Agsu (city)

Agsu (Azerbaijani: Ağsu) is a city and the capital of the Agsu District of Azerbaijan. It is located in the Shirvan plain, approximately 100 km west of Baku.

History

Agsu was founded in 1735 by Nadir Shah, the ruler of Persia, as a planned city and a center for silk production. The city was intended to replace Shamakhi as the administrative center of Shirvan province due to Shamakhi's frequent earthquakes and political instability. However, Agsu never fully achieved its intended importance. It was significantly damaged by an earthquake in 1748 and subsequently suffered from attacks and looting during the political turmoil that followed Nadir Shah's death. This led to a decline in the city's population and economic importance, with many residents returning to Shamakhi.

Geography

Agsu is situated in a relatively flat area of the Shirvan plain. The climate is semi-arid.

Demographics

The population of Agsu is predominantly Azerbaijani.

Economy

Agriculture, particularly grain cultivation and animal husbandry, is a significant part of the local economy. There are also some small industrial enterprises.

Culture and Tourism

While Agsu lacks the historical landmarks of Shamakhi, it serves as a regional center for the surrounding agricultural areas. There are local museums and cultural centers.