While the Northern Azerbaijan had been the part of the Russian Empire, local Muslim communities haven’t been called up for the military service. However, representatives of the upper classes could go into service, study in the military schools and, rising to the officer ranks, be engaged in a warfare. Speaking about bravery of Azerbaijani officers, general Ivan Paskevich wrote in his report to Nicolas I: “I feel it my duty in front of His Majesty Emperor, to witness great courage demonstrated by the Muslim regiments… Fighting with special exceptional bravery, they are always ahead of their troops in attacks. Most trophies, including artillery, flags and captives, are usually by them”. Azerbaijani officers and soldiers have been engaged in all wars made by Russia since the beginning of XIX century, and awarded with different Imperial orders and medals. Azerbaijanis also served in a personal bodyguard convoy of the Emperor. During the World War I of 1914-1918, there was a special Tatar (Azerbaijani) cavalry regiment formed by the Azerbaijani combatants. The regiment demonstrated courage in a number of battles against German and Austro-Hungarian units. In the war, there were also many officers and several generals of the Azerbaijani origin, including “the God of Russian artillery” Ali-Agha Shikhlinski, Lieutenant General Samad bay Mehmandarov and general Huseyn khan Nakhchivanski, all army and corpus commanders.