KAFKASYA’NIN KALBİNDE TÜRK EGEMENLİĞİ: KUZEY AZERBAYCAN HANLIKLARININ TARİHÎ SERÜVENİ

This study examines the historical, political, economic, and cultural structures of the Turkic khanates established in Northern Azerbaijan during the 18th and 19th centuries. Following the decline of the Safavid state and the assassination of Nader Shah, a power vacuum led to the emergence of several independent khanates, including Karabakh, Quba, Iravan, Shaki, Shirvan, and Nakhchivan. Each khanate, based on its geographical location and strategic significance, became a focal point in the imperial rivalries between the Ottoman Empire, Persia, and Russia. The Karabakh Khanate stood out with the cultural and artistic development of its capital, Shusha, while the Quba Khanate distinguished itself through its economic dynamism, diplomatic maneuvering, and resilience. The Iravan Khanate, now within the borders of modern-day Armenia, served as a crucial corridor between Anatolia, Persia, and the Caucasus. The Shaki Khanate became notable for its silk production, architectural heritage, and strategic control over key trade routes. The Shirvan Khanate played a significant role in regional politics and textile manufacturing, while the Nakhchivan Khanate functioned as a strategic hub in the Anatolia-Caucasus transit line and maintained regional balance through key alliances. Although their political independence was short-lived, these khanates formed the backbone of Azerbaijan’s historical legacy in terms of governance, identity, and socio-economic organization. Despite their eventual annexation by the Russian Empire, the cultural and political imprints left by these khanates remain vital to understanding the historical trajectory of the Azerbaijani people.