PHJ № 2 (46) 2025 — R. S. Astashkin. ORGANIZATION OF THE TRANSIT TRADE OF THE ARMENIAN COMPANY IN THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 17TH CENTURY (ON THE QUESTION OF PERSIA’S POSITION)
In 1667, the Armenian family firms based in New Julfa (Persia) were granted trade privileges in Moscow, which included the right to export oriental goods to Europe via the Russian Empire. The subject of this study is the question of the participation of the Persian Safavid state in this trade project. This inquiry is situated within the broader context of the “Russian transit” phenomenon, which is associated with the Russian Empire’s role in the European expansion towards the East. The factual material on the subject of publication was analysed by using the problem-chronological and comparative methods. The trade agreements that regulated the status of the Armenian Company were also studied. In preparing the article, the scientific works of historians, both domestic and foreign, including those with a specialism in the field of historical Iranian studies, were used. The analysis culminated in the formulation of a conclusion regarding the distinctive hybrid character of the accords established between the Russian authorities and the Persian Armenians. The study established that official Persia was not a full participant in these relationships and did not have a significant impact on their development. The hypothesis that the Safavids were uninterested in transferring the export of Persian raw silk to the northern (Russian) direction during the period under review is also put forward. The scientific results obtained can be used to further study the specifics of the Russian-Persian relations in the early modern history and the position of Russia at that time in the international trade system.