The Mysterious Story of Hadji Murat's Stolen Remains: What Happened to His Body?

Hadji Murat holds a significant place in Caucasian history. Known for his ties to Imam Shamil, his later alliance with the Russians, and his death at their hands, Murat's life has been immortalized by the famous Russian author Leo Tolstoy in his novella Hadji Murat. Both in history and literature, this influential figure has left a lasting legacy. His grave is located in the city of Qakh, Azerbaijan, but recent reports claim that the remains of Hadji Murat were stolen nearly 170 years after his death. I visited the site to uncover the truth behind this mystery.

Was Hadji Murat's 170-Year-Old Remains Stolen?

Hadji Murat was a symbol of resistance against the Russian invasion of the Caucasus, and his name continues to be remembered nearly two centuries after his death. When Murat died in 1852, his severed head was sent to St. Petersburg, where it remains today at the Kunstkamera, an anthropological museum. However, his body was buried in the Qakh region of Azerbaijan, close to where he fell in battle.

The grave has become a local landmark, frequently visited by the residents of the area. But now, rumors suggest that Hadji Murat’s grave has been disturbed, his remains exhumed, and transported back to Dagestan, his birthplace, for reburial. These claims remain unverified as no official sources have either confirmed or denied the incident.

Evidence from My Visit: Was the Grave Disturbed?

Upon visiting Hadji Murat's grave, I noticed something unusual. The stones next to the grave appeared recently disturbed, as if someone had dug near the site. If the claims of the stolen remains are true, it seems the perpetrators may have accessed the remains without disturbing the headstone, opting to dig beside it instead. The stones were placed back in a haphazard manner, suggesting some form of excavation had taken place.

While it is difficult to confirm whether Hadji Murat’s remains were stolen, the evidence of digging raises questions. The mystery of his missing remains persists.

Related post: 19th-century Zagatala Fortress built by Russian Empire in Azerbaijan

Who Was Hadji Murat? A Leader and a Legend

Hadji Murat was a 19th-century North Caucasian Avar leader who became famous for resisting Russian expansion into Dagestan and Chechnya. As a brilliant tactician and charismatic leader, Murat led his people in many battles against the Russian Empire. However, personal grievances and the complexities of the war led him to reluctantly ally with the Russians. 

Hadji Murat died in 1852 during a skirmish with Russian forces in the North Caucasus. After leaving Imam Shamil’s ranks and forming an uneasy alliance with the Russians, Murat attempted to flee Russian control to rejoin his family and supporters.

A Russian detachment was sent to capture him, and in the ensuing battle, Murat fought bravely but was vastly outnumbered. He was shot multiple times and ultimately killed in the confrontation. After his death, Russian soldiers severed his head and sent it to St. Petersburg as a war trophy. His body was buried in the Qakh region of Azerbaijan.

Tolstoy’s novella Hadji Murat (1912) later immortalized his story, offering a dramatic and fictionalized portrayal of the man and his struggle.

Conclusion

The mystery of Hadji Murat's grave adds another layer to the legend of this historical figure. Whether his remains were truly stolen or not, the story of Hadji Murat continues to captivate people in both history and fiction. His legacy as a symbol of resistance against Russian domination remains undiminished, and the unanswered questions surrounding his grave only deepen the intrigue.