or SCHEMACHA, the capital of a government of Asiatic Russia, Transcaucasia, on the Pir Saghat, 69 miles W.N.W. of Baku, and 207 E.S.E. of Tiflis. It was at one time a very flourishing and important place, being the chief seat of commerce between Persia and the north; but having been taken and sacked by Nadir Shah in 1734, it lay for a long time in ruins. Recently it has recovered a great deal of its ancient prosperity, since it was made the capital of the province of Shirvan in 1841; and since 1847, when that province was divided into the governments of Shamaka and Derbent, it has been the capital of the former. It is fortified; and contains a bazaar, with 500 stalls. Here are the most important manufactories of silk in Transcaucasia, producing goods esteemed equal to those of French manufacture. Cotton and woollen cloth is also woven here; and vines and pomegranates are grown in the vicinity. The wine of this district is considered the best in Shirvan; it is chiefly made by the Armenians who inhabit the adjacent villages. The trade of the place is very extensive. Pop. 20,433. The town is called properly Old Shamaka, to distinguish it from Aksu, or New Shamaka, on the Aksu, 20 miles S.W. Here is a castle, once the residence of the khan of Shirvan. The town has a population of 7000; and is also a flourishing place.