Nakhichevan

Nakhichevan or Naxçivan , city (1989 pop. 59,754), capital of Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic , Azerbaijan. Its industries include food processing, wine making, and the production of furniture, leather, and building materials. The ancient Naxuana, the city was ruled by Armenians, Persians, Arabs, Mongols, and Turks, became a flourishing Armenian trade center in the 15th cent., and was ceded by Persia to Russia by the Treaty of Turkmanchai (1828). In the 19th cent. it was an important trading post between Persia and Russia. Nakhichevan has Greek and Roman remains and two 12th-century mausoleums.

Nakhichevan Autonomous republic of Azerbaijan, bounded n and e by Armenia, s and w by Iran, and w by Turkey; the capital is Nakhichevan. Under Persian domination from the 13th to the 19th century, it became part of Russia in 1828. In 1924, it was made an autonomous republic within the Soviet Union. In 1991, it became part of the independent republic of Azerbaijan, but was subsequently disputed between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Nakhichevan is mountainous and subject to earthquakes. Crops: grains, cotton, tobacco, fruit, grapes. Industries: mining, silk textile production, food processing. Area: 5500sq km (2120sq mi). Pop. (2002 est.) 366,500.