SAMAXI

formerly Shemakha, city, east-central Azerbaijan. It is located 76 miles (122 km) west of Baku and is one of the oldest cities in the republic, dating from the 6th century AD, but the modern city was not incorporated until 1824. From the 9th to the 16th century, it was the residence of the Shirvan shahs. There are numerous historical buildings, including a mosque and a mausoleum, which have been damaged by the frequent earthquakes. Samaxi is now a centre of food industries and is especially noted for wines. A brocaded, flat-stitch carpet with mosaic-tile patterns is produced in the surrounding area. Pop. (1991 est.) 25,300.