Shaki Khanate

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Shaki khanate was a principalty on the territory of Azerbaijan between 1743 and 1819 with a capital in a town of Shaki. The khanate was a dependency of much stronger Quba khanate for most part of 18th century and was incorporated into Russia in 1806. The khanate was abolished in 1819 and Shaki was renamed into Nuxa.

Palace of Shaki khans is considered one of the most refined architectural marvels of Azerbaijan. For many centuries, Shaki has been famous as the basic centre of silkworm-breeding. Located on the left bank of the river Kish, originally the town sited lower down the hill, however Shaki was moved to its present location after a devastating mud flood in 1772. As the new location was near the village of Nukha, the city became also known as Nukha, until 1960 when it reverted back to the name Shaki, after the Sak tribe.