Yusuf Khan (Armenian)
Yusuf Khan, was a Safavid gholam and official of Armenian origin, who served as the governor of Astarabad, Shamakhi, and Shirvan during the reign of king Abbas I. Originally a Christian, Yusuf was first employed in the royal mews, and because of his apparent skill in handling and hunting birds and animals, he was soon given the rank of "master of the hunt". Thereafter, he became governor of Shirvan and Shamakhi.
When Abbas I decided to marry his granddaughter to Semayun Khan in 1624, Yusuf Khan was ordered by Qarachaqay Khan, likewise of Christian Armenian origin and a childhood friend, to host the banquet in the first term of the wedding party.
Yusuf Khan was murdered on the orders of Murav Beg, after the latter decided to conspire with the Georgian rebel leaders.
