Topchubashi
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Topchubashi (also spelled Topchubashov / Topchubashev)(in Azeri meaning Man in charge of cannons) is one of the noble families of Azerbaijan, the roots of which come from 15th-century Ganja and derive its name from its founder’s being in charge of the cannons in the Ganja garrison. In the midst of the 18th century, one of the Topchubashis, Agha bey, moved to Erevan, thus splitting the family into two major branches – Ganja branch and Erevan branch.
At the second half of the 18th century, Alimardan bey Topchubashi was a prominent member of the Ganja branch of this family, first being in charge of Ganja Khanate’s relations and correspondence with Russia, then moving to Tiflis in 1795 and becoming Georgia’s official responsible for relations with Iran. But despite all efforts of diplomacy, even Russian protectorate over Georgia couldn’t save the kingdom and its capital Tiflis from Iranian king Agha Mohammad Shah Gajar’s assault. On September 11, 1795, the Iranian army entered Tiflis. Plunder of the city went on for eight days, and regardless of their faith, all city dwellers were taken captive. It was during those days that Alimardan bey’s daughter was lost and his son Jafar (future Mirza Jafar Topchubashev, Russian Orientalist of Azerbaijani origin, employee of Russian Foreign Ministry and professor of Petersburg University) hardly escaped captivity and hid in Alabno monastery.
Later, Jafar Topchubashev continued his education in Tiflis and joined the retinue of Georgian prince Teimuraz Bagrationi and accompanied him to St. Petersburg. There, Mirza Jafar and Teimuraz translated the Psalter into Russian and also compiled an Italian-Persian-Turkic dictionary. In 1812, Mirza Jafar enrolled into Russian Foreign Ministry; in 1819, he started to teach Persian in General Pedagogical Institute, and in 1823 became professor of Petersburg university.
Another famous Topchubashi was Alimardan Topchubashev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic to Ottoman Empire, Georgia and Armenia, then Minister of Foreign affairs (6 October-7 December 1918), Speaker of Azerbaijani Parliament in absentia (December 7, 1918 – 27 April 1920) and, at the same time, Head of the Azerbaijani Delegation to Paris Peace Conference (1919).
Other prominent Topchubashis are Mustafa Topchubashev, a famous surgeon, and his son Ibrahim Topchubashev, a doctor, and also a composer.
References
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