JARO-BALAKEN COMMUNITIES,

SULTANATES and MELIKDOMS

BUILDING BACKGROUND
In the second half of 18th century there were other statehood structures at the same time with
khanates. They were subdued by strong khanates.

JARO-BALAKEN COMMUNITIES
Located in the north-western part of Azerbaijan – in the downstream banks of Ganikh river,
Jaro-Balaken communities* had specific ruling system.
Jar-Balaken communities* were a group of self-governing communities (“jamaats”) in
north-western part of Azerbaijan. Jar-Balakan consisted of Jar, Balaken, Katekh, Mukhah,
Janic, Tala communities (big villages).

The inhabitants of Jar-Balakan were turkic and Caucasian origined people. Azerbaijani - turkic
origined mughals* were living in these communities. Also, Caucasian origined ingiloys, avars*
and sakhurs were living there.
Mughals* were the successors of saka, oghuz and gipchaq turks who had lived in Caucasus
since very ancient times.

Avars* were considered by prominent Azerbaijani historian Abbasgulu agha Bakikhanov and
other scholars as the successors of ancient avar turks. Avars migrated from Northern
Caucasian region to Azerbaijan in the late 17th – early 18th centuries for fertile lands. They
unified in Jar-Balaken region in communities for protection. The grasslands were in common
use.

● Each community (village) was governed by kendkhuda or gazi. The laws, governing system,
courts were based on Sharia – Islamic rules. The position and influence of muslim clergymen
were very high in communities.
● The supreme body of Jar-Balaken communities was People’s Assembly, which only men
could participate. The major issues (taxes, laws, war peace and other problems) were solved in
this Assembly.
● In 1750s Jar-Balakan communities accepted the authority of Sheki khanate, which protected
them from foreign attacks, especially georgians.

SULTANATES
In nort-western part of Azerbaijan there were small states - Gazakh, Borchali, Shemsheddil,
Eresh, Gabala, Ilisu sultanates as well.

● Borchali sultanate was established in Garabagh

beglerbeglik (province) of Safavid Empire, in the
beginning of 17th (1600s) century. Borchali was given by
Nadir sah to Kartli – Georgian kingdom. People of
Borchali region were completely turkic. They were
fighting and rising riots against invasion.

● Gazakh tribe lived in Gazakh sultanate. Shemsheddil

sultanate was governed by Shemsheddil dynasty – a
group of Zulgadar tribe of Azerbaijan.

● Ilisu sultanate was established during Safavid period -

in 16th century. With Sheki khanate and Jar-Balaken
comunitties, Ilisu sultanate played great role in defending
north-western parts of Azerbaijan from invaders.

● Gabala sultanate accepted the authority of Sheki khanate in 1750s. Gabala was located on
trade routes.

● Eresh sultanate was established during Safavid period, as well. The major activities for
people were farming, herding, gardening and silk making. Raw silk was exported from Eresh to
foreign countries. Eresh sultanate accepted the authority of Sheki khanate in 1750s. At the end
of 1700s, Eresh sultanate was abolished and became one of the provinces (mahals) of Sheki
khanate.

MELIKDOMS
Five melikdoms of Garabagh – Varanda, Khachin, Dizag,
Chilabord, Gulistan had alban inhabitants who accepted
christianity. Melikdoms had accepted the authority of
Garabagh khanate. However, they sometimes intended to
do separatism - separate their melikdoms from
Garabagh khanate. They had secret relationship with
foreign countries for preventing centralization policy of
Garabagh khanate. Except Khachin melikdom, none of
them was native residents of Garabagh. They came to
Garabagh from other places of Azerbaijan. For Garabagh
khanate to subdue these melikdoms was very necessary.