Shusha is one of the ancient cities of Azerbaijan. For a time, the city was named “Panahabad” in honor of Panah Ali Khan, and later became known as “Shusha Fortress” and “Shusha.”
Founded in the mid-18th century by Panah Ali Khan, the ruler of Karabakh, Shusha soon turned into one of the most important cities of Azerbaijan. In 1748, Panah Ali Khan went to Karabakh, established the Karabakh Khanate, and declared himself its khan. At that time, the khanate’s population consisted of the Javanshir, İyirmidord, Otuziki, Kabirli, Baharlu, and Ziyadoghlu tribes.
The historical roots of the word “Shusha” suggest that it may have derived from a modified form of the word “Shushi.” Its etymology indicates that this name, given to both the region and the city, was associated with its natural environment, as is often the case in Karabakh.
There are multiple theories about the origin of the toponym “Shusha.” The most widespread view is that it comes from the word shish, meaning “highest peak”. Over time, this word transformed into “Shusha.” Supporters of this theory link the city’s name to its geographical features.
To protect the Karabakh Khanate from invasions, Panah Ali Khan built Bayat Castle in the Kebirli village in 1748. However, as it proved insufficient for defense, he decided to construct a stronger fort, known as Shahbulag Castle (also called Tarnagul). Later, wishing to relocate the khanate’s capital to an even more secure location, he began searching for a suitable site and, in 1752, built the Shusha Fortress.
Various opinions exist regarding the origin of the name “Shusha.” The Roman historian Tacitus Cornelius, who lived in the 2nd century AD, mentioned the existence of a city called Sosu belonging to the Dondar Turkic tribe in the Caucasus (Latin lacked the “sh” sound). According to popular legend, because the air of this land was as pure and healing as crystal glass, the city was named “Shusha” (from shushe, meaning “glass”).
AzEns.az/ Jalya Orujeva