفقاز، بدون بهره گیری از منابع ارمنی هم عصر، تصویری جامع و دقیق از رخدادهای این دوران مهم تاریخی را به دست نمی دهد. نبرد گارنی -برخورد سرنوشت ساز میان نیروهای متحد ارمنی گرجی و سپاه سلطان جلال الدین- ازجمله حوادث مهم سیاسی، نظامی پیش از سقوط تفلیس است که بازتابی ویژه در آثار مورخان ارمنی سده سیزدهم میلادی/هفتم هجری، به ویژه گیراگوس گنجه ای، استپانوس اوربلیان و وارطان آرِوِلتسی دارد. پژوهش حاضر با رویکرد توصیفی، تحلیلی و مبتنی بر مطالعه کتابخانه ای منابع ارمنی، ایرانی و گرجی، ضمن بررسی این نبرد و سنجش تطبیقی میان این منابع، تلاش می کند امکان درک عمیق تری از رویدادهای آن دوران و نیز سرانجام سلطان جلال الدین را فراهم کند. یافته های پژوهش نشان می دهد منابع ارمنی با دقت و جزئیات، نه تنها روند و فرجام نبرد، بلکه دلایل پیروزی سلطان جلال الدین و عوامل شکست نیروهای متحد ارمنی گرجی و ابعاد سیاسی و نظامی مسئله را تبیین کرده اند؛ منابع ارمنی همچنین با پرداختن به نحوه جزئیات و اختلافات درباره مرگ سلطان جلال الدین، به رفع ابهام های موجود در منابع ایرانی، اسلامی کمک می کنند و نقاط تاریک تاریخ این عصر را روشن می سازد. این پژوهش اهمیت منابع غیرایرانی، به ویژه ارمنی را برای فهم دقیق تر و معتبرتر تحولات خوارزمشاهیان و قفقاز برجسته می سازد و ضرورت بهره گیری تطبیقی از همه منابع را یادآور می شود.The Importance of Armenian Sources in Understanding the History of the Khwarazmian Dynasty: A Case Study of the “Battle of Garni”
Exploration of the history of the Khwarazmian dynasty and analysis of Sultan Jalal al-Din Khwarazmshah’s conquests in the Caucasus cannot provide a comprehensive and accurate understanding of this pivotal historical period without considering contemporary Armenian sources. The Battle of Garni—a decisive confrontation between the allied Armenian and Georgian forces and Sultan Jalal al-Din’s army—stands out as one of the most significant political and military events leading up to the fall of Tbilisi. This event received considerable attention from 13th-century Armenian historians, such as Kirakos of Gandzak, Stepanos Orbelian, and Vardan Areveltsi. By employing a descriptive and analytical approach, this study examined the course of the battle while drawing on Armenian, Iranian, and Georgian sources for a comparative assessment of these accounts. The findings revealed that Armenian sources with remarkable accuracy and detail not only recounted the sequence and outcome of the battle, but also elucidated the reasons behind Jalal al-Din’s victory, the factors that led to the defeat of the Armenian-Georgian coalition and the broader political and military dimensions of the conflict. Additionally, these sources provided precise, albeit occasionally divergent, accounts of Sultan Jalal al-Din’s death—insights that helped clarify ambiguities present in Persian-Islamic narratives and illuminate the complexities of this era. This research underscored the importance of integrating non-Iranian sources—particularly Armenian works—for a more accurate and reliable understanding of the transformations within the Khwarazmian state and the Caucasus. Furthermore, it emphasized the necessity of a comparative approach using all available sources. Keywords : Caucasus, Sultan Jalal al-Din, Battle of Garni, Persian Sources, Armenian Sources. Introduction The early 7 th century AH / 13 th century CE was one of the most tumultuous periods in Iran’s history. The Mongol invasions, the political collapse of the Khwarazmian state, and the disintegration of established authority created a chaotic environment where the pursuit of power and survival strategies were constant concerns. Sultan Jalal al-Din Mangburni, the last ruler of the Khwarazmian dynasty, sought to restore his lost kingdom by seizing every available opportunity. He initially fought the Mongols in Khorasan and eastern Iran; however, under increasing pressure from the enemy, he withdrew to India. His return from India marked the beginning of a new phase characterized by a campaign into the Caucasus to confront the threat posed by the allied Christian Armenian and Georgian forces. The climax of this expedition was the Battle of Garni in 622 AH / 1225 CE, which ultimately led to the capture of Dvin and, subsequently, Tbilisi. Although this battle represented a turning point in the regional balance of power, Persian-Islamic sources provided only brief and general accounts, primarily focusing on the fall of Tbilisi or Jalal al-Din’s conquests in broader terms. In contrast, Armenian historians, such as Kirakos of Gandzak, Stepanos Orbelian, and Vardan Areveltsi, offered detailed narratives that included battlefield formations, troop numbers, tactical decisions, and the broader socio-political consequences of the event. This level of detail not only filled the gaps left by Persian sources, but also clarified ambiguous or conflicting elements in their narratives, such as the precise circumstances surrounding Jalal al-Din’s death. Materials & Methods This research employed a descriptive-analytical method, drawing on an extensive review of library and archival materials. Persian-Islamic works, including those by Nasawi, Ibn al-Athir, and Eghbal Ashtiyani, provided valuable insights from the Islamic perspective. In contrast, Armenian chronicles by Kirakos of Gandzak, Stepanos Orbelian, and Vardan Areveltsi offered complementary and often more detailed accounts. Additionally, Georgian historical records were consulted to enhance the analysis. The comparative approach involved examining the political and military contexts, contrasting accounts of battlefield tactics, identifying key factors that contributed to victory or defeat and assessing the consequences for both the Caucasus and the Khwarazmian realm. By synthesizing these diverse narratives, the study aimed to construct a more nuanced understanding of the events surrounding the Battle of Garni and their broader implications for the region. Research Findings The findings indicated that the roots of the Battle of Garni could be traced to long-standing tensions between the Khwarazmian sultan and the Georgian monarchy. Queen Rusudan’s refusal to ally with Jalal al-Din against the Mongol threat coupled with reports of the persecution of Muslims in Georgian-controlled territories compelled the sultan to initiate his campaign into the Caucasus. The Armenian-Georgian alliance led by Ivane Zakarian and supported by figures, such as Bahram the Georgian, was plagued by internal distrust, particularly following allegations that the Georgians intended to impose religious conversions on Armenians in the event of victory. Jalal al-Din’s success could be attributed to his strategic division of forces, effective use of elevated terrain, and recruitment of Kipchaks to bolster his ranks. Conversely, the coalition’s defeat resulted from poor cohesion, rivalries within the command structure, and a lack of mutual support during combat operations. The victory at Garni set the stage for the capture of Dvin and, subsequently, Tbilisi, where Jalal al-Din ordered mass executions that were vividly documented in Armenian and Georgian accounts. While these actions secured temporary dominance, they alienated local populations and undermined potential alliances against the Mongols. Discussion of Results & Conclusion This study underscored the crucial role that Armenian sources played in reconstructing the events surrounding the Battle of Garni. Their relatively neutral tone and meticulous attention to detail provided valuable insights into military formations, command decisions, morale, and the aftermath—elements often lacking in Persian narratives. This emphasized the necessity of a multi-sourced historical approach that integrated diverse perspectives to create a fuller and more accurate picture. Although Jalal al-Din achieved a clear military victory, his failure to capitalize on this moment to forge a lasting anti-Mongol coalition coupled with his harsh treatment of the conquered populations ensured that his triumph was short-lived. The rapid collapse of the Khwarazmian state shortly thereafter served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of political authority during this tumultuous period. The analysis of the Battle of Garni revealed not only the specific military tactics employed by both sides, but also the broader political implications of the conflict. It served as a case study for understanding how alliances were formed and dissolved, how power was contested, and how the legacies of these struggles influenced subsequent historical developments in the region. The works of Armenian historians provided a counter-narrative to traditional Islamic accounts, highlighting the importance of regional perspectives in comprehending historical events. This research advocated for comparative historical analysis and emphasized the inclusion of diverse sources to achieve a more nuanced understanding of the past. In conclusion, the Battle of Garni represented a pivotal moment in the history of the Khwarazmian dynasty and the Caucasus. By integrating Armenian, Persian, and Georgian sources, this study contributed to a richer understanding of the complexities of the era and underscored the significance of multi-faceted historical inquiry. The lessons derived from this analysis remain relevant for contemporary discussions regarding the nature of power, conflict, and alliance-building in multi-ethnic regions.
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