Shirvan Khanate

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Shirvan Khanate was a self-governing khanate that existed in what is now Azerbaijan in 1748—1805.

[edit] History

In 1742 Shemakha was taken and destroyed by Nadir Shah of Persia, who relocated inhabitants into a new town under the same name about 16 miles to the west (Agsu), at the foot of the main chain of the Caucasus. The new Shemakha was a residence of the Khan of Shemakha Hajji Muhammed Ali Khan, who ruled until 1765.

The smaller Old Shamakha khanate continued to exist under brothers Muhammad Sa'id Khan and (1748—1786) Aghasi khan until the two killed Hajji Muhammed Ali Khan and united two khanates. After the merger the New Shamakha was finally abandoned, and the old town rebuilt in 1786. During 1768—1789 the Shirvan khanate was occupied by the much stronger Quba Khanate and Aghasi Khan was exiled.

The son of Muhammed Seid Khan, Qasim Khan managed to win back the khanate from Quba-anointed Asker Khan in 1789, but was replaced by Mustafa Khan, a son of Aghasi Khan.

In 1795 the Russians captured Shemakha as well as Baku; but the conquest was once more abandoned, and Shirvan was not finally annexed by Russia until 1805. Mustafa Khan ruled until 1820, when the khanate was liquidated.