Стр. 8 - Azərbaycan xalçaları

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About Shirvan’s name and its etymology. It is possible to consider the naming of
this particular territory as Shirvan as a specific event. However, it is difficult to
accurately identify concretely when this happened, although it is believed to have
been during the Sassanid period (some place the date before the Sassanid).
The Sassanid government was founded by Ardeshir Sasan (224 – 241). S. Ashur-
beyli noted that Ibn Khordadbeh (9th century) used the title “Shiran Shah” (a vari-
ant of Shiriyan), given to the provincial ruler by Ardeshir. One can encounter the
name “Shirvan” in several places (Turkey, northern Iraq, and others). No specific
opinion currently exists about the etymology of this name. In agreement with gen-
eral sources, it is noted in the encyclopedic dictionary of Azerbaijani toponyms
that “Shirvan” is related to the “Shir” or “Shar” tribe (including variants such as
Sharvan and Sharan); the “van” component is an ending meaning “dwelling.”
Interpretations of the toponym as “dwelling or land of the lion” or relating it with
the name of the Sassanid ruler Anoushiravan comes only from folk etymology.
Sassanid period. During the era of the second Sassanid ruler, Shapur (241 – 272),
both Albania and the territory of Shirvan were included in their influence. Unlike
Atropatena, the Sassanid government did not abolish the czarist government in
Albania. One of the main reasons for this decision is related to Shirvan’s strate-
gic and military importance. In addition there was a large population of Turkish
tribes in Shirvan.
The Sassanid government relied on local rulers to prevent attacks from the
north. In addition to this, special attention was paid to the creation of defensive
fortifications. The Sassanid government built a defense system consisting of the
castles of Besh Barmag, Gilgilchay, and Derbent. Chiraqqala (5th-6th centuries)
took an important place in this defense system.
Interpretations of the
toponym as “dwelling
or land of the lion”
or relating it with the
name of the Sassanid
ruler Anoushiravan
comes only from folk
etymology.
Clay dish. Gulustan castle. Shamakhi.
Gulustan castle. Shamakhi. 13th century.