Lavrov handed Melikov the order on the hereditary nobility of Imam Shamil

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov handed over copies of two unique historical documents to the head of Dagestan Sergey Melikov.

"The first is an order from 1870 announcing the elevation of the legendary Imam Shamil to hereditary nobility by decision of Emperor Alexander II. This is another evidence of respect for the legendary Dagestani — yesterday's worthy opponent, who put an end to the enmity and opened a new history — the history of friendship, unity and greatness," Melikov said on social networks.

The second document is the plan of the barter yard in Kizlyar, sent by the commandant of the Kizlyar fortress to the College of Foreign Affairs in 1757.

"Such courtyards served as shopping centers for Russian and Eastern merchants. In 1762, Empress Catherine II exempted goods delivered to Kizlyar by the local population from duty, and even later all the peoples of Dagestan were exempted from duty," the head of the republic noted.

Melikov assured that he would definitely give every Dagestani an opportunity to get acquainted with these invaluable testimonies of the rich history of the republic. Soon they will be exhibited in Dagestan museums.

Lavrov handed over these documents at the site of the Russian Foreign Ministry, a presentation of Dagestan was held.

"The Russian Foreign Minister spoke warmly about our fellow countrymen: courageous defenders of the Motherland and those who glorified the republic on peaceful fronts and contributed to the development of the whole country. Thanks to the Russian Foreign Ministry and personally to Sergey Viktorovich for the opportunity to tell the world about Dagestan," Melikov added.