Russo-Persian Wars (1804–1813, 1826–1828) ended in humiliating defeats, resulting in the Treaties of Gulistan and Turkmenchay, through which lost large parts of the Caucasus, including present-day Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. British influence grew in the Persian Gulf and southern, largely to protect British India. Britain and Russia effectively divided into spheres of influence through the 1907 Anglo-Russian Convention—without consent. The Qajar court was marked by extravagance and corruption. The shahs relied heavily on tribal alliances and often sold concessions to foreign companies in exchange for quick funds.
