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Aran or '''Arran''' is a historical geographical name used in early medieval times to define some parts of what is now the republic Azerbaijan as well as Armenia . The term has undergone major alterations in meaning throughout history, and is used to refer to both the Azerbaijan Republic and the historical area of Karabakh on left bank of Kura River . In later times term "Azerbaijan" has supplanted "Aran", as it was first used to denote a newly established Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918. The Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan , later bore this name. {Link without Title} Currently, the term is used in the Azerbaijan Republic to signify the territory consisting of the lowland Karabakh plains situated between Kura and Araks rivers, including the Mil plain and parts of the Mughan plain. In Iran and by some scholars abroad, the term Arran is sometimes used to designate today's Azerbaijan Republic. ORIGINS OF THE NAME ARAN It should be noted that according to some scholars, the name is considerably more ancient, noting that the Parthian name for Caucasian Albania was ''Ardan'', and that still older Iranian sources even refer to it as "Aran". According to legends , the name Arran may derive from the legendary founder of Caucasian Albania, who according to legend was son of Noah 's son Yafet ( Japheth ) and also, possibly the eponym of the ancient Caucasian Albanians (''Aghvan''), and / or the Iranic tribe known as Alan s (Alani). The nearby Araks (Aras) river was known to Ancient Greek geographers as Araxes, and has a source not far from Mt. Ararat . Moreover, this region, long considered the earliest seat of the Zoroastrian faith, is likely the one referred to in the Zend Avesta as the "First land" (''Airyana Vaego''). Thus, 'Arran' is quite possibly the "missing link" between the names ''Ararat'' and Aryan (and indeed, Iran ). The son of Japheth who first settled the Aras valley may have been Madai , if anecdotal tales related in the Book Of Jubilees have any value. (10:35) CONTROVERSY ]] Historically, the names Arran and Azerbaijan (Ancient and Talish-i Gushtasbi . In a medieval chronicle “Ajayib-ad-Dunia”, written in 13th century by an unknown author, Arran is said to have approximately 30 ''farsakhs'' (200 km) width, and 40 ''farsakhs'' (270 km) length. All the right bank of the Kura until it joined with the Araks was attributed to Arran (the left bank of the Kura was known as Shirvan ). Also, the boundaries of Arran are not clearly defined, and include parts of the modern Republic of Armenia (ie Lake Sevan) as well as historic Armenia, raising contreversy between Armenian and Azerbaijani viewpoints. The medieval Islamic geographers gave descriptions of Arran in general, and of its towns ( Barda , Beylagan , Ganja etc.) in particular, describing their agricultural fertility and their importance for commerce across the Caucasus . Today, the term Aran is mainly used in the Azerbaijan Republic to indicate territories consisting of Mil and Mughan plains (mostly, Beylaqan , Imishli , Saatli , Sabirabad provinces of the Azerbaijan Republic). HISTORY OF ARRAN ''History of Arran is summarized in History Of Azerbaijan section, where you can refer for detailed description.'' In ancient times, name of Arran is not mentioned in historical sources. The area that is referred to as Arran (large portion of modern Republic of Azerbaijan on the right bank of Kura) was populated mainly by Caucasian speaking tribes. It was later incorporated into Greater Armenia under the Artaxiads. Subsequently, this region was hotly contested between Armenia and Caucasian Albania. First mention of Arran as a geographical entity can be found in Arab sources of the 8th Century . Following the Arab invasion of present-day Azerbaijan in the 8th century, most of the former territory of Caucasian Albania was included under the name of Arran (ar-Ran). This region was at times part of the Abbasid province of Arminiyya based on numismatic and historical evidence. Albanian princes of Parthian descent such as Javanshir, who called themselves Arran-shah's, have fought against Arab caliphate during late VII - middle VIII centuries. This indicates their rule over Arran proper at this time. Following the collapse of the Caliphate, parts of Arran (this refers to eastern part of Arran, now within Armenian republic proper) were ruled by various Armenian royal families, as Bagratids, and other minor lords. These minor lords ruled the Kingdom of Gardaman-Parisos in the northernmost part of Arran. Early Muslim ruling dynasties of the time included Rawwadids , Sajids , Salarids and Shaddadid s, Shirvanshah s, Sheki and Tiflis emirates, and dynasties. Main city of Arran in early medieval times was Barda (Partav). It reached a prominance in 10th century, and used to house a mint for Arabs, Shaddadids and Salarid. Barda was sacked by Rus/Norse several times in 10th century. From 11th century importance of Arran as a region declines and consequently the use of the world Arran as well. The territory of Arran became a part of Seljuk empire, followed by Ildegizid state, Mongol Hulagu empire in 13 century. Later it became a part of Chobanid , Jalayirid and Timurid states. Aran and Azerbaijan were incorporated into the Safavi state by 1500-s. Arran was a terriroty were independent khanates of Karabakh, Ganja and Salyan have developed in 18 century. SOURCES
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