Russian-Persian negotiations on the fate of the Shirvan cities at the turn of the 16th-17th centuries: historiography of the issue

The subject of the research is the analysis of the historiography of one of the least studied aspects of the history of Russo-Persian relations in the late 16th to early 17th centuries. During this period, the parties engaged in active diplomatic consultations regarding the organization of an international military alliance aimed against the Ottoman Empire. During the negotiations, the leaders and representatives of Persia repeatedly allowed the possibility of transferring the Caspian region of Shirvan, with its major trading cities (Derbent, Baku, Shemakha), under the authority of Moscow. These promises provoked reciprocal steps and initiatives from Russian diplomacy. Although there are still no specialized studies on this issue in the academic literature, both domestic and foreign specialists have addressed this aspect in their research. The question of the fate of the Shirvan cities is mainly considered through the lens of the anti-Turkish bloc. In preparing the study, a large volume of Russian-language and foreign works addressing the negotiations over the status of Shirvan was analyzed. The source base consisted of Russian diplomatic acts from 1588 to 1613. The materials were studied using problem-chronological, comparative-comparative methods, as well as methods of historical periodization and diachronic analysis. The novelty of the research lies in the attempt to analyze the experience of studying the raised issue in domestic and foreign science. Such historiographical studies have not been previously undertaken. The conclusions drawn can be used in the comprehensive development of this aspect of the history of the foreign policy of the Russian Tsardom. It was established that most specialists interpret the Persian promises to abandon Shirvan in favor of Russia as a manifestation of an anti-Turkish diplomatic game. The possibility of a real transfer of the region under the authority of the Russian tsars in case of a military alliance is only considered in Iranian historiography. According to the prevailing opinion, the Russian side was seriously interested in Persia's proposals. The reciprocal initiatives for creating a military coalition are viewed specifically in the context of Russia's interest in Shirvan. The question of the prerequisites for this interest remains open, creating a foundation for further research.