Isaxan Rebellion
The Isaxan Rebellion was a peasant uprising that emerged as a response to the rapid collectivization and confiscation of peasant property by the Soviet regime in the late 1920s. Originating mainly in the Borchali, Qazax, and Lori regions of Transcaucasia, it defended the inviolability of rural life and the preservation of national traditions against Soviet repression. The rebellion also became a part of local oral culture through epic poems such as the Qaçaq Isaxan Dastanı.
Background
At the beginning of the 20th century, during the period of Sovietization and collectivization in the Transcaucasian region, widespread social and political unrest took place. Following the collapse of the Russian Empire, the region became a complex web of conflicting powers and ideologies. The most critical factor behind the rebellion was the Soviet policy of “Collectivization” that intensified in the late 1920s. Peasants were deprived of their lands, livestock, and grain. The campaign to “eliminate the Kulaks” provoked anger among the settled and semi-nomadic Karapapak Turks. Arbitrary arrests, forced confiscations, and excessive taxation created the groundwork for revolt. In this atmosphere of oppression, İsaxan Hacibayramli, known as Qaçaq Isaxan, emerged as a folk leader defending the rights of the people. His movement transformed passive resistance into an organized armed struggle against Soviet injustice.The Rebellion
The Isaxan Rebellion, taking place between 1929 and 1930, became one of the most notable anti-Soviet uprisings in Georgia's Borchali region and surrounding areas. Presidential Archives of the Republic of Georgia documents related to urgent and secret correspondence and agreements between Tbilisi and Moscow between March 12 and 16, 1930, reveal the scope of the Isaxan Uprising :
"В Грузии подготовляется операция против старой банды Исахана, взявшего вчера обратно свое желание примириться, что объясняется повидимому организованным воздействием муссаватистов".
"Санкционировать операции Закавказского ГПУ по ликвидации банды в Караязском району... Разработать проект практических мероприятий – участие КК Армии в борьбе с бандитизмом, в частности обсудить вопрос о передислокации частей КК Армии... Отпустить Зак.ГПУ из резервного фонда ЗСНК 200000 рублей сверх ранее отпущенных".
"С первых же дней коллективизация встретила резкое сопротивление не только со стороны кулачества, но и середняков... Наличие отдельных бандитских групп в Караязском районе, также в районах бывшего Борчалинского уезда под руководством бывшего примиренного бандита Исахана".
Within weeks, insurgents took control of villages around Sarvan, Koraxı, and Qızılhacılı in Borchali, and parts of Qarayazı. Reports of Soviet casualties alarmed both Tbilisi and Moscow. In response, Soviet authorities launched large-scale operations with reinforcements from the Caucasus Army and OGPU units. There were even discussions among high-ranking officials about negotiating peace with the rebel leader to prevent further escalation. Isaxan and his followers used the harsh terrain — Madash, Saz Mountain, Ceyranchol, Goy Tomtu, and Keshish Mountain — to wage a successful guerrilla campaign against Soviet forces.