Talysh khanate

The feudal state of talyshes in Azerbaijan. It was formed in the middle of XVIII century at southwest coast of Caspian sea in connection with disintegration of power of Nadir-shah. The founder of the khanate dynasy was the native from local feudal nobility Seid Abbas; after his death the Talysh khanate was headed by his son Gara (ruled in 174 -86). A basis of economy were agriculture and cattle breeding; the capital the khanate - Lenkoran' - became the trading and craft centre. In conditions of constant Iranian aggression in the Talysh khanate a pro-Russian foreign orientation was getting stronger. In 1795 Mir-Mustafah, a Talysh khan, had addressed to Russia with the request for protection. In 1802 the Talysh khanate was accepted under protectorate, and according to the Turkmanchay contract of 1828 finally joined Russia.