How and Why Nader Shah Established the Navy in the Caspian Sea

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
Sahar Abdolahi 1
Saeedeh Mirzaei 2
Seyyed Rasool Mousavi Haji 3
1 Ph.D. Student, Archaeological Department, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar(Corresponding Author:sahar.abdolahi491@gmail.com)
2 MA in Archaeology, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
3 Faculty of Arts and Architecture, University of Mazandaran
Abstract
The article, by using historical texts, attempts to reconstruct part of the ups and downs of the Caspian Sea’s southern coastal history, the importance of navigation on the shores and ports of the Caspian Sea, and the impact of Nader Shah's policies on the formation and prosperity of navigation in northern Iran. Based on library resources and a thorough analysis of the contents, the article seeks to answer the following questions: 1. What were Nader Shah Afshar's motives and goals in establishing shipping in the Caspian Sea? 2. Why the Russian government was suspicious of this issue? The findings of the study indicate that Nader Shah intended to boost the commercial prosperity of the country by forming a navy in the Caspian Sea and also achieve his political and military goals which were in contrast to the interests of the Russian Tsarist government. Finally, the main purpose of this study is to examine the state of trade, navigation, and shipbuilding during the Nader Shah period, by using the historical approach and archaeological evidence of the shipwreck off the coast of Chamkhaleh in Langarud County which is undoubtedly closely related to the political-military presence of the government and social presence. Hence, the role and position of local rulers of the Caspian Sea coasts and how they interacted with the Afsharid dynasty and foreign companies are noteworthy.

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The International Journal of Humanities
Volume 30, Issue 3
Spring 2023
Pages 85-95