Derbend

Derbend, or DERBENT ('gateway'), a port and capital of the Russian district of Daghestan, on the west shore of the Caspian, 140 miles NW. of Baku. It is charmingly situated among vineyards and orchards and fields of maize and madder, on the declivity of a branch of the Caucasus, which here approaches very close to the water's edge. Derbend is surrounded by ancient walls. The upper city forms the citadel, and contains the splendid palace of the ancient khans, now the residence of the Russian governor. The harbour is inaccessible to all but small vessels; but a considerable trade is done at the four large markets held here yearly. Silk and cotton fabrics, earthenware, and weapons are manufactured, and saffron is cultivated. Pop. 14,500. Derbend was for long considered the key of Persia on the north-west side. It was captured by the Arabs in 728, by the Mongols in 1220, and frequently changed hands before it was formally incorporated with Russian Caucasus in 1813.