Dilgam ismailov

1.Qizilbash. Basically consisting of cavalries, they were 
superlative in Safavid army during the XVII century.
2.Ghulams. They consisted of special group. Georgian, 
circassian, osetin and other christian baby-boys were gathered, 
converted to islam compulsory, were brought up with special 
routine. 
3.Tufangchiyan.
4.Artillery-gunners. 
The capital was moved from Qazvin to Isfahan in 1598. 
Many Azerbaijan turks came to the new capital from 
Karadagh, Qazvin. New estate “Abbasabad” was 
established for them and for Shah Abbas’s honor. Shah 
Abbas was trying to imitate ancient Iranian rulers’ state 
management methods, he was patronizing representatives 
of well-known Iran generation, promoted them to the 
superior state positions. Qizilbash had special place in the 
ruling of Safavid empire. Azerbaijan language was superior 
in army and palace of shah. Safavid rulers and palace 
servants spoke in Azerbaijan language. Generally, Safavid 
empire which lost in Safavid-Ottoman wars during 1578-
1590, was obliged to materialize military reforms. Shah 
Abbas broke the resistance of military-migrating qizilbash 
arisocrats. 
Political stability was restored in the country. Safavid 
empire became stronger economical and military-political 
point of view. Thus, as a result of Shah Abbas reforms, 
some of qizilbash aristocrats’ power was weakened, central 
authority was reinforced. Shah Abbas could be able to 

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restorate former power of Safavid empire. In order to 
establish diplomatic relations, he conducted negotiations 
with England, France, Spain, Rome Pope, Russia. 
The devastating wars lasting for ten years ended with 
Istanbul peace treaty in 1590. Azerbaijan was divided 
between Safavids and Ottomans. Shirvan, Karabakh, 
Tabriz, Maragha and the lands in the north of them fell 
under the rule of Ottomans. Khalkhal, Ardabil , 
Karajadagh and Lankaran remained to Safavids. Beside 
Azerbaijan lands, Eastern Georgia, as well as western 
districts of Iran which were including to Safavid empire 
,were added to the territory of Ottomans. Zanjan, 
Khalkhal, Ardabil, Karajadagh, Qizilagach, Lankaran 
disctricts, the large area locating between Qiziluzen and 
Kur river - Azerbaijan lands which were obeyed to qizilbash 
forces by 1593, were combined in common Azerbaijan 
beglerbegi. 
At the end of the XVI century Safavid empire had three 
main issues: 1) Defeat Sheybani state and getting back 
Khorasan for emergency of north-eastern borders of 
empire. 2) Return back Azerbaijan lands which invaded in 
1578-1590 by Ottomans. 3) Finish hegemony of Portugal in 
the Persian gulf and get entrance to the Indian ocean. Shah 
Abbas I defeated Sheybani khan in 1599 and added 
Khorasan to the territory of Safavids again. 
European countries were interested in clash of Safavids 
with Ottomans. Georgi Tektander ambassador of Germany 
came to Tabriz in 1603 and suggested military union in 
operations against Ottoman empire. Spain promised to 
assist in the Persian gulf problem. Russia also was 
interested in removing Ottomans from Azerbaijan. As 

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managing of Caspian littoral districts was under the rule of 
Ottomans, it was obstacle in Volga-Caspian trade route. 
Shah Abbas I got Tabriz, Nakhchevan, Ordubad, Julfa 
back from Ottomans in 1603. He got back Irevan in 1604. 
Shah Abbas I applied “burnt land” tactic against Ottoman 
troops: People were moved and all the real estate were 
destroyed. Obligatory deportation of people to Isfahan, 
Mazandaran and to the other districts was named “great 
exile”. Nakhchevan, Irevan, Julfa were burnt and 
population was deported.
Shah Abbas I decided to transfer Europe-Asia silk road 
to the south, to the Persian gulf ports and carrying qizilbash 
silk to Europe from nearby of Africa. Shah Abbas I got 
Ganja back from Ottomans in 1606. In 1607 he got Baku, 
Shamakhi, Shirvan, Shabran and Darband back from 
Ottomans. Shah released Darband from taxes. Thus, the 
first period of Safavid-Ottoman wars in 1603-1612, ended 
with the flawless victory of Safavids.
The treaty was signed with Ottomans in the Sarab city 
in 1612. According to the treaty, peace treaty was signed in 
1555 was restored. One of the term was that, Safavids 
shouldn’t prevent the order of sultan about destroying 
Terek (Terki) tower which built by Russians. Ottoman 
empire officially recognized that, Eastern Georgia, as well 
as Eastern Anatolia belong to Safavid empire. The battle 
was in the place named Siniq korpu (broken bridge) in the 
Sarab district in 1618. Ottoman troops had a loss. The 
peace treaty was signed in Marand in September 1618. 
Baghdad was captured by Ottomans in December 1638. 
The peace treaty was signed in Qasri-Shirin on 17 may of 

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1639, that confirmed the terms of Amasya peace treaty 
which signed in 1555. In 90s of the XVI century Jalayir 
movement started in the Eastern Anatloia. At the beginning 
of the XVII century the movement spreaded in Azerbaijan 
and vicinities. 
4.Political system, socio-economical
and cultural progress of Safavid empire. 
The main direction of internal policy of Shah Ismail I 
was the idea of establishing central powerful empire. That 
empire was known as Qizilbash or Safavid empire. The em-
pire was ruled by shah who had unlimited power. He was 
considered ecclesiastical leader of shias at the same time. 
There was Supreme parliament as a consultant of shah. Du-
ring first Safavid period, lawyer who was deputy of shah in 
worldly and religious issues, was considered the second person 
in the empire. The first time in Safavid empire, Shah Ismail’s I 
tutor Husein bek Shamli was charged of that duty. 
Head commander in Safavid empire was amir-ul-umara. 
The basis of military power of the empire consisted of 
special military groups as known cherik that were 
Azerbaijani tribes. Qorchubashi was their leader. Civil 
problems was led by vizier. He was engaged in fiscal 
problems and controlled income-outcome. Religious offices 
were led by sadr (chairman). Judicial issues was carrying on 
the basis of shariat. Gazi was the judge in court. 
Territory of Safavid empire administratively divided 
into beglerbegis and beglerbegis were divided into mahals 
(districts). Beglerbegis were chosen by ruler and they should 
be Azerbaijan military aristocrats. They sent gathered taxes 
from people to the depository and kept certain military 

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force. According to the shah’s order, beglerbegis were 
responsible participating in military marches. They had 
great independency in internal issues. At the first part of the 
XVI century Azerbaijan was consisted of three beglerbegis: 
Shirvan which center is Shamakhi, Karabakh which center 
is Ganja, The south lands which center is Tabriz. Districts 
were led by naibs who chosen by beglerbegis. Villages were 
led by kantkhudas, cities were led by kalantars. Dargha 
who controls emergency in the city, was dependent on 
kalantar. 
At the first part of the XVI century there were five land 
property form in Azerbaijan: state lands (divan), lands of 
shah’s family (khass), feudal lands (tiyul), private lands of 
feudals (mulk), lands of religious offices (vagf). Conducting 
policy that centralizes state power, first Safavid rulers 
(shahs) were trying to diminish soyurgal land property and 
gave lands as tiyul. Owner of tiyul- tiyuldar was responsible 
to serve to the state; tiyuldar had right to take some part of 
the income that comes from the land given to him. Tiyul 
could be inherit, only with the permission of shah. 
At the second part of the XVI century-the first part of 
the XVII century the main work of Azerbaijan people was 
agriculture. Hamdullah Gazvini and Ovliya Chalabi note 
that, seven kind of cotton was cultivated in Azerbaijan. In 
1565 Tahmasp I canceled tax of tamga (approximately 80 
thousand tumens) which gathered from all districts. It had 
positive impact on development of craftsmanship and trade. 
Tabriz was considered the largest city. Moving the 
capital from Tabriz to Isfahan weakened economy of the 
city. A. Jackinson called Shamakhi as beautiful “city of 
kingdom”. “Shaikh Safi carpet” was knitted by the order of 

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Shah Tahmasp I in 1539, holds in the museum of “Victoria 
and Albert”. At the end of the second half of the XVI 
century and first half of the XVII century Julfa was situated 
on the international silk trade road.
Oruj bay Barat who lived in Europe using Don Juan as 
a pen-name , was the author of historical-geographic works. 
In 1562 Moscow company sent Antoni Jankinson who is 
explorer and merchant to the areas of Safavid empire. He 
could be able to get free tax trading privilege from Abdulla 
khan Ustajli beglerbegi of Shirvan. At that period, there 
were five feudal class in Azerbaijan: members from shah 
and lord dynasty, half-migrated qizilbash military 
aristocrats, supreme shia confessors, supreme layer of civil 
bureaucracy, ancient local aristocrats. Shah was the owner 
of the largest land area in Safavid empire. He was ruling the 
state. 
Resentment of people against policy of Tahmasp I and 
tyranny of qizilbash feudals caused uprising in Tabriz in 
1572-1573 years. Large number of taxes and obligations 
was the reason of Tabriz uprising. Great uprising happened 
in Shirvan with the leadership of Malik Piri ( nickname Deli 
Malik) in 1615-1616 years. 
There opened huge library in Tabriz in the XVI century. 
Shah Ismail I sent mathematician and astronomer Qiyased-
din to Maragha for restorating of Maragha observatory. No-
table Azerbaijan historian Isgender bek Munshi (1560-1633) 
was the historian of Shah Abbas I. Munshi had written 
“Tarikhi-alem arayi Abbasi” (“ The history of Abbas that 
adorns the world”). Sadikh bek Afshar (1533-1612) was a 
naturalist artist of Azerbaijan. In 1522 Shah Ismail nominated 
prominent artist Kamaladdin Behzad as a chief to the palace 
library in Tabriz. Sultan Muhammad was a miniature artist of 

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the XVI century. Shaikh Junayd mausoleum which built in 
Hazra village of Kusar district in 1544, the bridge which 
constructed over the Alinja river in Nakhchevan, Eastern 
gates of Baku, Ardabil and Tabriz monuments were the 
memorials of the XVI century. Azerbaijan musical 
civilization also progressed in the XVI century. Hafiz Lala 
was the eminent songster of the XVI century. 

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X Theme: Azerbaijan at the I part of the XVIII century. 
1.Azerbaijan in the period of collapse of Safavid empire. 
2.Azerbaijan turns into an struggle arena among Russia, 
Turkey and Iran. 
3.Restoration of Iranian authorities in Azerbaijan. Revolts 
against the power of Nadir shah. 
1.Azerbaijan in the period of collapse of Safavid empire. 
Qasri-Shirin contract that signed in 1639, put an end to 
the Safavid-Ottoman war. Till the I half of the XVIII 
century peace was restored in Azerbaijan. There was good 
condition for improving economy. According to Qasri-
Shirin contract Arabian Irak was given to Ottomans, the 
lands in the east of Zanjir fortress were given to Safavids. 
Safavids promised not to attack Van, Kars and Ahalsikh. 
In the II half of the XVII century Safavid empire was 
divided into 4 beglerbegi (beylerbeyi)- Tabriz, Chukursad ( 
The center was Irevan), Karabakh, Shirvan. Beglerbegis 
were ruled by beylerbeyi and they were selected by shah. 
Rulers of provinces that obeyed to beylerbeyis were called 
kolbeyi. Economical issues of beylerbeyis was carried out 
by viziers. Judicial authorities were operating under rule of 
shaikulislam, qazis and muftis. 
The northern lands of Azerbaijan Safavid empire had 
border with Russia. In the II half of the XVII century 
volume of Azerbaijan-Russian trade was increased. Satin, 
silk cloth, wool and silk carpets, velvet were carrying from 
Azerbaijan to Russia. Leather, copper, tin, writing-paper, 
broadcloth were brought from Russia to Azerbaijan. In the 
middle of the XVII century Russians started to built several 

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towers in the North Caucasus. The towers should serve strategic 
goals of Russia. This information was met with protest in the 
palace of Shah Abbas II (1642-1666). There was a clash between 
Safavid military groups and russians in 1653. The conflicted 
lasted till 1662. In order to monopolize the right of carrying 
Qizilbash silk through Astrakhan to Moscow and Western 
Europe, Russia signed contract with Safavid empire in 1667. 
This agreement gave the Russians the right to duty-free trade 
during the reign of the Safavids. Shah Suleiman’s (1667-1694) 
decree ordered to show special honor to Russian merchants. 
In 1667 Don Cossack Stepan Razin reached to the 
Caspian Sea. In the summer of 1668 and he began to attack 
Azerbaijan and Iran's other provinces and reached to the 
coast of Darband, Niyazabad and Shabran were plundered. 
Then they moved to Baku. Mashtagha willage was 
plundered. Then raiding the southern coast of the Caspian 
Sea, Gilan, Rasht came back with trophy. 
Russian authorities lead the policyof extending southern 
borders of the state by the new invasions. Moscow rulers 
didn’t want England to gain a reputation within Safavid 
state, as they sought to keep constant tension between 
Ottoman Empire and Safavid state. Russian tsars consider 
the Caspian Sea as a way for intervention to the Eastern 
countries. In the second half of the XVII century the 
problem of which state Dagestan territory is belonging, 
created tension in Safavid-Russian relations. 
In the XVII century there were the following forms of 
land ownership in Azerbaijan: 1.State lands (divani); 2. 
Lands of the king and his family (khalisa); 3.Conventional 
land areas owned by military and civilian officials (tiyul); 

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4.Lands belonging to mosques (vaqf); 5.Private owned lands 
(mulk); 6. Community lands (jamaat). In the second half of the 
XVII century two forms of land property (divan and khalisa) 
were the essential. All income derived from the divan was spent 
on state expenditures. Income derived from khalisa added to 
depository and was spent by permission of shah. Income of the 
lands belonging to ruler’s family members was spending for 
them. Private land property- mulk was the object of free pur-
chase and sale. Feudals occupied the areas owned by the people. 
In the second half of the XVII century, peasants were 
the main producer and taxpayer class of the society. Almost 
all the agricultural crops were grown in Azerbaijan. Turkish 
traveler Evliya Chelebi who was in Azerbaijan at that 
period, noted about cultivating 7 kinds of wheat, cotton, 
grape in Tabriz. Sericulture developed more in Shirvan and 
Kharabagh. Flax was grown in small quantities in Baku. 
Madder (Qizilboya) was widespread in Shirvan and the sout-
hern coasts of Araz. One of the new plant was grown in the ag-
ricultural sector of Azerbaijan was tobacco. At the end of the 
XVII century portuguese brought that plant from American 
continent to their home country and from there to Azerbaijan.
In the second half of the XVII century feudal class in 
Azerbaijan having land ownership can be divided into 4 
groups: 1.Qizilbash aristocrats; 2. Supreme shia confessors; 
3. Civil aristocrats; 4. Main local aristocrats. Sadr was the 
leader of confessors. He was considered head confessor of 
the state and was navvab - deputy of shah. Qizilbash 
aristocrats preferred living in their homeland Azerbaijan 
and manage it. Aristocrats had strong position in Karabakh 
and Shirvan. Senior representatives of the aristocrats were 
carrying the title of melik. 

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Tax-paying citizen were called with the name of raiyyat. 
Raiyyat (Arabic)- citizen, tax-paying citizen, farmerpeasant. 
Citizens were consisting majority of dependant peasants. 
Raiyyat is peasants having land and private economy who 
supposed to pay taxes and levies both feudal and state. The 
peasant who had working animal, production tools, seeds 
and cultivating the land of feudal himself was called hampa. 
Peasants who didn’t have their own production tools for 
cultivating the land of the feudal consisted of the second 
group. Workers in non-farming and subsidiary agriculture 
(shepherd, guard, gardener etc.) were called eker. Elatlar 
were engaged in cattle breeding in Azerbaijan. Elatlar had 
to serve in army. Migratied farms carried out smaller 
amounts of taxes and levies than sedentary farms. 
In the second half of the XVII century, land and income 
tax- maljahat, bahra, kharaj which gathered from 
Azerbaijan peasants were considered to be a major part of 
the tax. Bahra- was the tax gathered from peasants with 
product for using land and water. Jizya levied by non-
muslims christians. Obliged working of peasant for the 
favor of the state for nothing was called biyar. 
In 60-70s of the XVII century due to its territory, 
richness, trading and the number of population Tabriz 
became the second city in the empire. Its population 
reached to 500 thousand. Travellers called Ganja one of the 
largest cities of Safavid state. January 4, 1667 earthquake in 
Shamakhi resulted in huge destruction in the city. There 
were silk weaving workshops in Shamakhi. As it’s known, 
Baku was city-fortress in the second half of the XVII 
century. Baku was also known as a port city. As a result of 

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wars in the XVII century life in Julfa became tragic. 
Mastery defined the appearance of cities in the above-
mentioned period. Craftsmen were in the majority of all 
classes of the urban population. 
Regulation of the financial affairs, filling the state 
treasury was the vizier’s authority. He was appointed by the 
central government and was obeyed to it directly. Dargha 
kept order in the city and controlled guarding shariat 
norms. Qazi was charged of judicial affairs. Kalantar was 
engaged in regulating internal problems in the city. Naib 
helped him in every aspect of the craft and trade. 
Kempfer who was in Baku in 1683 gives important 
information about the city and oil sources. Smith, tinkers, 
weavers, potters, shoemakers, jewelers, weapon makers 
were uniting in workshops-asnaf. Craftsmen were divided 
into three groups: 1. Individual workers; 2. Craftsmen who 
united in private institutions; 3. Craftsmen who working in 
huge feudal workshops. Individual craftsmen were 
numerically superior. Craftsmen relating to the first two 
groups were dependent on feudal. 
According to Sharden, “Qeysariyya” bazaar in Tabriz 
was the largest bazaar (market) in Asia. In the second half 
of the XVII century caravanserais were considered to be the 
center of foreign trade in Azerbaijan. Ottomans were 
interested in purchasing thoroughbred horses and camels 
from Azerbaijan. Ottomans got great income by selling 
Azerbaijan silk, dyes, textile products to Europeans. At that 
time, extensive trade relations occurred between Azerbaijan 
and India. Indian merchantscalled multani settled in 
Azerbaijan and work here. There was fire-worshiping 

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temple of Indians in Surakhani district of Absheron. That 
temple still remains. Indian goods carried out through the 
Volga-Caspian way to Russia and Europe. 
In the second hald of the XVII century dinar was the 
nominal monetary unit (it was golden money). According 
to Kempfer’s information, near to the end of 1685, Safavid 
money in turnover has lost its value and removed from 
circulation. So in the second half of the XVII century cash 
crunch in the country was one of the reasons of weakening 
of Safavid state. Since the XVII century with the discovery 
of the sea route connecting Europe with Asia and passing 
around Africa, the ancient Silk Road was gradually losing 
its significance. In the second half of the XVII century the 
population in Azerbaijan and neighboring countries faced 
acute food shortages. As a result of starvation attacks 
increased on the grain storage facilities of the rich people. 
Rebellion of warriors from Qajar and Bayat tribes whose 
wages were unpaid within two years took place in 
Chukursad beylerbeyi in 1677. 
At the end of the XVII- at the beginning of the XVIII 
century Safavid state was in deep economic and political 
crisis. The state treasury became so empty that, Shah Sultan 
Hossein (1694-1722) ordered to render valuables from his 
ancestors’ mausoleum in Ardabil and make money from 
them. As a result of the census of the population and their 
property (1699-1702), the number of taxes and duties 
collected in the country were increased. Strengthening 
feudal exploitation led to the resistance of the broad 
masses. The first mass public protest happened in Jar-
Balakan region in 1707. Criminal gangs of shah barely 

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could be able to suppress the protest. Jar people took up arms 
again in 1711. Craftsmen and the urban poor came out against 
the oppression of the shah in Tabriz in 1709. Peasant protests 
happened in Soujbulaq and Mughan in 1709-1715 years. 
In the same years Shirvan became the center of the 
struggle against feudal oppression. Haji Davud led the 
people movement. Rebels attacked to Darband, Shirvan and 
Khudat. But central authority could be able to suppress the 
movement in 1719. Haji Davud was sent to prison. During 
1720-1721 struggle against Safavid oppression in Azerbaijan 
increased again. Haji Davud escaped from prison and began to 
lead rebels again. With the help of Surkhay khan Haji Davud 
captured Shabran and Khudat fortress in 1720. 10 august 
1721 rebels captured Shamakhi. Meanwhile, Russian 
merchants who traded here had a great loss, some of them 
were killed. 
March 8, 1722 afghans defeated shah’s troop near the 
Isfahan and entered to the city. Sultan Husein was 
prisoned. Tahmasp the eldest son of shah escaped to 
Astrabad and declared himself shah by the name of Tahmasp 
II (1722-1732). The overthrow of the central government gave a 
chance to establish an independent Azerbaijan state. But lack 
of close ties between different regions and intervention of 
neighboring states was preventing it. Russia and Ottoman 
empires stood face to face for power in the Caucasus. 
Azerbaijan attracted the attention of neighboring states with 
its natural wealth, raw material resources, as well as a 
strategic-geographical position. 
Untill the beginning of the XVIII century having lack of 
power for military and political aggression, Russia was 
implementing only economic policy to Azerbaijan. Peter I 

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planned to transform the Caspian sea the interior sea of 
Russia and trading with Eastern countires through 
Caspian-Volga way, achieve mediation of Russia in the east 
and west trade. Russian policy of invading Southern 
Caucasus, especially Caspian regions was coincided with 
policy of Ottoman empire. As making up an excuse the loss 
of the Russian merchants during Shirvan rebellion, Russia 
government confirmed the final plan of capturing Caspian 
regions. Russia economy felt the great need for Azerbaijan 
raw materials. But this was not the only reason for the 
march to Caspian region. Tsar government was concerned 
about Haji Davud’s appeal to Ottoman Empire. That’s 
why, Russia tried to prevent Ottomans strenghthening in 
the South Caucasus and in the Caspian regions. 
Peter I had special decision about to make use of natural 
resources of these areas. Peter I had special interest to 
“kerosene”. Experts came from Russia to Azerbaijan in order 
to discover gold, silver, copper deposits. Peter I had the idea to 
set up a city like Petersburg, near the mouth of the Kur river. 
June 18, 1722 Peter I started march to Hashtarkhan. 
Peter I declared to Christian population of the South 
Caucasus that, the aim of the march is release people from 
moslem oppression. 15 june 1722 by the order of Peter I 
“Bayannamah” (privacy policy) was published in 
Azerbaijan language and was sent to Shirvan and the 
Caspian region. Peter I stated that, he would prevent the 
feudal lords who rebelled against the Safavids, avoid
Ottoman Turks conquer the lands, would resore Safavids 
power there. The first time, cunning of Peter I caused the 
leaning of some people living in the Caspian region to 
Russia. Armenian ambassadors of the emperor in the South 

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152 
Caucasus also played specific role in this situation. August 
15, 1722 Russian squadron reached to Darband. The 
infantry entered to the city on 23 august. Naib of the city
Imamqulu bek presented the keys of fortress to Russian 
tsar. 
At that time in Europe, there was a danger of a new war 
against Russia by Sweden. Assault of Russian troops to the 
Caspian region caused a sharp protest in Ottoman palace. 
In addition, Haji Davud gathered troops to the mountains and
was going to prevent moving of Russia. Taking into con-
sideration all of these processes Peter I hurried to return soon. 
But, giving great importance to the capture of Baku, he instruc-
ted general-major M.Matyushkin and returned to St. Peters-
burg in september 1722. As hearing the news about the mo-
ving of the Ottoman army, with the leadership of colonel Shi-
pov Russian squadron occupied the city of Rasht by the order 
of Peter I in december 1722. July 28, 1723 russian troops inva-
ded Baku. After Baku Russian command occupied Salyan. 
September 12, 1723 Ismayil bek ambassador who was 
sent to St. Petersburg by Tahmasp II, signed the contract 
about uniting Caspian regions - lands from Darband to 
Gilan to Russia territory without the permission of shah. 
Instead, Russia pledged Safavid shah to military aid in the 
war with afghans. But, shah didn’t confirm the contract. 
Thus, the first stage of the occupation of the Caspian region 
by Russia in 1722-1723 was finished. 
Trying to implement their colonial policy in the east, 
England and France was preventing the strengthening of 
Russian influence in the South Caucasusby all means. July 
12, 1724 the contract was signed with Russia in Istanbul. 
Thus, the Russian Empire gained the approval of the terms 

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153 
of Petersburg treaty dated 1723 (the fact of annexion of 
Darband, Baku, Salyan, Lankaran, Rasht and Anzali to 
Russia). Russia, in turn, agreed to give all Azerbaijan areas, 
except the Caspian regions to Ottomans. Azerbaijan territory 
was divided among Russia, Safavids, Ottomans, Shirvan was 
declared semi-independent khanate under the patronage of Ot-
tomans. Over this time, Haji Davud gained a reputation among 
the local population and had been approved of Shirvan Khan. 
2.Azerbaijan turns into an struggle arena among Russia, 
Turkey and Iran. 
After the Treaty of Istanbul, Ottoman empire deployed 
the troops to the South Caucasus. In the summer of 1724 
Ottoman troops captured Salmas, Khoy and Marand. 
Irevan fortress, then Nakhchevan and Ordubad cities, also 
Kazakh and Borchali provinces voluntarily agreed to the 
Ottoman authorities. In 1723-1725 years and later 
polulation of northwestern areas of Azerbaijan were 
appealing to turks asking for help. Armenians kept in touch 
with Russia and promised them to help invading the south 
Caucasus, including, the other regions of Azerbaijan. In 
may of 1725 Ottoman army could be able to seize Tabriz 
city. After Tabriz Ottomans march on Ganja. In august 
1725 Ottomans captured Ganja. At the end of 1725, 
Ottoman soldiers occupied the city of Ardabil which is not 
included to the zone of Ottoman occupation, according to 
the Istanbul treaty. 28 december 1725 there were fireworks 
in Istanbul on the occasion of invading Ardabil. Thus, a 
large part of Azerbaijan fell under rule of Ottomans after 
Istanbul treaty. 

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154 
For the first time to manage Caspian regions occupied by 
Russia, comendant management method was established. Later, 
these regions were divided into districts (mahal). Districts were 
ruled by darghas. They mainly gathered taxes. Districts were 
divided into areas (nahiya) and were ruled by yuzbashi 
(lieutenant of cossacks), villages were ruled by katkhuda and 
kovkha. Russian officers were in charge of military-political 
power. 
December 12, 1727, Russia owned Javad, Salyan, 
Sheshpara, Rustov according to the document signed on 
defining the borders of Russia and Safavid state in Nabur 
village near to Shamakhi. In 1728 Russia owned Quba and 
Tenge. In the first quarter of the XVIII century, despite 
adding of Azerbaijan lands to Russia territory was failed, 
Russia could be able to hold Azerbaijan under its economic 
and political influence within a certain timeframe (1722-
1735). In order to generate a social support in the Caspian 
regions, imperial government was trying to transfer 
christian population, especially armenians to these areas. 
Peter I instructed that, in order to place armenians to the 
cities they want in the Caspian region, the local population 
could be drive out if it necessary. He stated in his special 
order that, if armenian people would like to live in the place 
they approve, it was necessary to help them and give them a 
land and abandoned houses in the cities and villages should 
be given to them. In other words, according to the order of 
reactionary tsar, it was required to drive out the local 
population from these areas (from Azerbaijan) and settle 
armenians. Armenian settlement in Shirvan regions dates 
back to those years. Namely Peter I established the seizure 
of our lands in subsequent periods. 

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155 
Ottoman authorities established the new control 
method in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Azerbai-
jan lands were divided into military-administrative units - 
provinces and beylerbeyis. Provinces were consisted of 
sanjaks (sanjak- means flag in Turkish language). Sanjaks 
also divided into smaller military-administrative units – ma-
hal and nahiyas. During the military operations, large-scale 
military-administrative and financial affairs in the provin-
ces was under rule of sarasgar was appointed by the sultan. 
Rulers of slightly smaller areas- sanjakbeks, naibs and 
katkhudas were appointed from the local feudals. Azerbai-
jani lands in the north of the Kur had specific status. Ac-
cording to the Istanbul treaty, Ottomans were not allowed 
to maintain a military force in these areas. The areas were 
ruled by local rulers. Ottomans gave them the title of 
“pasha”. Lands those were under the control of state, were 
given as a conventional property to the local feudals who 
served to Ottomans. They named as beylik and aghaliq. 
Ottoman empire was carrying soft tax policy in the 
south Caucasus. Taxes named custom and rahdari (the tax 
for the protection of trade routes), rasmi-kapan (scales fee) 
were gathering in the customs. Ottoman authorities gave 
the collection of taxes and customs fees to muqatiya (restrai-
ning) ( muqatiya (iltizam)- is the right to collect taxes). It 
becomes clear from the financial documents named 
“Nakhchevan daftarlari” (Nakhchevan copybooks) that, Otto-
mans released women, children, elders, disabled, sick people, 
and those who are engaged in intellectual labor from taxes. 
In the 30s of the XVIII century situation has 
dramatically changed in Azerbaijan. The territory of the 
state became the arena of bloody battles between Ottoman 

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156 
Empire and the Safavids. A part of the area was invaded by 
afghan tribes. Nadir khan from Afshar tribe, drove out 
afghan tribes from the state and captured Herat. This 
victory increased Nadir’s reputation. Nadir started war 
against Ottoman empire from 1730. Nadir had first major 
victory over the Ottoman troops in Maragha. In September 
of 1730 Ardabil, later Tabriz was released from Ottomans. 
In September of 1730, Sultan Mahmud I (1730-1754) 
came to power in Ottoman empire. As Ottoman authorities 
were busy in internal affairs of the state, Nadir khan took 
advantage of it and demanded turks to leave these places, 
who live in other cities of Azerbaijan. But, while preparing 
to march against Irevan, the news of the revolt in Khorasan 
made him urgently to come back. In order to raise his 
reputation, in 1731 Tahmasp II began military operations 
against Ottomans without waiting for the return of Nadir, 
to get back Nakhchevan and Irevan. His troops won near 
the Uchkilse (Uchmuedzin), but lost in Irevan. Ottomans 
invaded Urmia, in mid-october Tabriz, then Ardabil was 
captured. 
Shah Tahmasp II offered peace. January 16, 1732 peace 
treaty was signed between Safavids and Ottomans. 
According to the treaty Irevan, Ganja, Shamakhi, Shirvan 
areas were given to Ottomans. Ottomans agreed giving 
back Hamadan, Kirmanshah, Ardabil and Tabriz to 
Safavids. Araz river had to be border between the states. 
3. Restoration of Iranian authorities in Azerbaijan. Revolts 
against the power of Nadir shah. 

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157 
In 1730, after the triumph over Ottomans, Nadir 
demanded return of Caspian regions from the command 
of the Russian troops. 21 January, 1732 Russia signed 
peace treaty with Safavids in Rasht. According to the 
treaty, the Caspian regions locating in the south of the Kur 
were returned to Safavid state. Safavids pledged not to 
allow Ottomans enter to these areas. The contract consisted 
of favorable conditions for Russian merchants in the 
Safavids areas. Thus, on the basis of a Rasht contract, it 
became possible to liberate a part of lands from the 
invaders. Caspian regions locating in the south of the Kur 
were added again to the territory of Safavid state. 
In the august of 1732 Nadir dethroned Shah Tahmasp 
II, enthroned Tahmasp’s son Abbas Mirza by the name 
Abbas III (1733-1736) and declared himself as his guardian. 
Since then, the representative of Afshar tribe Nadir Khan 
actually became the fully competent ruler of the Safavid 
state. First of all, he canceled the contract of Kirmanshah 
which signed in 1732. He has demanded the Ottoman 
empire returning of the occupied lands of Safavids since 
1723. Rejection of Ottomans caused the war. Nadir khan 
attacked on Ottomans with 100 thousand troops in several 
directions. In the January of 1733 Ottoman troops were 
defeated near Baghdad. According to Baghdad contract, 
Ottomans pledged giving back all the lands invaded in the 
last decade. The military operations was stopped in the 
south of Azerbaijan and Ottoman military forces were 
ejected from there. 
At the end of 1734 Shamakhi was captured. The city 
was destroyed by the order of Nadir, the population moved 

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158 
to Aghsu city which called “New Shamakhi”. 21 March, 
1735 the contract was signed between Russia and Safavids 
near Ganja. According to contract Russian troops had to 
leave the Caspian regions altogether. After owning the 
Caspian regions, Nadir was dealing with the withdrawal of 
the Ottomans from the Caspian regions. In the June of 1735 
the battle between Safavids and Ottomans in the north-east 
of Uchmuadzin was concluded with the victory of Nadir 
khan. At the end of 1735 Ottoman troops were absolutely 
withdrawn from the South Caucasus. By the restoration of 
the Safavid government, the people have been subjected to 
violence again. Military-feudal regime was established in 
the country, the population of towns and villages turned 
poor. NadirKhan, who need funds to pay for a large amo-
unt of military spendings, conducted the new tax policy. 
In 1735-1736, Nadir khan was able to establish his 
power. Taking advantage of Shah Abbas's III sudden 
death, in the march of 1736 Nadir khan declared himself as 
shah of Iran in the congress gathered in Sugovushan ( 
Sugovushan - place of coexistence of Araz and Kura, in the 
present Sabirabad region.) Thus, Safavid power put an end. 
Ganja khans, the heads of Otuzikiler, Kebirli and 
Cavanshir tribes of Karabakh who were not in favor of the 
election of Nadir as shah, were banished to Khorasan. 
Kazakh and Borchali nations was transferred to the rule of 
Kartli. Karabakh melikates (Verend, Chilabord, Gulustan, 
Dizag, Khachin) were obeyed to Ganja beylerbeyi. 
Combining the former administrative-territorial division- 
Karabakh, Shirvan, Chukursad and Tabriz beylerbeyis, 
Nadir shah established a single administrative region under 
the name of Azerbaijan. The center of the region was 
Tabriz and the ruler was his brother Ibrahim khan. 

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159 
From the first days of the Nadir shah's reign he had 
taken distribution of tasks for guiding the work of tax 
collection. The state revenue was increased. The collected 
funds were not being embezzled by individuals and included 
in the treasury. Most of the funds were spent on the 
maintenance of the army. Internal policy of Nadir shah led 
to the economical lose of individual feudals and caused 
their displeasure. The extreme raising of tax and services 
has ruined people’s life condition. According to shah's 
order raiyyat - citizens were called to military service. 
In 1734 for the first time hungry villagers of Astara rose 
against Nadir. After a while in 1735 the population of the 
Bilejik village of Sheki region started revolt. In February 
1735 by moving to the south towards Eresh and Sheki, 
Nadir shah reached to Shamakhi. Territories till Derbent 
was cleaned up by anti-government forces. Shamakhi was 
destroyed in 1735. Nadir Shah marched to India and 
Central Asia with huge army in 1737. In 1738 the 
population of the north-western region of Azerbaijan, 
resorted to arms again. The biggest revolt was in Jar. The 
revolt was suppressed at the end of 1739. During this 
period, the revolts against Nadir Shah in the northern and 
north-eastern regions of Azerbaijan had reached its highest 
level. 
In the summer of 1741, 100 thousand army of Iran 
entered to the Jar district and the north-eastern region of 
Azerbaijan. In early 1743, a new movement launched 
against the persecution of Iran was widely spread in 
Shirvan. In this situation, the pseudo-princes who introdu-
ced themselves as Safavids princes - Sam Mirzas I, II, III 
were appeared. In 1743 Iranian army reached to Shamakhi. 

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160 
The army of Sam Mirza I was destroyed in the war in the 
plain of Shirvan. At the end of 1743, the national mo-
vement was led by Sam Mirza II who has come from 
Ardabil to Shirvan. Sam Mirza II canceled the heavy taxes 
as soon as he came to new Shamakhi. November 9, 1743, 
Nadir Shah sent his son Nasrullah Mirza to Shirvan a large 
army. 
Iranian troops defeated Sam Mirza II in the Sahbagi 
area near Aghsu. Sam Mirza II escaped to Georgia. But the 
king of Kakheti, Teimuraz captured Sam Mirza and 
handed him to Nadir Shah. Nadir Shah has given the 
province of Araqvi as a gift to Teimuraz for support in 
catching Sam mirza II and for the other services. In the years of 
1743-1744, there was new uprisings in Shirvan, Shaki, Tabriz, 
Khoy and Salmas. Struggle became more acute in Shaki. Triple 
tax collection of Malik Najaf was the main reason for the start 
of the rebellion in Shaki. Haji Chalabi banished shah’s men, 
and declared the independent province of Sheki as khanate in 
1743, then declared himself khan. Thus, the creation of small 
feudal states- independent khanates in the territory of 
Azerbaijan was established. In 1747 new rebels occured against 
Iran in Ardabil and Tabriz. The revolt led by Sam Mirza III was 
suppressed in 1747. Ceaseless wars, the economic situation, the 
contradictions between social groups led to the collapse of Nadir 
Shah’s power. June 19, 1747, Nadir Shah was assassinated.
In the second half of the XVII century-the first part of 
the XVIII century, schools and education was mainly ruled 
by clergy. Children get primary education in school 
(maktab), secondary education in madrasa. The study of 
Islam had special place in education in Azerbaijan. 
Muhammad Tahir Vahid’s books draw attentions among 

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161 
works of historians of the second half of the XVII century. 
In 1645, he was appointed the head historian of Shah 
Abbas II, and later he was the palace vizier. His most 
famous work was "Tarikhi-Vahid" ( "Abbasname"). Shah 
libraries in Tabriz and Ardabil were very rich. Shah Abbas 
II took special care of palace book house, Mirza Murim 
was appointed protector of shah’s book house. 
Unlike Europe, the book publishing business was weak 
in Azerbaijan. During Shah Abbas II reign there was 
attempt to bring printing equipment from Europe. 
However, the allocation of sufficient funds, then the death 
of Abbas II, indifference of his successor Suleiman Shah I 
to the offers of booklover scientists, prevented this issue. 
In the second half of the XVII century- the first part of 
the XVIII century Azerbaijan remained one of the 
developed countires of the Safavid state. The famous 
calligrapher-miniaturist Ali Reza Tabrizi was one of the 
successors of Tabriz miniature school traditions. Seyid Ali 
Tabrizi was one of the Azerbaijan engravers. In the XVII 
century representatives of Tabriz miniature school were 
invited to the Isfahan shah’s palace. They created a new 
Isfahan art school. In the mids of the XVII century, the 
traveler Sharden watched three-act playin khan's palace 
when he was in Irevan, and he called it "The opera of the 
East". 
The madrassas, mosques, caravanserais and other 
buildings were constructed in the country. One of the 
monuments of that period was the Surakhani temple which 
built by the Indian fire worshipers. Mausoleums which built 
in Kalakhana village of Shamakhi hold an important place 
among memorial complexes of the XVII century. The 

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162 
mausoleum was built in 1663. In 1663, the mosque was built 
in the village of Nardaran. Caravanserai was built in Shibli, 
at the south-east of Tabriz. Masjidi Juma-Shah Abbas 
mosque was built in Ganja in 1606. Reservoir (drinking 
water storage) was also built in Sangachal in the XVII 
century.