Kabala

The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Kabala

 

(Kabalaka, Kabalak), an ancient city, capital of Caucasian Albania until the sixth century and a major commercial center until the 15th century. In the 16th century it was destroyed by the Safavids. Its ruins are east of the village of Chukhurkabaly in Azerbaijan SSR. The remains of the citadel cover an area of more than 25 hectares (ha). East of the citadel lie the ruins of the temple and city quarters, occupying more than 50 ha.


Kabala

 

(from Arabic qabala, “receipt,” “bond”).(1) A severe form of personal bondage, usually in connection with a loan. As such, the term first appeared in use in Rus’ at the turn of the 15th century. It also applied to the juridical acts that outlined the obligations of the debtor.

(2) A thorough, extremely difficult position of servitude of an oppressed, exploited person, established against his will.

The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979). © 2010 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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