Map of the Caucasus in 1311, with Shirvan located on the far right
Capital
Shamakhi (initially) Baku (later)
Common languages
Persian (court, literature, dynastic) Arabic (initially dynastic)
Religion
Sunni Islam
Government
Governorship, later monarchy
• 861–?
Haytham ibn Khalid (first)
• 1535–1538
Shahrukh (last)
Historical era
Middle Ages and the Early modern period
• Established
861
• Disestablished
1538
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Abbasid Caliphate
Safavid Iran
The Shirvanshahs (Arabic/Persian: شروانشاه) were the rulers of Shirvan (in present-day Azerbaijan) from 861 to 1538. The first ruling line were the Yazidids, an originally Arab and later Persianized dynasty, who became known as the Kasranids (also referred to as the Khaqanids). The second ruling line were the Darbandi, distant relatives of the Yazidids/Kasranids.
The Shirvanshahs ruled from 861 to 1538, one of the most enduring dynasties of the Islamic world. At times they were independent, often they had to recognize the overlordship of neighbouring empires. The dynasty is known for its patronage of culture, such as during the 12th-century, when their realm served as the focal point for Persian literature, attracting distinguished poets such as Khaqani, Nizami Ganjavi, Falaki Shirvani, etc. In 1382, the Shirvanshah throne was taken by Ibrahim I (r. 1382–1417), thus marking the start of the Darbandi line.
The Shirvanshah realm flourished in the 15th century, during the long reigns of Khalilullah I (r. 1417–1463) and Farrukh Yasar (r. 1463–1500). In 1500, the latter was defeated and killed by the forces of the Safavid leader Ismail I, who kept the Shirvanshahs as Safavid vassals. This ended in 1538 when Shah Tahmasp I (r. 1524–1576) dismissed the Shirvanshah Shahrukh due to the latter's continuous disloyalty. Shirvan was subsequently made a province of the Safavid realm, thus marking the end of Shirvanshah rule.
Ismail I, who kept the Shirvanshahs as Safavid vassals. This ended in 1538 when Shah Tahmasp I (r. 1524–1576) dismissed the Shirvanshah Shahrukh due to the...
Palace of the Shirvanshahs (Azerbaijani: Şirvanşahlar Sarayı, Persian: کاخ شروانشاهان) is a 15th-century palace built by the Shirvanshahs and described...
the 10th–11th Centuries" distinguishes four dynasties of Shirvanshahs; 1. The Shirvanshahs (the Sassanids designated them for the protection of northern...
the Shirvanshahs to remain in power, under Safavid suzerainty. His successor, king Tahmasp I (r. 1524–1576), completely removed the Shirvanshahs from...
the spread of Zoroastrianism. The Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs in the Old City of Baku are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the...
Villa Haji Gayib's Palace Palace of the Shirvanshahs – official and full-time residence of leaders of Shirvanshahs during XIII-XVI AD centuries Seyid Mirbabayev's...
Sultanate of Rum, Turkmen beyliks of Anatolia, Delhi Sultanate, the Shirvanshahs, Safavids, Afsharids, Zands, Qajars, Khanate of Bukhara, Khanate of Kokand...
Abbas ibn Ali Mazyadid was heir to the throne of Shirvanshahs, the title of the Muslim rulers of Shirvan, located in the modern day Azerbaijan Republic...
river Kur, which separates it from the provinces of Moghan and Armenia". Shirvanshah also spelled as Shīrwān Shāh or Sharwān Shāh, was the title in medieval...
Gur (r. 420–438), which demonstrates the early Persianization of the Shirvanshahs. Minorsky 1958, p. 59. Minorsky 1958, p. 28. Madelung 1975, p. 246. Bosworth...
restored the Shirvanshahs to power in Shirvan, installing on the throne Manuchihr II, the husband of his daughter Rusudan. The Shirvanshahs had to provide...
Turkish term Qizilbash "Red Head". Haydar soon came into conflict with the Shirvanshahs, as well as the Ak Koyunlu, who were allied to the former. Following...
architectural traditions of Azerbaijan and is reminiscent of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs due to its appearance and many elements. The windows of the building...
refuge at the court of the latter's brother-in-law, Shirvanshah Akhsitan I (c.1160-1196). The Shirvanshah together with Amir Mihran headed for Tbilisi, the...
Shirvan, called the Shirvanshahs, had attempted, and on numerous times, succeeded, to conquer Derbend since the 18th Shirvanshah king, Afridun I, was...
technology and equipment. Monuments included in the Palace of the Shirvanshahs Complex Shirvanshahs' residence (XII-XV centuries) Divankhana/Shah Mausoleum (XV...
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