YELIZAVETPOL GOVERNORATE Meaning and
Definition
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Yelizavetpol Governorate refers to a historic administrative division or province of the Russian Empire, which existed from 1868 to 1920. It encompassed a territory primarily located in the South Caucasus region, in what is modern-day Azerbaijan.
The Yelizavetpol Governorate derived its name from the prominent city of Yelizavetpol, now known as Ganja. It bordered Georgia to the north, Armenia to the west, and the Baku Governorate to the east. The governorate covered an area of approximately 44,820 square kilometers and had a diverse population comprising different ethnic and religious groups, including Azerbaijanis, Armenians, Russians, and others.
The governorate was established under the Russian Empire's administrative reforms and was governed by a governor appointed by the central authorities in St. Petersburg. It played a significant geostrategic role due to its position along the Caucasus frontier and its proximity to key trade routes.
The Yelizavetpol Governorate witnessed various historical events, such as the Russo-Persian War of 1826-1828, the Caucasian War, and the Russian Revolution of 1905. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917 and subsequent political and territorial changes, the governorate was dissolved, and its territory was incorporated into the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic in 1920.
Overall, the Yelizavetpol Governorate represented a vital administrative unit during the Russian Empire's control over the South Caucasus, leaving a mark on the historical, cultural, and political landscape of the region.
Etymology of YELIZAVETPOL GOVERNORATE
The word "Yelizavetpol" comes from the combination of two elements: "Yelizaveta" and "pol".
"Yelizaveta" refers to Empress Elizabeth Petrovna (1709-1762), who was a prominent Russian empress and ruled from 1741 until her death. The name "Yelizaveta" is the Russian form of Elizabeth.
"Pol" is derived from the Polish word "pole" which means "field". In this context, it refers to a region or territory.
Therefore, the term "Yelizavetpol" means "the region/territory associated with Empress Elizabeth".
Governorate is a term used to describe an administrative division or territory within an empire or kingdom, indicating that Yelizavetpol Governorate was a specific administrative division during the Russian Empire, likely under the authority of Empress Elizabeth.
