Abbasgulu Khan Iravanski, one of the heirs of the Iravan khans, was born around 1830 in Iravan. He played a significant role in the defense of Nakhchivan and, in 1905, mobilized the people against Armenian Dashnaks to prevent the deportation of Muslims from Iravan.

Abbasgulu Khan paid special attention to educational initiatives and provided financial support for these efforts. He served as the chairman of a special commission established to open a two-grade Russian-Azerbaijani school in the city with the request, suggestion, and funds from the Iravan’s intellectuals and 104 city residents.

Starting from 1860, Abbasgulu Khan actively participated in the social and political life of Iravan and in 1865, he was elected a member of the Iravan City Duma. From 1886 to 1899, he served as an honorary supervisor of Russian-language Azerbaijani schools as a member of the Duma, significantly contributing to the development of education. Information about his activities can be found in periodicals of the time, such as the Caucasus newspaper and the Kavkazski Kalendar (Caucasian Calendar).

Abbasgulu Khan’s activities were not limited to the military and educational fields. His life and work were closely tied to his kinship with the Nakhchivan Khanate.

Abbasgulu Khan Iravanski passed away in circa 1907.

Sources:
Musa Quliyev. Abbasqulu Xan İrəvanski və nəsil şəcərəsi. 525-ci qəzet: 17 iyun 2009
Fərrux Rüstəmov. İrəvan Müəllimlər Seminariyası və onun məzunları. Bakı: Elm və təhsil, 2022