Shusha, September 24, AZERTACThe Shusha fortress was the capital of the Karabakh Khanate of Azerbaijan for many years. The establishment of the Karabakh Khanate and the transformation of Shusha city into its capital is associated with the name of Panahali Khan (1693-1763). Panahali Khan of Karabakh hailed from the Sarijanli branch of the Javanshir tribe. This Azerbaijani tribe was one of the ancient inhabitants of Karabakh and played an important part in the public and political life of the region for a long time. It is believed that the Shusha fortress was built in 1750-1751. According to historical sources, the construction of the fortress on a high and steep mountain was started in 1750 and the construction of the fortress walls continued in the following years of that century. Panahali Khan of Karabakh declared Shusha the capital in 1752 and turned it into a fortress-city. The city was named “Panahabad” in honor of Panahali Khan, then it became the Shusha Fortress and then Shusha, Elchin Ahmadov, professor of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Doctor of Political Sciences has told the regional correspondent of AZERTAC.Elchin Ahmadov noted that starting from the latter half of the 18th century, the population of the city increased rapidly and Shusha became one of the strategically important cities of Azerbaijan. Even during the reign of Panahali Khan (1747-1763), great construction work was carried out in the city. During the reign of Ibrahimkhalil Khan (1763-1806), the Karabakh Khanate became even stronger, as notable and strategically important fortresses were built on the territory of the khanate, including the fortresses of Asgaran, Aghoghlan and the walls of the Shusha fortress proper. The city expanded considerably in a short period of time, attracting attention with its natural beauty, tall buildings and formidable castle walls.Speaking about the history of the neighborhoods of Shusha, Elchin Ahmadov said: “There were 17 neighborhoods in the city, each of which had a mosque, a spring and a bathhouse. During the reign of Panahali Khan (1747-1763), in the initial stage of the construction of the city, the oldest quarters were later named “Lower neighborhood” according to the city terrain. The “lower” neighborhood is made up of nine quarters: Seyidli, Chol fortress, Chukhur, Guyulug, Dordlar Gurdu, Gurdlar, Merdinli, Haji Yusifli, and Julfalar. The second stage in the formation of Shusha as a city took place during the reign of Ibrahimkhalil Khan (1763-1806). At this stage, the second quarter, called “Upper neighborhood”, was established. The “Upper neighborhood” consists of eight quarters: Saatli, Mamayi, Kocharli, Khojamirjanli, Aghadadali, Damirchilar, Taza mahalla, and Hamamgabaghi. Each of these neighborhoods reflects the ancient history of Shusha.”