The Khalkhal Khanate () was an 18th-19th century khanate based in Khalkhal. Khanate of Khalkhal was one of the khanates of Azerbaijan (in Iran) which remained semi-independent for 62 years.
Founding
The khanate was founded by
Qizilbash tribes, especially Amirli clan of
Afshar people, following the assassination of
Nader Shah in 1747.
Founder of the khanate was Amir-Guna Khan (1747-1782), a former governor of
Gilan province. He formed an alliance with Fath-Ali Khan Afshar against Karim Khan Zand, later betraying him to the latter. After Karim Khan's death he forged alliance with Gilan against Nazarali Khan Shahsevan.
[ Report of Alexander Suvorov on 30 June 1780: Nazar Ali Khan, who owned the city of Rasht after the departure of Hedayat Khan, having heard about the approach of the army sent from Isfahan from Ali Morad khan Sardar, taking the best estate from the inhabitants of Rasht, set out from the city to the Mugan steppe, and now, according to the latest news, roams in the land of his relative Ibraim Khan Shoshinsky. Before leaving Rasht, he burned many houses and gardens.] He was succeeded by his son Farajulla Khan (1782-1786). His younger son Muhammad Hussein Khan, retained power until the establishment of the Qajar state in the region, when Agha Muhammad Shah Qajar (1796-1797) was proclaimed shah. His reign lasted until 1799, when it was absorbed by the
Qajar Iran.
Administration
Khalkhal khanate was ruled by nobles entitled khans, but after Qajar takeover their rulers title demoted to hakims.
The khanate was divided into
Khalkhal County,
Taharom Dasht, Huna (modern
Aqkand, Kaghazkonan District) and Hir mahals.
