Khosrow Soltan Armani

Khosrow Soltan Armani
Qajar-era painting, perhaps anachronistically depicting the Iranian victory over the Russians in the 1651–1653 war. The Iranian figure in the center likely represents Khosrow Khan, depicted as both a Qajar prince and a mytho-historical hero of the Shahnameh. The opposing Russian forces, dressed in antiquated and provincial-style clothing, likely represent local troops from the North Caucasus
Governor of Shirvan
In office
1643–1653
Preceded byArab Khan Shamlu
Succeeded byNajafqoli Khan Cherkes
Governor of Abhar (Soltaniyeh)
In office
before 1642 – Unknown
Preceded bySafiqoli Khan Begdeli
Succeeded bySafiqoli Beg
Master of the hunt (mīr shekār-bāshi)
In office
1632–1645
Preceded byQujeh Beg
Succeeded byAllahverdi Khan (Armenian)
Personal details
Died1653
ChildrenAllahverdi Khan (Armenian) and Emamverdi Beg
OccupationMilitary leader, official
Military service
Allegiance Safavid Iran
Battles/warsRusso-Persian War of 1651–1653

Khosrow Soltan Armani, also known as Khosrow Khan (died 1653), was a Safavid official, military commander, and gholam of Armenian origin. He held numerous posts at various times. First, he served as the prefect of the Bakhtiari tribe for a lengthy period (darughah-ye il-e Bakhtiyar). Then, he served as a steward of the Javanshir tribe in Karabagh (hakem-e il-e Javanshir). Later, he held the post of "master of the hunt" (mīr shekār-bāshi) and was given the governorship of Abhar (Soltaniyeh). Lastly, he also served as the governor (beglarbeg) of Shirvan from 1643 to 1653. During his governorship in Shirvan, Khosrow participated in the successful Safavid offensive during the Russo-Persian War of 1651–1653, which resulted in the Russian fortress on the Iranian side of the Terek River being destroyed and its garrison expelled.

To denote that he was a convert, in the then contemporary sources Khosrow was referred to as being "new to Islam" (jadid ol-eslam). His sons Allahverdi Khan (not to be mistaken with the Georgian Allahverdi Khan) and Emamverdi Beg would hold several influential positions as well.