The first half of the 18th century in the history of the Azerbaijani people is marked by the most important socio-political phenomena, the significance of which for the entire future history of Azerbaijan can hardly be overestimated. The history of Azerbaijan during this period was closely intertwined with the events that took place in Transcaucasia, in Iran under the Safavids, and later under Nadir Shah Afshar and in Ottoman Turkey. During this period, in connection with the deep decline of the Safavid state, which included the territory of Azerbaijan, centuries-old Iranian-Turkish rivalry in the struggle for possession of Transcaucasian lands manifested itself with the greatest severity.