SHEMAKHA GOVERNORATE Meaning and
Definition
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Shemakha Governorate refers to a territorial division or administrative unit that existed in the Russian Empire from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Covering the region of Shemakha, it was based in the city of Shemakha, located in present-day Azerbaijan.
Shemakha Governorate was established in 1846 and was included within the Caucasus Viceroyalty, a larger administrative entity. The governorate encompassed an area with diverse ethnic and cultural groups, including Azerbaijanis, Russians, Armenians, and others. Its geographical boundaries included the Shemakha District and parts of the present-day regions of Goychay, Shamakhi, Agsu, Ismayilli, and Gabala.
The governorate was governed by a governor, who was appointed by the central authorities and held responsibility for overseeing administrative affairs, maintaining law and order, and managing economic and social development in the region. The governorate was further divided into smaller administrative units, such as districts and sub-districts.
The economy of Shemakha Governorate was primarily based on agriculture, particularly horticulture and viticulture, due to its favorable climate and fertile soil. The region was known for producing various fruits, including grapes, pomegranates, and apricots. Other economic activities included trade, handicrafts, and animal husbandry.
With the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917, the Shemakha Governorate ceased to exist as a distinct administrative unit. Its territory became part of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and later, the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. The contemporary administrative divisions of Azerbaijan do not include Shemakha Governorate anymore, as the territory has been redistributed into various regions.
Etymology of SHEMAKHA GOVERNORATE
The term "Shemakha Governorate" refers to a former administrative division in the Azerbaijani region of Shamakhi. The etymology of the word can be traced back to the name of the city of Shamakhi itself.
The city of Shamakhi has a long history, dating back to ancient times. Its name derives from the Persian language. "Sham" means "night" or "darkness", and "Akhi" means "brother". Therefore, Shamakhi translates to "Dark Brother" or "Night Brother" in Persian.
During various historical periods, the city of Shamakhi and its surrounding territories were governed by different administrative systems. The term "Governorate" implies the region's status as an administrative division during the era of the Russian Empire.
