AZERBAIJAN-GEORGIA RELATIONS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 18TH CENTURY

Abstract

Azerbaijanis and Georgians have been the center of attention of great states since ancient times of history and they are one of the most ancient nations of the South Caucasus. The close relations between these communities have a very old and rich history. These friendships and partnerships of destiny, which have been entrusted to generations, have emerged from the very difficult tests of history. The conditions in the South Caucasus in the 18th century, Iran, and Russia's struggle for dominance in the region revealed the necessity of acting together against common enemies between the communities of Azerbaijan and Georgia. This partnership between the states of Azerbaijan and Georgia has caused the strengthening of relations between both communities.

From the second half of the 18th century, the period of khanates began in Azerbaijan. After the establishment of states in the form of khanates in Azerbaijan, each of these states pursued independent foreign policies. In this period, the Kingdom of Kartli-Kaheti continued to dominate Georgia. Whether the communities of Azerbaijan or the Kingdom of Kartli-Kaheti came into being because of the struggles of these communities for freedom, in very complex historical conditions, at a time when there were problems in international relations. Reciprocal relations between the communities of Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Kartli-Kaheti became even stronger during the struggle of the Azerbaijani communities among themselves, starting from the second half of the 18th century.

Keywords: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Azerbaijani communities, Kingdom of Kartli-Kahetya.