Shaki Khanate - History

History

The khanate was founded in 1743 as a result of revolt led by Haji Chalabi Khan against Safavid Empire. It was considered one of the strongest feudal states in Caucasus. The capital of the khanate Shaki, the most populated settlement in the state, was destroyed by floods in 1772, subsequently leading to suburbanization of the town and re-population of the country side. Starting from the end of the 18th century, Shaki khans sought military assistance from the Russian Empire due to growing tensions with Qajars. In 1805, Mustafa Salim Khan signed a treaty with Alexander I of Russia effectively making Shaki Khanate Russian vassal state which was later affirmed by the Russo-Persian Treaty of Gulistan in 1813. In 1819, Shaki Khanate was officially abolished and transformed into a Russian province subordinate to the Russian military administration. In 1840, it was renamed to Shaki Uyezd of Caspian Oblast. In 1846, the province was incorporated into Shemakha Governorate, in 1859 into Baku and in 1868 into Elisabethpol Governorate. After establishment of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in May 1918, Shaki was part of Ganja province and with establishment of Soviet rule in Azerbaijan, Shaki was incorporated into Azerbaijan SSR on May 5, 1920.