The modern postal service in Azerbaijan began in the early 19th century, when Azerbaijan became a part of the Russian Empire.[1] The first post office was opened in 1818 in Yelizavetpol (now Ganja).[1] The first mail forwarding service was established in 1826 in Baku, followed by the second mail forwarding service which was established in 1828 in Nakhichevan.[1] Post offices were opened Quba, Shusha, Shamakhi, Lankaran, Nukha (now Shaki) and Salyan.[1] Russian Empire postmarks and postage stamps were in used in the territory of Azerbaijan from 1858.