Nicholas I, 1828 - Peace With Persia, Treaty of Turkmenchay

ANRO-452; Diakov-476.1

Obverse: The Ararat Mountains, surrounded by water, dominate the scene, with Noah’s Ark resting atop the summit. The mountains are bathed in the rays of the rising sun from the left, symbolizing a new dawn. Above, the date "2242" is inscribed according to the Islamic calendar. At the lower right, the initials "В.А." (V. Alekseev) indicate the engraver.

Reverse: In the foreground, a cityscape with mosques and Eastern architectural elements represents the Persian-controlled regions. Beyond the city, Mount Ararat rises, with a Russian flag planted at its peak, symbolizing the transfer of power. The sky is illuminated with radiant light, with the year "1828" divided by an Orthodox cross, marking the year of the Treaty of Turkmenchay, which concluded the Russo-Persian War and led to the incorporation of Eastern Armenia into the Russian Empire.

Specifications: 65mm
AU - R5
AR - R3
AE - R1

Reference: Diakov-476.1
Image shown: Sincona AG Auction 84 Lot 280 (23-Oct-2023)

The Turkmanchay Treaty Commemorative Medal of 1828 was issued to mark the signing of the Treaty of Turkmanchay, which concluded the Russo-Persian War of 1826–1828. The treaty was signed on February 22, 1828, in the village of Turkmanchay, located 50 km from Tabriz.

The treaty had far-reaching implications for both Russia and Persia (now Iran). According to its terms, the Erivan and Nakhichevan Khanates (Eastern Armenia) were annexed to the Russian Empire. The Iranian government agreed not to hinder the resettlement of Armenians into these newly acquired territories. Iran was also obligated to pay a contribution of 20 million rubles in silver. The treaty affirmed Russia's exclusive right to maintain a naval fleet in the Caspian Sea.

A simultaneous trade treaty was signed, granting Russian merchants the right to free trade throughout Iran and establishing a uniform five percent import duty on Russian and Iranian goods.

The Turkmanchay Treaty strengthened Russia's position in the Caucasus and weakened British influence in Iran, which they had sought to use as a counter against Russia.