Sasanian imperial strategy and king xusrō is reform: The case of Ādurbādagān and arrān (Caucasian Albania)
Author(s): Mahir Khalifa-zadeh
Abstract: The article analyses the Sasanian imperial policy and strategy toward Ādurbādagān and Arrān (Caucasian Albania) as well as the impact of King Xusrō I Anōīrvāns reforms on these regions. The author briefly overviews Ardaxīr Is rise to power highlighting the Sasanian dynastys political ambitions. The article discusses Shāpūr Is ideological and political reasons for declaring the Ādur Gunasp fire-temple in Azerbaijan the empires most sacred fire and proclaiming Zoroastrianism as the state religion. The author argues that Shāpūr Is decision transformed Ādurbādagān into the empires Zoroastrian religious and ideological centre, increasing the provinces strategic value. However, Ādurbādagāns proximity to the main war zones heightened its vulnerability. The author notes that King Xusrō I Anōīrvāns reform enhanced Ādurbādagāns security by the establishment of the kust-i Ādurbādagān and Ādurbādagāns spāhbed (general) military command covering Arrān (Caucasian Albania). The article emphasizes Arrāns military and geostrategic importance in the Sasanian strategy to prevent Turkish incursions and contain Byzantine Christian advance in Caucasia. The reform tightened Albanias attachment to Azerbaijan increasing its military capacity and strategic value. Thus, in the late Sasanian period Ādurbādagān and Arrān became interchangeable names in the northern bank of the Aras River through the creation of the entire Ādurbādagān ahr shielding Ērānahr.
Mahir Khalifa-zadeh. Sasanian imperial strategy and king xusrō is reform: The case of Ādurbādagān and arrān (Caucasian Albania). Int J Hist 2024;6(1):111-121. DOI: 10.22271/27069109.2024.v6.i1b.271
