History of the Safavid Empire

In spring of 1500 Ismail’s forces came from Archevan to the coast of Goycha lake and from there they came to Erzinjan. The conference occurred in Erzinjan (1500) decided that Safavid’s enemy Farrukh Yassar should be inflicted. Ismail was willing to inflict Shirvanshah state firstly, because if he at...

In spring of 1500 Ismail’s forces came from Archevan to the coast of Goycha lake and from there they came to Erzinjan. The conference occurred in Erzinjan (1500) decided that Safavid’s enemy Farrukh Yassar should be inflicted. Ismail was willing to inflict Shirvanshah state firstly, because if he attacked Tabriz he would come into collision with three enemies - Agkoyunlu Alvand Mirza and Murad, also Shirvanshah Farrukh Yassar who defensed  them. At the end of 1500 there was the battle in Jabani, from a little bit distance away Gulustan fortress. Shirvan- shah lost the battle, Farrukh Yassar was killed. Qizilbash forces captured a part of luxurious treasury of Shirvanshah. In the XV century Baku was the trading and craftmanship center of Azerbaijan and South Caucasus also the residence of Shirvan rulers. Treasury of Shirvanshah and magnificient Shirvanshahs palace located there. Ismail invaded Baku in summer of 1501. Qizilbash troops captured treasury of Shirvanshah. There was conclusive battle in Sharur plain in the middle of 1501. Alvand rescued by escaping to Ganja. After that triumph, in autumun of 1501 Ismail entered to Tabriz with ceremony and declared himself a ruler (Shah). Thus, Azerbaijan Safavid empire was established. The capital was Tabriz. Large amount of population in Safavid empire was Azerbaijan turks. Military command, financial institutions, management of districts, all positions in palace was under rule of Azerbaijan aristocrats. Army was consisted of Azerbaijan turks. Azerbaijan language was used in the palace of ruler, inside of troop and in diplomatic correspondence. Shah Ismail defeated Murad Mirza in the battle of Almagulaghi near the Hamadan in 1503. The second part of Agkoyunlu state was destroyed and Agkoyunlu state collapsed. Shah Ismail captured Kum, Kashan and Isfahan. He captured Yazd and Kirman in 1504. In 1506-1508 years Qizilbash forces entered to Baghdad and invaded Diyarbakir, Hilat, Bitlis, Archish and Arabin Irak. During 1508-1510 years except Khorasan he captured all Iran and Irak lands. Safavid empire bordered by  Sheybani state to the east, Ottoman empire to the west. Shah Ismail and Sheybani khan (1500-1510) were enemies. Taking advantage of military operations of Safavids in Asia, Sheybani khan captured Khorasan during 1507-1508 years. Shah Ismail went to Khorasan with huge army. Qi- zilbash had victory in the battle of Marv in 1510. Sheybani khan was killed. As a result, Shah Ismail captured Khora- san including Herat, Marv and Balkh cities. The large are from Amudarya till the Euphrates river fell under rule of Safavids. Safavid empire became the powerful state of Near East. (1481-1512) recognized Safavid empire in 1504. In the letter which Shah Ismail I wrote, he addressed to Bayazid II as a “father”. Shah Ismail felt that the clash with Ottomans is inescapable. After defeating Sheybani khan, he took some measures against ottomans. Ismail I troops invaded Karahisar and Malatya in 1512. Sultan Selim I (1512- 1520) completely changed his manners to qizilbashs and war against Safavids became definite. Mass chase of shias was started in Asia. Italian diplomats Constantino Laskari and Jovanni Morozoni conducted negotiations with Safavids. Shah Ismail started intercourse with Rome Pope and Venice in 1507-1508 years. Safavid diplomat Ali bay was sent to Italy in 1510. Plan of getting firearms from west through the Mediterranean sea was failed. He tried to make connection with Portugal in order to get weapon and artillery experts from west through the Persian gulf and the Indian ocean.  For achieving his purpose, he didn’t prevent Portugal gain strength in the Persian gulf. Taking advantage of this, Por- tugal naval captured Hormuz and blocked the enterance of Safavids to the Indian ocean. In order to conceal his aggressive impuls Sultan Selim I assembled a meeting in Adirna in summer of 1514. The war against Qizilbashs was declared the saint duty for all moslems. Ismail had an intention to retard the battle until winter and left the most amount of sultan’s troop to the death. Sultan Selim marched to the plain of Chaldiran near Maku. Murderous battle happened in the plain of Chaldiran on 23 august 1514. Actually, the battle of Chaldiran was tragedy of turkish people, the victory of Western diplomacy. Ottomans won the battle. Chaldiran defeat was serious impact to the military-political reputati- on of Safavid empire. As a result of Chaldiran battle, Eas- tern Anadolu and Northern Irak including Arzurum city was owned by Ottoman empire. Arabian Irak including Baghdad was left to Safavids. At the beginning of 1516, decisive battle in Kochisar in the south of Mardin finished with the victory of Ottomans. Kharput in the north area and the area from Bitlis to Rakki, Mosul in the south area was captured by Ottomans. After Shah Ismail’s death his son Tahmasp I (1524- 1576) came to the throne. Sultan Suleiman Kanuni I (1520- 1566) crossed the borders of Azerbaijan with 100 thousand of troops in summer of 1534. Ottomans captured the most part of south Azerbaijan in a short time. Tabriz was invaded. Ottomans came across to severe resistance. Owing to frigid winter and lack of foodstuffs, they couldn’t stay  there and were obliged to leave the country. In spring of 1535 Suleiman I marched to Tabriz second time. Shah Tahmasp moved people of Tabriz to the inwards of the country. For not taking over by enemy all grass was burnt, cattle were killed and king escaped to Sultaniyya. Ottomans entered to Tabriz. Hunger and misery obliged them to recede. During the dominion of Shirvanshah Khalilullah II (1524-1535) Shirvan was still dependent on Safavids. After Khalilullah II death Shahrukh (1535-1538) was enthroned in 1535. At the end of 1537 the revolt raised up under the rule of kalantar (the person who control tax gathering) who pretends himself as a brother of Shirvanshah Muhammad Amin. In summer of 1538 Tahmasp I and his brother Alqas Mirza obeyed Bughurd fortress to themselves with 20 thousand troops. Tahmasp I declared Alqas Mirza the first beylerbeyi for managing Shirvan. Thus, Shirvanshah state collapsed. The area of Shirvan changed to beglerbegi and added to the content of Safavid empire (1538). At the begining of 1547 Alqas Mirza raised up rebellion against Safavid power. Alqas Mirza was defeated and escaped to Istanbul. Shirvan was incured Tahmasip I attack the second time. Tahmasip’s son Ismail Mirza ( Shah Ismail II, 1547-1577) was defined Shirvan beglerbegi. During 1547-1554 years he suppressed 3 feudal revolts resolutely. In 1548 Sultan Suleiman I marched to Azerbaijan third time and captured Tabriz. Alqas Mirza was prisoned in Kahkaha fortress and killed in 1549. Insurgents were defeated in the battle of Alishaban in 1549. Tahmasip I  changed the capital to Qazvin, far away from Ottoman borders (1555). Decline of independent Azerbaijan state - Sheki supremacy run into Safavid period. Ruler of Shaki Darvish Muhammad khan helped Shahrukh, while Shah Tahmasip I marched to Shirvan in 1538. One time Darvish Muhammad khan provided Alqas Mirza with military aid. In 1551 Tah- masip abolished the independence of Sheki. Population of Sheki, khan and aristocrats strengthened in “Kish” and “Geler- sen- Gorersen” fortresses. Conquest of “Gelersen-Gorersen” was appointed to Abdulla khan Ustajli. People of Sheki resisted with obstinacy. But the walls of Kish fortress was destroyed by gun-fire. Resistance of Sheki population was broken. In 1552 Tahmasip I commenced active assault against Ottomans. In summer of 1552 Tahmasip I strated campaign against Ottoman empire in four direction. Tahmasip I participated in those operations. Qizilbash forces captured Hilat, ruined houses in Van and destroyed Bitlis, Vostan, Archish. They came back with plenty of trophies. In spring of 1554 Sultan Suleiman I marched to Azerbaijan fourth time. On 29 may 1555 the peace treaty that shows completing the first period of Safavid-Ottoman wars was signed in Amasya. According to the treaty Western Georgia fell under the rule of Ottomans, Eastern districts of Georgia became the lands of Safavids.  During 70s of the XVI century Safavid-Ottoman wars started again. Diarchy (1577-1578) was founded in Safavid empire after Ismail II (1576-1577). During the dominion of Shah Muhammad Khudabanda (1578- 1587) treasure of empire became deserted. Sultan Murad III (1575-1595) took advantage of the case. Qizilbashs lost in the battle of  Childir on 9 august 1578. Lack of union in the leadership of Savafid army, extreme self-confidence of qizilbash amirs, lack of attention to the battle with Ottomans, force dis- tinction- all of these caused to defeat in the Childir battle. After Childir battle Mustafa Lala Pasha captured Shirvan, Tbilisi, Gori in august of 1578. In September of 1578 Ottoman army had massive loss on the bank of Qanikh (Alazan) river. During 1578, 1579, 1580, and 1581 years Crimea tatars marched to Azerbaijan. 12 thousand armies of Crimea khan Adil Geray was destroyed in Mollahasanli, on the bank of Aghsu river and he was prisoned in November of 1578. Safavids had victory during the battles in 1578, 1581 years. Crimea turks lost the battle happened between the area in Shamakhi and Shabran in 1581. Ottomans were defeated in the battle of Niyazabad in summer of 1583. On the bank of Samur river, the battle which known as “Flame battle” (Meshel savashi) in history, was finished with the super- iority of Ottoman forces. In 1585 Ottomans again won the Sufiyan battle with Safavids. During 1586-1589 years whole Azerbaijan was invaded gradually by the army of Sultan Murad III. After coming to the throne Shah Abbas I (1587- 1629) had military-adminstrative reforms in order to get back the lost areas of Safavids and recover former power of the empire. The right of carrying weapon individually was revoked for Qizilbashs. Other tribes were permitted to enter the army. Hereditary in tribe leadership was revoked. Shah organized the  troop by the principle of tribal diversity. Different classes of troops were established: 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  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  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  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. century.  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  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); 3. 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.  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  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  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  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  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  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  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.  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.  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  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.  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  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.