Shirvān and its Role in the Russo-Safavid Trade and Diplomacy in the 16th Century

Abstract

The article deals with trade role of Shirvān in the diplomacy between the Muscovite Rus’ (or Russian Tsardom) and Safavid Empire in the 16th century. Shirvān as a historical and geographical area in the east of the South Caucasus (near The Caspian Sea) was a very important centre of international trade even in the earlier period. In 1538, Shirvān became a part of the Safavid Empire (as a border administrative entity — Beylerbeylik). Some important caravan routes led through the Shirvānian cities (Shamakhi, Baku, Darband). Merchants from Eastern Europe (predominantly from Muscovite Rus’) came along these trade routes to Persia with their goods. In addition, Shirvān was also an important source of several commercial goods such as silk, various fabrics, oil, carpets and more. After the conquest of Kazan and Astrakhan Khanates, the interest of the Muscovite Rus’ in the South Caucasus regions (including Shirvān) and Safavid Persia intensified, which is apparent in the increase of diplomatic contacts between the Russian Tsar (or Muscovite Tsar) and Safavid Shah. The subject of these negotiations was mostly trade. When the Ottoman-Safavid war (1578–1590) broke out, the territory of Shirvān got under control of the Ottoman Empire. An international trade exchange across its territory was temporarily interrupted but the Russo-Safavid diplomacy continued, and this fact led to the intensification of diplomatic exchanges. Following the Russian sources (archival and published documents), I would like to show the key aspects of negotiations, in which Shirvān (especially such cities as Baku, Darband and Shamakhi) played a profound role in the diplomatic relationships between the Russian Tsar and Safavid Shah at the end of 16th century.