Quba Khanate

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Quba Khanate was an independent principality on the territory of modern day Azerbaijan between 1747 and 1806. Quba khanate was founded as a feudal hold around 1680 as a result of a land grant to Saytaq (Kaytaq) family. Saytaq family was related to both Qajars and Utsmi (Duke) of Tarqi in Dagestan, and was thus, highly respected among other khanates of Azerbaijan. The principality achieved independence after dissolution of Iranian state in 1747 and achieved its greatest prominence under Fath Ali Khan (1758-1789).

Quba khanate became the strongest of Northern Azerbaijani khanates, and as a result of conquests or successful alliances Fath Ali Khan took hold of important port of Baku, Shamakha and Salyan khanate and organized expeditions as far south as Ardabil in his fight against Zand dynasty. He relied on Russian arms in his campaigns, and assisted in expedition against Dagestan in revenge of killing of Russian scientist Samuel Gottlieb Gmelin in 1775. However after khanate has gotten too powerful Russian help was withdrawn which led to series of defeats.

After Fath Ali Khan's death the khanate's influence declined as a result of Agha Khan Qajar's conquests and devastation its brought, and alliance of Northern khanates disintegrated. The khanate was conquered by Russia in 1806, and was incorporated into newly created Shamakha province by 1816.