Iran Kharab

Iran Kharab ("Ruin of Iran") was a fortified camp in Dagestan (present-day Russia) founded by Iranian ruler Nader Shah (r. 1736−1747) in July 1742.[1] It was located to the northwest of Derbent, a little inland from the Caspian Sea coast, and was founded in order to provide for a secure base against constant raids during his difficult campaign in Dagestan.[1] According to the modern historian Michael Axworthy, Nader's bitter decision to name the camp "Ruin of Iran" was "hardly encouraging for his troops".[1] Reflecting on the difficulties which Nader encountered during his campaign, Axworthy notes that the irony of the name had taken a dreadful twist, proving itself "truer than Nader could have imagined".[1]

Nader had his son Reza Qoli Mirza blinded at Iran Kharab.[2]

References

1. Axworthy 2006, p. 237.
2. Axworthy 2006, p. 247.

Sources

• Axworthy, Michael (2006). The Sword of Persia: Nader Shah, from Tribal Warrior to Conquering Tyrant. I.B.Tauris. ISBN 978-1850437062.