DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2706-6185/63/138-142
Azerbaijan as Depicted by 16th–17th Century
Ottoman Historians
Rasmiyya Gasimova 
Abstract. The article examines the importance of the works of Ottoman historians and archival materials in the study of the history of Azerbaijan in the 16th–17th centuries. The study analyzes the information on Azerbaijan, the Safavid state and Ottoman–Safavid relations in the works of Pechevi Ibrahim Efendi, Solakzade Mehmed Çelebi, Selaniki Mustafa Efendi and Evliya Çelebi. In particular, the scientific significance of the information provided in the works “Tarih”, “Tarihi-Selaniki” and “Seyahetname” about the cities of Azerbaijan, their socio-economic situation, trade and craftsmanship, political administration system, military events and religious and cultural characteristics of the population is determined. The study shows that the Ahkam and Muhimmeh notebooks are an important source in terms of studying the activities of the Safavids in Anatolia and Ottoman–Safavid relations. At the same time, the religious and political terminology used in Ottoman sources in relation to the Safavids is analyzed. The article concludes that the comparative use of Ottoman sources with Persian and other historical sources allows for a more objective and comprehensive study of Azerbaijani history. Additionally, by applying historical-comparative and source-critical methods, the objectivity of the documents is evaluated. Geopolitical perspectives and terminological nuances in the sources are comprehensively examined within the context of regional security and diplomatic relations.
Keywords: Safavids, Ottoman historians, Ottoman–Safavid relations, Evliya Çelebi, historical sources