or BAKU, a town of Persia, in the province of Shirvan, situated at the extremity of the gulf of Ghilan on the Caspian sea. It is esteemed the most commodious haven in this sea, as vessels may there ride securely at anchor in seven fathom water; but the number of shoals, islands, and sand-banks, render the entrance in some places extremely difficult and dangerous, particularly to the Russians, who are not very expert failors. Baku is a fortres surrounded with high brick walls; its inhabitants, like those of Derbent, are Persians, Tartars, and a few Armenian merchants. The principal articles of exportation which support the trade of this place are naphtha, and the finest rock salt, of both which there are mines on the east side of the bay. The inhabitants cultivate saffron and the cotton tree, but not to any considerable advantage. The trade of Baku, though more valuable than that of Derbent, is still inconsiderable, and chiefly carried on with Shamakiee, from whence it draws raw silk and filken stuffs. A Russian consul is resident at this place. In 1777 Baku belonged to Melik-Mehmed, who was tributary to Feth Ali khan of Kuba; the latter possessed the whole province of Shirvan, and was the most powerful prince, next to the khan of Ghilan, upon the coast of the Caspian. Before we quit the province of Shirvan, it may not be improper to mention its capital, the inland town of Shamakiee, which is only 66 miles from Baku, and supplies that port with raw silk and filken stuffs. It owed its former commercial importance to the silk which is cultivated in the neighbouring district; this rich production still preserves the town from ruin; though its traffic is greatly reduced by the exorbitant exactions of the khan of Kuba. Formerly the Russians had a factory at this place; and it was also crowded with Turkish and Greek merchants; but at present there are only a few Armenian and Indian traders. The inhabitants manufacture silk and cotton stuffs, but far inferior to those made at this place in the beginning of the present century. The silk of this province is exported into the interior part of Persia, Turkey, Georgia, and Russia. E. Long. 51. 30. N. Lat. 40. 20.