communities were located to the north-west of the latter one.

However, lack of the unifying political center in the territory of

Azerbaijan in the second half of the 18

century and quite a seclu-

ded lifestyle featuring certain areas, with majority of local feudal lords

(

khans, sultans, meliks, beys

) mainly preoccupied with their own in-

dependence only nurtured feudal disunity and impeded the forma-

tion of a central power capable of unifying the country. Meanwhile,

among the local rulers there were some powerful personalities willing

to unite Azerbaijan under their rule. This was a very important phe-

nomenon featuring local political situation in the second half of the

century. Fatali-Khan Afshar, the founder of Urmiyye Khanatate

in the south, and Fatali-Khan of Guba in the north were exactly the

characters of this type.

It was during Fatali-Khan’s reign (1758-1789) when the role and

importance of Guba Khanate in the Azerbaijani history increased dra-

matically. Succeeding to the power from his father Husseyn-Khan, Fa-

tali-Khan managed to bring together north-eastern Azerbaijani lands

in the 1760-1780’s. After more than decade-long efforts he succee-

ded in spreading his control over Salyan Sultanate and the Khanates

of Derbend, Baku, and Shemakha. Soon, the Khanate of Sheki found

itself dependent on Guba Khanate which by late 1760’s grew into one

of the most influential states of its kind uniting a number of Azerbai-

jani lands under single governance. By that time, borders of Guba

Khanate stretched all the way to Talysh Khanate in the south, Sheki

Khanate in the west and Garabagh Khanate in the south-west. (12)

This period may be considered both the most remarkable and

stable one in local history with peace and tranquility guaranteed not

only for Guba but a significant part of modern Azerbaijan it had con-

trol over. Properly protected from outer attacks, the local residents

got a respite from endless wars and devastating invasions. It should

be noted in particular that the Azerbaijani language was used in all

government edicts and chancery correspondence all over the North-

Eastern union created by Fatali-Khan. This is another indication of the

high status the Azerbaijani language as the official one.

Upon Fatali-Khan’s demise, his sons Ahmad-Khan and Sheikhali-

Khan ruling in 1789-1791 and 1791-1810 respectively were unable to

retain the power and status their father had left them with both by

virtue of their personal qualities and prevalent political conditions,

Events of 1918 in Guba in the Context of Plans for Mass Extermination

of Azerbaijan’s Muslim Population