Shirvan Khanate

Shirvan Khanate 

a feudal state in northern Azerbaijan, in the Shemakha region, that existed from 1748 to 1820. The Shirvan Khanate, which was formed in 1748 after the area had been liberated from the yoke of the Iranian Nadir Shah, became one of the largest and richest khanates in northern Azerbaijan. The population engaged chiefly in land cultivation, the production of silk and other fabrics, trade, and handicrafts. The incorporation of the khanate into Russia in 1805 was affirmed by the Treaty of Gulistan in 1813. In 1820 the khan’s government was abolished and replaced with a Russian administration. Shirvan Subprovince was formed on the territory of the khanate; in 1840 the subprovince became part of Caspian Oblast, which became Shemakha Province in 1846 and Baku Province in 1849. Today the territory of the Shirvan Khanate is part of the Azerbaijan SSR.