10th Grade. Materials for preparation for exam.

Emergence of the Azerbaijani Safavid state

In the 15th century, the Safavi sect was becoming a powerful political force. The inability of the
Karagoyunlu and Aggoyunlu states to create stability and the strife for power had a negative
impact on the socio-economic situation. The livelihood of the population became difficult. At
the end of the 15th century, the further weakening of the central government created favorable
conditions for the rise of the influence of the Safavids among the common people.
The founder of Safavi Order was sheikh Saffiedine or sheikh Safi. His followers chose Shiism
congregation of Islam1 and were called The Gizilbashs (Golden heads) because there were 12
red stripes on their turbans (in honor of 12 Shiite imams).
In 1499, Ismail, the successor of Ardabil sheikhs, started moving from Lahijan to Ardabil. Acting
on the advice of the Qizilbash emirs, the main task of young Ismayil was to gather the followers
of "Safavia" Order together in a short time and seize political power in Azerbaijan.

The main rivals of Qizilbash were Aggoyunlu and Shirvanshahs. In 1500, a council of gilded
heads gathered in Erzincan. At the meeting, it was decided to strike the first blow against
Shirvanshah Farrukh Yasar. At the end of that year, Gilzilbash's army led by Ismail entered into
battle with Shirvanshah's troops on the Jabani (Jabani) plain at the foot of Gulustan fortress.
Although they were few in number, Gilzilbash defeated the Shirvan's army, and Farrukh Yasar
was killed. In the spring of 1501, after fierce resistance, the Baku fortress was captured.
Ismayil's success worried Alvand Mirza from Aghgoyun. War became inevitable when Ismail
rejected his offer to return to Shirvan and be satisfied with its administration. In the middle of
1501, in the battle that took place on the Sharur plain, the Golden Heads defeated the army of
white sheep, which was much superior to them. Ismail showed personal bravery and great
leadership skills in this battle. The main reason for the victory of the girls was that their
followers were ready to die for the sake of their sheikhs, and they were morally strong and
steadfast. The young Ismail, who personally participated in all the battles, became a source of
inspiration for the red-headed people.
Shortly after the battle of Sharur, which resulted in the fall of the first branch of Aggoyunlu,
Ismail entered Tabriz and declared himself king. The Safavid state of Azerbaijan was founded.

1
Shīites Muslims believe that ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, should have
been the designated successor to Muhammad 
In 1503, Sultan Murad of Aghgoyunlu, the ruler of Persia and Ajam Iraq, was defeated in a place
called Almabulagi. Thus, the Aggoyunlu state was ended. Ismail considered himself the political
successor of his grandfather Uzun Hasan and tried to restore the state he founded within the
borders of Aggoyunlu. In a short period of time, Arab Iraq and provinces from Diyarbakir to
Khorasan were included in the new state. Shah Ismail I, who also defeated Sheybani Khan in the
battle of Marv in 1510, took all of Khorasan under his authority up to the Amu Darya. The
Safavid state became a vast empire.
The Safavid State in XVI c.
Completion of the process of creating a unified Azerbaijan state. I Tahmasib. After the death of
Shah Ismail I (1524), his son Tahmasib came to power. The fact that he was young led to
quarrels between the emirs of Gilzilbash in the first years of his rule. However, as he got older,
Shah I Tahmasib, who took over the administration of the state, showed himself to be a
prudent and far-sighted ruler. First of all, he put an end to internal conflicts and suppressed
uprisings, strengthened the central government.
After that, Shah Tahmasib I, who turned his attention to the north, decided to take advantage
of the confusion and arbitrariness that had arisen in the state of Shirvanshahs after the death of
Khalilullah II.
In 1538, Tahmasib I, who first sent his brother Algas Mirza with 20,000 troops to Shirvan,
received the news that the siege of Bugurd fortress was taking a long time and came to Shirvan
himself.
The defenders of Bugurd Castle surrendered after the cannon fire. The treasure of Shirvanshah
kept here was captured, Shahrukh, the last ruler of Shirvan, who became a toy in the hands of
the nobles, was brought to Tabriz and executed. The existence of the state of Shirvanshahs was
terminated.
Algas Mirza was appointed the Governor (Beylarbey) of Shirvan.
In 1551, the independence of Sheki administration was terminated.
Thus, as a result of the successful statehood policy of Shah I Tahmasib, all Azerbaijani lands
were united into a single state.
In addition to having a positive effect on the economic development of Azerbaijan, the joining
of the provinces of the country to the composition of the unified state strengthened the
cultural and ethnic unity.
A bloody war started by fathers and continued by sons. The war that started between Selim I
and Shah Ismail I, although military operations stopped, did not end because peace was not
concluded.
In 1534, the Ottoman Sultan Suleyman I, who took advantage of Shah Tahmasib's war with the
Uzbeks in Khorasan, launched an attack on Azerbaijan. The Ottoman forces that captured Tabriz
could not be strengthened here. Approaching winter, lack of food, fierce resistance of the
population forced Sultan Suleiman I to leave Azerbaijan.
The returning Ottoman army entered Baghdad, thus the Safavids lost Arab Iraq.
In 1535, the Ottoman forces wintering here again marched to Azerbaijan. Shah Tahmasib I
developed interesting tactics against the outnumbered and powerful Ottoman forces. The
population was moved from the capital, grain and agricultural fields were burned, irrigation
canals and ditches were filled with earth.
Although Sultan Suleiman I captured Tabriz for the second time, the Ottoman advance to the
east was prevented in Sultaniya. The Ottoman army, which ran out of food and plague spread
among its soldiers, was forced to leave Azerbaijan.
As the war dragged on, so did the number of disaffected people fleeing from one state to
another on both sides. They provoked the rulers to continue military operations.
Algas Mirza, who raised an uprising in Shirvan and fled to Sultan Suleiman I after being
defeated, was one of them. The campaign of the Ottomans against the Safavids in 1548 began
precisely at his instigation (təhrik, подстрекательство). However, the Ottomans did not
succeed this time either. Algas Mirza was captured and executed. During the campaign of
Sultan Suleiman I in 1554, the Ottoman army was defeated near the Bugurd fortress. Unable to
achieve success, the sultan was forced to make peace.

According to the peace concluded in Amasya on May 29, 1555, the Safavids kept all of
Azerbaijan and Eastern Georgia in their hands, while Western Georgia was given to the
Ottomans. Arab Iraq, including Baghdad, remained to the Ottomans. Thus, the first stage of the
Safavid-Ottoman wars ended. One of the greatest successes of Tahmasib I was the protection of
Azerbaijani lands and the achievement of peace even in the most powerful time of the Ottoman
state.
The capital of Safavids moved to Qazvin city.

1. Why did the election of Tahmasib I led to quarrels between the qizilbash emirs?
2. What territory was joined to Safavid state in 1538?
3. Why the Ottomans left Tebriz after siege?
4. What territory was joined to Safavid state in 1551?
5. Who was appointed as the first governor ( beylerbey) of Shirvan?
6. Who was the last shirvanshah?
7. Why the Ottoman sultan was forced to make a peace?
 8. What is Shiism?
9. What’s happened in Chaldiran Battle?

Socio-economic life in XV – XVI centuries.

In 1639, a peace treaty was concluded in Qasri-Shirin. The Safavid-Ottoman war, which had
lasted more than a hundred years with breaks, ended. According to the treaty, the terms of the
peace of Amasya were restored. Also, Eastern Anatolia, including Baghdad, Basra, Kirkuk,
Ahiska (Akhaltsikh) and Van, was given to the Ottoman state, while Iravan remained in the
Safavid state.

Socio-economic life in XV
Tax affairs were regulated by the "Kanun - nameh" ( "Law") drawn up by the king Hasan of
Aggoyunlu.
Uzun Hasan's "Kanun - nameh" under the name "King Hasan's Laws" was also in force during
the Safavids' 16th century rule.
Gödek Ahmed, the Aggoyunlu ruler who came to power at the end of the 15th century, tried to
carry out tax reform. Gödek Ahmed, who was trying to establish an administration according to
the experience of Ottoman statehood, issued a decree to cancel more than 20 taxes and some
obligations that were not in Sharia. However, his policy of abolishing taxes and limiting the
revolution ended in failure, and he himself was killed as a result of the uprising.

In 1565, Shah Tahmasib I issued a decree canceling the tamga tax levied on artisans. The
elimination of this tax, left over from the Mongol era, created conditions for the development
of crafts and trade.

Forms of land ownership.

In the Qara qoyunlu and Aq qoyunlu states, private lands were distributed under the name of
Soyurgal. In order to put an end to the independence of Qizilbash, the Safavids began to give
the tiyul lands as a condition.
Tiyul could be inherited in exceptional cases and only with the consent of the king. In the 17th
century, the leading lands in the Safavid state were Diwani and Khasse.The revenues from
Diwani were entirely spent on paying state expenses, while the property revenues belonging to
the shah were either sent to the treasury or directed to solving specific issues with the consent
of the shah.

Craft and Trade

Artisans and merchants played an important role in city life. In the 13th and 14th centuries,
artisans created an artisan association called "əkhilik" (brotherhood). Akhilik was a spiritual and
political association of artists born out of economic necessity during the Mongol occupation. In
this way, artists tried to protect themselves from the pressure of nobles and feudal lords.
Artisan associations created in the 17th century were called Asnafs ("tradesmen").
In the second half of the 17th century, artists were divided into three groups:
Those who join artisan organizations Asnafs (tradesmen);
Self-employed persons;
Workers in feudal workshops.
The livelihood of artists belonging to the 3rd group was more difficult. They paid taxes to both
the feudal lord and the state. In cities, merchants were usually headed by the richest and most
famous merchant called Malik-ut-Tujjar. He supervised the creation of a healthy competitive
environment among merchants and distributed state taxes.
The Culture of Azerbaijan in XV – XVI centuries.
Poetry of XV century
Fazlullah Naimi of Tabriz was the founder of Hurufism. Hurufism (from the word huruf - letters)
– is a Sufi sect, common in the late XIV - early XV centuries in Azerbaijan, Anatolia and western
Iran. The Hurufits were claiming that God is inside of each man. Led
The book of Naimi was called Javidan – nameh (Book of Eternity)
One of the prominent followers of Naimi was the great philosopher and poet of the 15th
century, Imadaddin Nasimi. Around 1417 Nesîmî was seized and, skinned alive in Aleppo
(Hələb).
Məndə sığar iki cahan, mən bu cahâna sığmazam
Gövhər-i lâ-məkân mənəm, kövn ü məkâna sığmazam
Both worlds can fit within me, but in this world I cannot fit
I am the placeless essence, but into existence I cannot fit
Architecture of XV century
İn X Century by the order of Jahanshah Garaqoyunlu Blue Mosque was built in Tebriz.
Yaqub Ag Goyunlu ordered to build the Palace Eight Paradises ( Hesht Behisht).
In Baku there was constructed the Shirvanshah’s Palace.
The complex contains the main building of the palace, Divanhane, the burial-vaults, the shah's
mosque with a minaret, Seyid Yahya Bakuvi's mausoleum (the so-called "mausoleum of
the dervish"), south of the palace, a portal in the east, Murad's gate, a reservoir and the
remnants of a bath house. Earlier, there was an ancient mosque, next to the mausoleum. There
are still ruins of the bath to the west of the tomb.
Science, education in XVI century.
Shah Ismail was a great poet and was writing under the nickname of Khatai.
In the 16th there were large networks of schools and madrasahs in Azerbaijan. During this
period, a number of scientific works related to geography, philosophy, history, mathematics,
logic, grammar and other subjects were written.
Hasan Bey Rumlu I was the historian of Tahmasib. Only the twelfth volume of his twelve-
volume "Ahsan-ut-tawarikh" (Best of Histories) has reached us. These volumes describe the
reigns of Tahmasib I and Shah Ismail II.
Oruj Bey Bayat visited many European countries as a well-known Safavid diplomat. Oruj Bey,
who came to Spain as part of the Safavid embassy, stayed here and wrote a book about his
journey and the Safavid state.
Iskander Bey Munshi participated in Shah I Abbas's military campaigns, hunts, and receptions in
the palace. His masterpiece "History of Abbas, who decorated the world" is an important
source for studying the period.
Architecture, art of XVI century.
In 1522, Shah Ismail I appointed the painter Kamaladdin Behzad as the head of the palace
library in Tabriz. The Safavid ruler Shah Ismail I, who always cared for culture, restored the
Maragha observatory.
In 1539, a special carpet was woven for the Sheikh Safi Mosque by order of the Safavid ruler
Tahmasib I. The carpet was bought by the British in 1893 and taken to London, and it is
currently kept in the "Victoria and Albert" museum.
In 1544 in Hazra village of Gusar The Mausoleum of Sheikh Juneid appeared.
In Baku were built the Eastern Gates.
On Alinja River in Nakhichevan was built bridge.
The Reforms of Shah Abbas I
Peace of Istanbul
Shah Abbas I realized that a war with the Ottomans would have even more disastrous
consequences, so he agreed to peace in order to save the existence of the state and buy time.
According to the Peace of Istanbul signed in 1590, Azerbaijan, Eastern Georgia, as well as some
western lands of Iran were given to the Ottomans, except for the territories of Garadagh,
Ardabil, Khalkhal and Lankaran.

Administrative reform.
Showing that he did not give up on the idea of returning the lands of Azerbaijan to the Safavid
state, Shah I Abbas established the Beylarbey of Azerbaijan with Ardabil as its center in 1593.
According to the Peace of Istanbul, the properties of Azerbaijan that remained in the Safavids
were included in this beylarbey. Zulfugar Bey Garamanli was appointed the first judge of the
new administrative unit.
In 1598, the capital was moved to Isfahan, far from uprisings and demonstrations. This step
enabled the strengthening of Iranian elements in the Safavid palace. In order to win the hearts
of the people of Ghazvin, who were dissatisfied with the transfer of the capital, the Shah
attacked a special quarter of Turks in Isfahan called "Abbasabad".
Military reform.
To regain the lost territories, first of all, the army had to be strengthened. For this purpose,
Shah I Abbas started building an army. During the Safavid-Ottoman war of 1578-1590, the
hereditary principle of tribal leadership was abolished in order to end the tribal conflicts that
led to defeats. Now this position could only be held by people who had won the favor of the
king.
With this, the principle of kinship in the formation of military units was fundamentally
undermined.
The army was organized based on the principle of tribal diversity.

It was forbidden for Kizilbaş to carry weapons on their own. During the reign of Shah Abbas I,
the Safavid army consisted mainly of two parts: regular military units consisting of regular
troops and the traditional qizilbash army recruited from the provinces during wars. The newly
created and directly subordinate permanent troops were:
Gulams were a type of troops created on the example of the Ottoman janissaries. The slaves,
who were collected from the non-Muslim population as children and brought up in the spirit of
loyalty to the Shah, constituted the main striking force of the Shah's army.
The riflemen (tüfengchiler) were a type of infantry, gathered from the lower strata of the
population and numbering 12,000 people.
The main reserve of firearms, consisting of 500 cannons, was concentrated in the artillery
military unit. Cannons were used in battles, especially in taking fortresses.
The Cavalry Gilzalbash army, which was the majority and mainly gathered from the Azerbaijani
tribes, still constituted the main military force of the Safavids. As a result of the military reforms
of Shah I Abbas, the military power of the Safavids was restored, and the army was further
strengthened.
The military reforms of Shah I Abbas were also aimed at preventing the arbitrariness of the
Gilzilbash emirs and strengthening army discipline. Nevertheless, even after the reforms, the
leading positions in the Safavid army, as well as in the state administration, remained owned by
the Gilzilbashs.
The Azerbaijani culture in the 17th century
The Safavid-Ottoman wars on the lands of Azerbaijan dealt a heavy blow to the cultural life of
the people and caused delays in the development of science and education.
European travelers who came to the Safavid state in the 17th century — Pietro della Valle,
Adam Oleari, Jean Chardin — reported that Azerbaijani Turkish was the official language of the
Safavid court.

Education.
In all regions of Azerbaijan, there were primary schools near mosques, as well as madrasahs
providing higher education. It can be said that there was one madrasa in almost every large
settlement, and several in the city centers.
Children learned to read and write and memorized the Koran in primary schools. The basics of
Muslim law, classical Eastern literature, philosophy, astronomy, medicine and other sciences
were taught in madrasahs. Students who completed their studies were given a certificate.

Science.
Secular sciences were also developing during this period. Mirza Mohammad Shirvani, who
wrote works on astronomy and mathematics, and the tiny particles made a number of
contributions to Azerbaijani science.
The works of another scientist, Yusif Karabakhi, were an important source of knowledge for the
period. Azerbaijani philosopher Yusif Karabakh moved to Central Asia and lived in Samarkand
and Bukhara. (Where these cities located in nowadays?)
He was the author of a number of works devoted to the issues of philosophy and law. These
works have been used as teaching aids in Central Asian madrasahs for a long time. His works
contain interesting information about astronomy.
Historic Science
The work "Tarihi-vahid" (Abbasname) by Muhammad Tahir Vahid, who was appointed the chief
historian of Shah Abbas II and later rose to the position of prime minister, is a valuable source
of that period even today.
After the Ottoman occupation, the famous scientist Muhammad Huseyn Tabrizi left his
homeland and went to India, where he compiled his famous dictionary. This dictionary has
been printed many times in Iran, India and other Islamic countries.

Literature and folk creativity.

The complete formation of heroic and love epics coincides with the 16th and 17th centuries.
The "Koroglu" epic created in this period was a great example of heroic epics. Famous epics
such as "Shah Ismail", "Abbas and Gulgaz", "Asli and Karam" were fully formed in that period.
The 16th-17th century was the period of the rise of love art. Prominent representatives of folk
poetry, Gurbani, Ashıg Abbas Tufarganlı, Sarı Ashıg were better known. They wrote the poems
they performed themselves.
The epic "Abbas and Gulgaz" was formed on the basis of the lyrical poems of Ashiq Abbas
Tufarganli. The romantic attachments of this lover are especially valuable. Sarı Ashık was also
the author of beautiful bayats.
Saib Tabrizi was one of the outstanding representatives of the 17th century Azerbaijani
literature.
During the reign of Shah I Abbas, Saib Tabrizi was transferred to Isfahan, traveled to
Afghanistan, Arab countries, Asia Minor. Saib Tabrizi lived in India for some time, was invited to
the Safavid court by Shah Abbas II and received the title of "Malik-ush-shuara".
Emphasis on human and natural beauty, love, complaints about the times were the main
themes of his works.
Applied art and architecture.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, so-called "high" and "gilded" fabrics were woven in the palace
workshops. Because these fabrics were woven with gold and silver threads, they were sold at a
high price in the world markets and were considered equal to gold. In addition to patterned
rugs, carpet weavers also wove rugs with domestic scenes and hunting motifs.
During this period, many public buildings - caravansaries, baths, mosques - were built in
Absheron, Shamakhi, Iravan, Darbend, Nakhchivan, Sheki, Ganja and other regions.
The fire worshiper's monument in Surakhani was called "Ateshgah", i.e. "place of fire",
The Shah Abbas Mosque in Ganja, the mosque built in Nardaran is a valuable monument
typical of the 17th century Azerbaijani architecture.
Qeysariyye, built in Ordubad during the reign of Shah I Abbas, is considered one of the rare
examples of Azerbaijani architecture. Located in the center of Ordubad city, this monument
played an important role in the economic life of the population and the city during the Middle
Ages.

The political situation in Azerbaijan in XVII and at the beginning of the 18th century

The third country that joined the struggle for the Caucasus.
In the 16th century, the Moscow kingdom, which occupied the Khanates of Kazan and
Astrakhan, had direct access to the Caspian Sea. After these invasions, the political influence of
the Russians in the North Caucasus began to strengthen. In the middle of the 17th century, the
Russians, eager to advance into the interior of the Caucasus, began to build fortresses near the
borders of the Safavids.
These fortresses were to be military bases and serve the strategic interests of the Moscow
tsars.
In the second half of the 17th century, the historical Silk Road was losing its importance. This
process, which began after great geographical discoveries, had a negative impact on the
economic life of Eastern countries located on the Silk Road.
The Safavid state also faced huge financial losses. The Safavid shahs, trying to make up for the
losses, began to pay special attention to trade relations with Moscow. This also met the
strategic interests of Moscow, which has been trying to monopolize the silk trade between
Eastern and Western countries for a long time. The revitalization of the Volga-Caspian trade
route also created conditions for the economic expansion of Russia to Eastern countries, which
had already become a state with a large territory.
Shah Suleiman (1666-1694), who came to power after the death of Abbas II, signed an
agreement with the Russian state. In this treaty, signed in 1667, Russian merchants were
granted extensive privileges: they received the right to trade without customs and other
privileges in the territory of the Safavid state during the reign of the Safavid dynasty. According
to Shah Suleiman's decree, local judges were required to treat Russian merchants with special
respect.
The revival of the Volga-Caspian trade route created conditions for the beginning of bandit
raids. Russian Cossacks were particularly active in this field. Their biggest robber raid is
associated with the name of Stepan Razin. In the summer of 1668, Razin, who went down to
the Caspian Sea with his ships, looted the settlements along the coast from Darband to Gilan
with his band of robbers and returned with great booty. The Russian tsars were determined to
prevent such marches. The captured Razin was also severely punished.
During the reign of Shah Abbas II and his son Shah Suleiman, the Safavid shahs preferred to live
in peace with neighboring states, avoid conflicts and expand trade relations. They repeatedly
disappointed the European and Russian ambassadors who tried to drag the Safavids into a new
war with the Ottoman state with their decisive answers.

Economic recession or the beginning of the end. Towards the end of the 17th century, the
Safavid state faced a severe economic crisis. The crisis, which covered all areas of economic life,
had economic and political reasons.
Economic reasons:
The loss of importance of the Silk Road and the weakening of traditional trade relations;
The decrease of silk export, which is the main source of income of the state;
As a result of the weakening of foreign trade, the shortage of money in the country, the
circulation of fake money;
Failure of artificial irrigation networks and reduction of cultivated areas.
Political reasons:
• Mistakes made in administration, incompetent persons finding their way into the state
administration apparatus;
• Official arbitrariness, corruption of civil bureaucracy.
• Shah Sultan Hussain's attempts to get the state out of crisis. Shah Sultan Hussein (1694-
1722), who came to power at the end of the 17th century, took a number of
unsuccessful steps to save the country from the crisis it had fallen into.
• First, trying to eliminate the monetary crisis, the king melted down the gold and silver
items on the graves of his ancestors in Ardabil and minted them. But this measure did
not work.
• The financial crisis in the country deepened, state revenues decreased, and the treasury
was emptied. The king, who spends most of his time in entertainment, decided to raise
taxes this time to fill the treasury.

For this purpose, in 1699-1702, the population and the population's property were
listed. New taxes were introduced.
Taxes, which were three times higher than before, made it even more difficult for the
population to live. Moreover, the drought that engulfed Azerbaijan at the beginning of
the 18th century caused a terrible famine.
The weakening of the central government made it possible for officials to embezzle a
large part of the collected taxes.
Jar Uprising
Heavy taxes and official arbitrariness led to revolts against the shah and his disgruntled
local officials. In the first quarter of the 18th century, people's protests and uprisings
covered all parts of the empire, including Azerbaijan.
People of Jar (modern Zagatala) revolted twice in 1707 and 1711. They were paid from
the treasury in exchange for protecting the northern borders of the state.
The fact that Shirvan Baylarbey stopped the payment arbitrarily caused their anger. The
dissatisfied population of Shirvan also joined the rebels. Hasanali Khan, Beylarbey of
Shirvan, who tried to suppress the rebellion, was himself defeated and killed.

Shirvan’s Revolt
In 1709, the Afghan tribes revolted and captured Kandahar. Shah Sultan Husayn's half-
hearted policy undermined the people's trust in the Safavid dynasty, and when the
forces dissatisfied with the central government became active, it became difficult to
suppress the uprisings.
In 1719, another rebellion against the Safavids took place in Shirvan. The uprising was
led by Haji Davud from Dadali village of Mushkur district. He planned to occupy the
administrative center of Shirvan by creating an alliance with Ahmed Khan of Gaitag and
Surkhay Khan of Qazigumug. The royal troops sent to Shirvan combined with the forces
of the local judges succeeded in suppressing the rebellion and arresting Haji Davud.
 However, Haji Davud, who soon escaped from Darbend prison, asked for military
assistance from Russia.
He did not hide his desire to free Shirvan from the Safavids and become the head of the
independent state of Shirvan under the protection of Russia by writing a letter to the
Russian ruling circles.
The Russian government, which closely followed the events in the center of the Safavid
state, rejected Haji Davud's proposal. Haji Davud's wishes did not correspond to the
interests of the Russian authorities, which were preparing to seize the Caspian coast
regions.
Haji Davud, who restored the alliance with Surkhay Khan of Qazigumugh, soon occupied
Shamakhi, the administrative center of Shirvan. During the robberies in the city, several
Russian merchants were killed and their goods were looted.
Concerned about possible Russian intervention, Haji Davud appealed to the Ottoman
Sultan Ahmed III for protection. Concerned about Peter I's march to the Caspian coast,
Sultan Ahmad III accepted Haji Davud's offer of patronage.
Shirvan was recognized as a semi-independent khanate under Ottoman protection.
Thus, the actions of Haji Davud gave an excuse for the intervention of Russia and the
Ottoman state in Azerbaijan, and Russia joined the competition for Azerbaijan for the
first time.
The Afghans captured Isfahan

In March 1722, the Afghans captured Isfahan, the capital of the Safavids, and captured
Shah Sultan Hussein and the members of the dynasty. Only one of the king's sons,
Tahmasib, managed to escape to Astaraba, where he declared himself king under the
name of Tahmasib II.
Questions:
• Why did King Suleiman give wide privileges to Russian merchants?
• Do you think it was possible to prevent the uprisings in the 18th century?
• What were the reasons for Russia's activation in the Caucasus?
Identify the similarities between the activities of Abbas II and Shah Suleiman.

The Caspian Campaign of Peter I

A seditious man of Armenian descent, Israel Ori, who came to Peter I, inflamed the tsar's
aggressive passions even more. In 1703, he made a fake map of the Near and Middle East and
presented it to Peter I. In this "map, the western lands of Azerbaijan, southern Georgia, and
eastern lands of the Ottoman state were written as Armenian territories.
He wrote to the tsar: "It is clear from this map that the road to Istanbul and Anatolia opens
after taking the Iravan fortress." I. Ori hypocritically stated that the majority of the population
of the South Caucasus are Armenians, and they are waiting for the moment to rise up against
the Muslims. If the Russian tsar marches south with a small force, Armenians and Georgians will
come to his aid.

The embassy, headed by Artemi Volynsky, had to study the situation in the Safavid state first of
all.

The envoy of the Russian state had to examine the caravan routes, whether there were
pastures along these routes (this was important for the cavalry troops), the state of the defense
equipment of the local troops, and he had to contact the Christians there. Artemi Volynskyi was
also assigned to study the possibilities of developing Russian trade here. During his stay in
Azerbaijan, Volynsky also did certain things to regulate the trade issues of Russian merchants
who had settled in Shamakhi for years, and in 1717 he managed to sign an agreement in Isfahan
in favor of Russian merchants.
What was the task of Peter I to prepare a topographical map of the Caspian Sea? What are the
positive and negative aspects of this for Azerbaijan?
The impact of the events in Shirvan on the plans of Peter I.
One of the measures that Peter I considered for the upcoming military campaign was to open a
Russian consulate in Shirvan. Taking into account the desire and interest of Russian merchants,
an agreement was reached to open a Russian consulate in Shamakhi, but the uprising in Shirvan
prevented the implementation of the decision.
The introduction of Ottoman troops into Shirvan would also threaten Russia's southern borders
and severely damage its eastern trade. All this made Peter I hurry to march to the Caspian Sea
basin. Peter I decided to withdraw troops to Shirvan under the pretext of helping the king, who
was supposedly on friendly terms with him.

Manifesto of Peter I.
Before starting the movement, Peter I printed a "Manifesto" in 1722 in order to justify his
march to the Caspian provinces and distributed it among the inhabitants of the cities and
villages located in the direction of the Russian army. In the "Manifesto", the real reason for the
march was to protect her subjects, the Russian merchants who were murdered and robbed in
Shamakhi during the Shirvan rebellion, and to punish the rebels who opposed the Safavi Shah,
whom Russia considered a friend. In the "Manifesto", which was also printed in the Azerbaijani
language, peace was promised to the local population.
Some feudal lords, who were afraid of losing their wealth and position, welcomed Peter I's
"Manifesto".

What is the reason for the emergence of Russia's plans for Azerbaijan at the beginning of the
18th century?
What was the excuse for Peter I to start the invasion of the Caspian regions?
What forces did Peter I want to attract to his side by publishing the "Manifesto" in the
Azerbaijani language?
The local population
Safavid feudal lords
Shirvan rebels
Comment on the diplomatic measures taken by Peter I before his march to the Caspian regions.
What was the main danger of the policy implemented by Peter I for Azerbaijan?
Identify important events given on the timeline

Capture of Derbent by Russia.

In August 1722, the Russian army entered the city of Darband. The viceroy of the city
Imamgulu bey presented the key of Darband fortress to Peter I. There were also supporters of
resistance to the invaders in the city. They even prepared a conspiracy against Peter I, but the
conspiracy was discovered, and their leaders were arrested.

Do you think that if the people of Darbend stood up to defend the city, Peter I could have
captured Darbend? Justify your opinion.
The Russian army started moving from Derbend to Baku, but Peter I had to stop his march and
turn back. There were several reasons for this. One of the reasons was that as a result of the
storm in the Caspian Sea, most of the Russian soldiers' ships with food and ammunition were
sunk in the sea. The Russian soldiers, who were left without weapons and ammunition, did not
believe that they would be able to break the stiff resistance of the local population. On the
other hand, there was news that Sweden wanted to start a war against Russia again.

Occupation of all Caspian coastal lands of Azerbaijan by Russia. After returning to Russia, Peter I
drew up a plan to take the Baku fortress, which was of great military-strategic and economic
importance.
After the Baku fortress was taken, the Russians occupied the city of Salyan.
In 1723, the tsarist ruling circles forced Ismail Bey Shah, the ambassador of the Safavid state in
Petersburg, to conclude an agreement on the annexation of the Caspian coast territories to
Russia without permission. In return, Russia undertook to provide military assistance to the
Safavid shah to protect his power. Shah Tahmasib II did not recognize the terms of the
"agreement".
However, in 1722-1723, the lands of the Caspian coast of Azerbaijan were occupied by Russia.
The Division of our lands between the Ottomans and Russians
After the Baku fortress was taken, the Russians occupied the city of Salyan.
In 1723, the tsarist ruling circles forced Ismail Bey Shah, the ambassador of the Safavid state in
Petersburg, to conclude an agreement on the annexation of the Caspian coast territories to
Russia without permission.
In 1723, the people of Yerevan sent an appeal to Erzurum Pasha. The petition read: “Why are
you sitting? You are Turks, and we... we don't want to fall into the hands of the Russians. Come
on time, capture the city, don't let the Russians go to Yerevan."
1724 Treaty of Istanbul.
At the time of the signing of the treaty between Russia and the Safavid state, the Ottoman
army entered the territory of Azerbaijan and moved towards the east. As Russian troops were
stationed in the provinces along the Caspian Sea, there was a danger of a clash. Unwilling to go
to war with the Turks, Russia offered to distribute the lands of Azerbaijan to the Ottoman
Empire. After long negotiations, a treaty with Russia was signed in Istanbul in 1724.
 NADIR KHAN AFSHAR RETAKES BACK
AZERBAIJAN LANDS AND RESTORES SAFAVID
EMPIRE

BUILDING BACKGROUND
As mentioned in previous topic, Safavid – Azerbaijan Empire´s lands were occupied by afghans,
russians and ottomans in 1720s. Taking advantage of decline of Safavids, russians invaded
Caspian coastal lands and ottomans invaded western parts of Azerbaijan.

► Caspian coastal lands under the authority of Russian empire:

After the occupation of Caspean coastal lands of Azerbaijan, Russian government had created
special plans for its economical and military-strategical aims. Russian Empire was interested in
natural resources (oil, silk, cotton, wool, metals and etc) of Azerbaijan, especially the oil wells.
The oil (petroleum) wells of Absheron peninsula were registered by russians. For occupied
lands of Azerbaijan Russian authority had other plans too. For example:
- To export raw silk of Azerbaijan to European countries,
- To develop shipping and fishing in Caspian Sea and Kur river,
- To establish a new city like Petersburg in the banks of Kura river near to Caspian Sea,

◙ The military administration was created in the Caspean coastal lands of Azerbaijan by
Russia. Russian military officials took the oily lands by force from their owners.

The armenian policy of Peter I in the Caspean coastal lands of Azerbaijan

→ Taking advantage of the russian invasion and administration in Caspean coastal lands of Azerbaijan,
armenian requested from Russian gove rnment to settle in these territories. The desire of armenians to sett
in Caspean coastal lands of Azerbaijan was appropriate with the policy of Russian tsar* Peter I for
Azerbaijan. According to this policy the migration of armenians would increase the number of christian
population in the invaded lands (Caspean coastal lands) of Azerbaijan. Peter I considered armenians
“loyal and dependable ally” for Russia.
→ By the decree of Peter I in 1724, armenians migrated to the Caspean coastal lands of Azerbaijan
(especially in Derbent and Baku) and settled there.

Tsar* - the title of the kings and emperors of Russia

 After the death of Peter I, Russian government thought that it costed very much to keep army in Caspian
Coastal lands.

► Azerbaijani lands under the authority of Ottoman empire:

As mentioned before, Shirvan khanate (except Caspian coastal lands of Shirvan) was under the
authority of Ottoman Empire. Ottomans kept previous administrative system (Safavids system)
in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan was divided into provinces. These provinces were administrated by
Ottoman military leaders.
→ Ottomans performed the census of population and formed code of tax laws for every
province.
→ Ottomans tried to perform honest and moderate tax policy in Azerbaijan. In the document
named “Nakhchevan texts” was written that: Women, children, old men, invalid and ill
people, scholars, teachers had not to pay any taxes. Ottomans kept them free from all taxes.

→ The trade declined by military operations in Azerbaijan. Ottomans performed some steps for
reviving the trade.
However, the people in Azerbaijan suffered from Ottoman soldiers. They plundered people and
did not obey to the rules.

Azerbaijan people resisted against Russian and Ottoman administration. The passive
forms of resistance were leaving residence places and not to pay taxes. The active forms
of resistance were uprisings and rebellions.
The hard uprisings happened in Salyan (1724) against Russia and in Garabagh (1727)
against Ottoman empire.
 Nadir khan Afshar retakes back Azerbaijan lands
In 1720s, the territories of Safavid – Azerbaijan empire were occupied by afghans, Ottoman
and Russian empires. It was neccesary to unite internal groups for restoring the integrity of
Safavid Empire. There was a talented and brave man called Nadir khan Afshar could unify all
of Azerbaijan lands and restore Safavids Empire.
Nadir khan Afshar was from turkic tribe Afshar. Afshars played a significant role in the Safavid Army. The Safavid
shah Tahmasib II (1722 – 1732) appointed Nadir the Commander of Safavid Army.

By the leadership of Nadir khan, Safavid army firstly drove out afghans from the empire in
the late 1720s. Then Nadir began the war against Ottomans in 1730. In the same year Nadir
khan took Tabriz and Ardabil. Nadir retook Hamadan and Kirmanshah from Ottomans.

→ In august 1732, Shah Tahmasib II was overthrown by Nadir khan and nobles. They
declared Tahmasib´s 4 year-old son Abbas the “shah” (ruler) of Safavids Empire. He was
Abbas III (1732 – 1736) – the last ruler of Safavid Empire. Nadir was declared the protector
of Abbas III. Nadir began to rule the empire on Abbas III´s behalf.

→ In 1733, Safavids (Nadir khan Afshar) and Ottomans signed Baghdad treaty. According
to this treaty, Ottomans had to give back Azerbaijan lands to Safavids. But Ottomans did not
obey the terms of Baghdad treaty. Therefore Nadir khan continued the war.

→ By the treaties Rasht (1732) and Ganja (1735) between Safavids and Russia, russian
armies left Caspean coastal lands of Azerbaijan which they occupied in 1720s.

→ After the russian troops had left Azerbaijan lands, Safavids Army continued the war
against Ottomans by the leadership of Nadir khan. The battle near Iravan finished with the
victory of Nadir khan. Ottoman army was defeated. After this battle Ottoman troops were
driven out from Azerbaijan lands at the end of 1735.

Thus, Nadir khan drove out all of invaders – afghans, russians and ottomans from
Azerbaijan lands and restored the integrity of Safavids Empire. It was reunification of
Azerbaijan lands under Safavids dynasty.

QUESTIONS and ACTIVITIES

1. Explain. Why did Peter I use armenians to strenghten in the Caspian coastal lands of Azerbaijan ?
2. Identify. Which states invaded the lands of Azerbaijan in 1720s – 1730s ?
3. Analyze the historical source and answer to the question below the source.
 4. Define. Which plans did Russia have for Caspian coastal lands in 1720s ?

5. Summarize. Draw a chart like the one below and write about the invaders uprisings against invaders in
Azerbaijan lands in 1720s.
Occupied territories of Invader empires The rebellions (uprisings)
Azerbaijan about invaders
Eastern lands – Caspian coastal
lands (Derbent, Baku, Guba,
Salyan, Lenkoran, Resht (Rashd))
Western lands (Nakhchevan,
Iravan, Garabagh, Shamakhi,
Tabriz, Ardabil)

6.Identify. After which treaties did Russian troops leave Azerbaijan lands in 1730s ?

7. Analyze. What role did Nadir khan Afshar play in Azerbaijan history ? What did he do in the hard times
of Safavids ?

8. Define the historical facts according to the timeline below.

THE RISE OF AFSHAR EMPIRE

NADIR SHAH AFSHAR (1736 – 1747)

BUILDING BACKGROUND
Nadir khan Afshar had taken back lands and had restored the integrity of Safavid Empire. He
was the protector of Shah Abbas III and he was ruling empire on behalf of him. However, the
controlling all of Safavid territories was not enough for Nadir khan. He wanted to come to throne
by legal way. Therefore, he decided to convene a congress and to declare himself “shah” (king)
there.
MUGHAN CONGRESS (1736)
In 1736, The congress (conference) took place in Mughan region of Azerbaijan, in
Sugovushan (a village in nowadays Sabirabad district of Azerbaijan Republic). The
participants of Congress discussed about who their ruler (shah) would be.
The leaders of Garabagh turkic tribes – Otuziki, Ziyadoghlu*, Javanshir, Kebirli tribes also
participated in Mughan Congress. They opposed Nadir khan for the putting an end to Safavids.
They didn´t accept Nadir as a king. Nadir was not from Safavid dynasty. According to them
Nadir couldn´t be king or “shah”.
However, supported by the most of participants in Congress, Nadir reached to his aim.
Nadir was declared “Shah” (king) in Congress. Thus, Safavids dynasty and empire stopped its
existence (Safavids empire ended).
A new state that was ruled by turkic tribe Afhars – Afshar Empire was founded by Nadir.

Nadir shah Afshar (1736 – 1747) established Afshar Empire. After death of Nadir in
1747, Afshar Empire collapsed and split into many small kingdoms.
Mughan Congress – in Azerbaijani language: “Muğan qurultayı”

Becoming the king of Afshar Empire, Nadir shah punished these Garabagh tribes:
1) with deporting them to Khorasan.
2) with giving the districts of Garabagh province - Borchali, Gazakh and Shemsheddil
districts to the control of Georgian king - It was very disastrous step for the future of
Azerbaijan.

Ziyadoghlu*: The governors (beglerbeghi) of Garabagh province (beghlerbeglik) were from

Ziyadoghlu tribe. This tribe was living especially in Ganja. As you know, Ganja was central
city of Garabagh beghlerbeghlik.

In his well-known book “Garabaghnama”, historian Mirza

Adigozel begh wrote: “… In Mughan Congress, these (the tribes of
Garabagh beglerbeghlik (province)) secretly and obviously tried
very much no one to be the ‘’shah”, except Safavids…. The members
of Ziyadoglu tribe was religious and ancient dynasty. Therefore,
Nadir shah couldn´t behave and punish them with another way. He
gave Gazakh and Borchali regions to the control of Georgean governors.

Why did Nadir shah Afshar punish the Ziyadoghlus ? Justify your
opinion.
► The Internal Policy of Nadir Shah:
- Nadir shah had chosen Mashad as the capital for the new empire that
established by himself.
- He did many steps for the centralization of the empire. Nadir´s internal
policy strengthened central authority. He made feudals (landlords) obey to
the central authority.
- The beghlerbeghliks (provinces) – Garabagh, Shirvan, Chukursad,
Tabriz beghlerbeghliks were unified by Nadir shah in one province –
Azerbaijan Province.
- He did reforms in taxation system – He put in order the collection of taxes.
- The Empire of Afshars that established by Nadir was not religious state, it
was secular state*. He didn´t allow the interference of clergymen to the
state issues.
- Nadir shah had migration policy. He moved people from one place to
another within the empire.
Secular state*: The state that is not ruled by clergy, religious laws and rules. For example:
Nowadays, most of countries are secular states. In these states, the government is separate
from religion.
Changes in military:
 Nadir shah had created very strong army. He
maintained some features of Safavid army. He
did some changes in military too.
 The major part of Nadir´s army was cavalry.
 The use of cannons (artillery) had become
widespread.
 The peasants were conscripted (to be called up
for military service) to the army.
 Nadir wanted to create a navy in Caspian Sea
and Persian Gulf.
 Nadir had plans about setting up ship and
artillery factories.
 THE UPRISINGS OF 1730s and 1740s AGAINST NADIR SHAH:
In 1730s-40s, the economy - agriculture, trade, craft declined in Azerbaijan. At that time many uprisings
happened against Nadir shah. Nadir's some policies caused big dissatisfaction among the population of empire:
 Migration policy (People were forced to migrate to other parts of Afshar empire, especially to
Khorasan),
 Taxation policy (Taxes were increased for Nadir´s military operations)
 Calling peasants for military service (It worsened the farming and herding in villages),

The revolt (uprising) in Djar-Balaken (1738):

In 1737, Nadir shah Afshar (1736 – 1747) launched military campaign (raid) to Central Asia and India.
Taking the advantage of Nadir shah´s absence in Azerbaijan, Djar people revolted in 1738. Nadir´s brother
Ibrahim khan (the governor of Azerbaijan province) was killed in the battle against rebels. Completing the
campaign to Central Asia, Nadir shah´s army attacked to Djar region and Dagestan. Nadir shah hardly
suppressed the revolt in 1741.

The revolts of Liar Sam Mirzas (1743)

Suffering from the hard taxation policy of Nadir shah Afshar, some groups of people hoped about the
restoration of Safavid dynasty. There was sympathy to Safavid dynasty among these people. Taking the
advantage of people´s sympathy to Safavid dynasty, some persons pretended like Safavid princes. They said
to the people that they were from Safavid dynasty and they were successors of Safavids. But, in reality they
were not from Safavid dynasty. In historical sources these persons were called “Liar Safavid princes”.
These liar princes provoked people to the revolt against Afshar dynasty.
The Revolt of Sam Mirza I (1743)
A man declared himself prince Sam Mirza-the son of Safavid shah Sultan Husein. It was Sam Mirza I
– one of the “Liar Safavid princes” He led the revolt of people against Nadir shah in Shirvan in 1743. He
abolished the taxes those imposed by Nadir. But he was killed and the uprising was suppressed by Afshars.

The Revolt of Sam Mirza II (1743)

By the late 1743, another liar Safavid prince – Sam Mirza II emerged in Shirvan. He introduced himself
prince from Safavid dynasty and persuaded people. He began to lead the revolt in Shirvan. It was very
strong uprising. Signing the treaty with Ottoman empire, Nadir shah sent main military forces for
suppressing this revolt. Finally, Sam Mirza II was defeated and killed.
 QUESTIONS and ACTIVITIES
1. Explain. What were the results of Mughan Congress for Azerbaijan history ? Write 2 or 3 results.
2. Analyze the historical source and answer to the question below the source.
In his well-known book “Garabaghnama”, historian Mirza Adigozel begh
wrote: “… In Mughan Congress, these (the tribes of Garabagh beglerbeghlik
(province)) secretly and obviously tried very much no one to be the ‘’shah”,
except Safavids…. The members of Ziyadoglu tribe was religious and ancient
dynasty. Therefore, Nadir shah couldn´t behave and punish them with another
way. He gave Gazakh and Borchali regions to the control of Georgean
governors.

Why did Nadir shah Afshar punish the Ziyadoghlus ? Justify your opinion.

3. Summarize. Draw a chart like the one below and write the changes according policies of Nadir shah ?
Changes in division of territories Tax policy changes Military policy changes
(provinces)

4. Compare. Write 3-4 common properties for the revolts of Sam Mirza I and Sam Mirza II.

5. Define the historical facts according to the timeline below.

6. Critical thinking. What do you think ? Why did people believe to the “Liar Safavid princes” – Sam Mirza
I and II ? Why did people wish the restoration of Safavids ?
 THE FALL OF AFSHAR EMPIRE
NADIR SHAH AFSHAR (1736 – 1747)

BUILDING BACKGROUND
The constant wars in Nadir shah´s reign had a negative impact on the country's economy.
Additionally, the disorder among local governors was making the political situation very hard.
The uprisings were continuing. One of the strongest uprisings took place in Sheki.

The revolt (uprising) in Sheki (1743):

The local people of Sheki suffered from the governor (Malik Najaf) that appointed to Sheki by
Nadir shah. By the leadership of Haji Chalabi, Sheki people complained about their cities´
governor to Nadir shah.

Haji Chalabi was very influential and respectable person in Sheki. He was
leading the movement of Sheki people against Nadir shah´s authority in 1740s.
This movement led to establishment of the first independent khanate – Sheki
khanate in Azerbaijan history.

In 1743, there was revolt (uprising) by the leadership of Haji Chalabi in Sheki. Nadir´s governor
Malik Najaf was killed during uprising. Haji Chalabi declared himself “khan” and got the
domination of Sheki. The first independent khanate – Sheki khanate (1743 – 1819) was
established by this way in 1743. Meanwhile, there were other uprisings in the lands of Afshar
empire. Nadir shah´s army attacked to Sheki. Haji Chalabi moved Sheki people to the “Gelesen-
goresen” fortress for defending there from Nadir.

●●●●●
Constant wars, economical crisis, political disorder, uprisings led to the collapse of Afshar
empire in 1740s.
In 1747, the uprising started in Ardebil by the leadership of a person that named himself Sam
Mirza III. He was one of the “Liar Safavid princes”, as mentioned before. He took control in
Tabriz. Sam Mirza III was defeated and killed in the same year.

It was the period of political chaos. Because of some economical and political causes (reasons),
unification of Azerbaijan and creation of cenralized state was impossible:
► In 1747, Nadir Shah was assassinated (killed). By the death of
Nadir shah the period of feudal disorder had began in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan split into:
1) khanates,
2) sultanates,
3) melikdoms (malikates).
Azerbaijan in the mid 1700s – The
 period of Khanates
THE FIRST INDEPENDENT KHANATE IN
AZERBAIJAN – SHEKI KHANATE (1743 – 1819)
After the death of Nadir shah, many independent khanates were established in Azerbaijan. Sheki
khanate was the only khanate that established before Nadir´s death. Revolting against Nadir
shah, Haji Chalabi established independent Sheki khanate in 1743.

After Nadir shah´s death, Haji Chalabi khan began to strenghten the independence of Sheki
Khanate. Haji Chalabi khan performed the policy of unification of Azerbaijan lands in one
centralized state. Haji Chalabi firstly unified Gabala, Eresh sultanates to Sheki khanate. He
launched attack to Tabriz, but he couldn´t get success.

→ The Battle of Bayat (1748)

With Shamakhi khanate´s troops Haji Chalabi attacked to Garabagh khanate in 1748. Bayat
fortress - the first center of Garabagh khanate was surrounded by Haji Chalabi and Shamakhi
khanate´s troops. But, Garabagh defeated them. Haji Chalabi couldn´t unify Garabagh to Sheki.

→ Gizilgaya betrayal (1752) “Gizilgaya betrayal”

Taking the advantage of absence of cenralized state, proved that, Azerbaijan
Georgian king Irakli II wanted to occupy west of khanates had to unite
Azerbaijan. Karabakh, Ganja, Nakhchivan, Garadagh against enemies, not to
and Iravan khanates and Georgian king Irakli II created fight with each other.
an alliance against Shaki khanate. But, Irakli II captured
these khans as hostages and demanded tribute in Gizilgaya.
Haji Chalabi khan defeated Georgian king and made all
of captured khans free in 1752. By this victory Haji Chalabi had
taken back Gazakh, Shemsheddil, Borchali territories of Azerbaijan.
Haji Chalabi helped to his enemies and saved them from Irakli II.

→ Haji Chalabi protected Djar-Balaken region from Irakli II´s attack in 1752. Irakli II was
defeated again by Haji Chalabi. Haji Chalabi also unified Djar-Balaken to Sheki in 1750s.

→ Mosque, madrasa (school) and etc were built in the reign of Haji Chalabi. He put in order the
taxes. He kept diplomatic negotiations with Ottoman Empire.

After the Haji Chalabi, there were internal conflicts and disputes for the
throne (authority) in Shaki Khanate. Fatali khan of Guba khanate and
Husein khan of Shaki khanate conquered Shamakhi khanate in 1767. The
territories of Shamakhi khanate were divided between Guba and Shaki.
Fatali khan defeated Huseyin khan of Shaki and unified all territories of
 Shamakhi khanate to Guba a year later.

At the late 1700s (At the end of XVIII century), Sheki khanate weakened by
internal disputes and foreign situation.

QUESTIONS and ACTIVITIES

1. Explain. How did Shaki khanate become independent ?
2. Analyze the source and answer to the question below.
According to the georgian chronicles of XVIII (18th) century: “… In 1751,
Georgian kings, Teimuraz and Irakli launched raids to Djar-Balaken for
defeating Haji Chalabi and invading north-west territories of Azerbaijan.
Although number of their soldiers was bigger than Sheki khanate, they were
defeated by Haji Chalabi”
Why did georgian kings especially want to defeat Haji Chalabi ?

3. Evaluate. What can you say about the “Gizilgaya betrayal” ? Whom do you blame for this historical
event ?

4. Explain. What can you say about the revolt of Sam Mirza III ?

5. Define the historical facts according to the timeline below.