Mgr. Zinaida Shevchuk

Historical overview

• During the latter part of the 19th century and for most of the Soviet period, the Soviet position in the Caucasus ran along the frontier with Turkey and Persia (later Iran).
• During the Russian revolution 1917 -Transcaucasian Federation was born (the Georgian Mensheviks, the Azerbaijan Musavat party and the Dashnaks).
• The South Caucasus separated from Russia and declare its independence in 1918. In 1918 three democratic republic were declared, Azerbaijan and Georgian and Armenian Democratic Republics.

Historical overview

• By 31.05.1920, Azerbaijan was invaded by Sovietized by Russia’s 11th Red Army.
• Four months later, Armenia was invaded by the Kemalist Army of Karabekir Pasa and partitioned between Turkey and Russia.
• The Soviet military campaign against Georgia was launched on February 11th, 1921.
• The region was the part of the Soviet union for 70years.

Nagorno-Karabakh

• Karabakh - "black garden„,
• "Nagorno-" is a Russian word meaning "mountain„.
• Status: de jure part of the Republic of Azerbaijan, unilaterally declared itself an independent republic in 1991 Capital: Stepanakert.
• Area: 4,400 sq km
• Main religion: Christianity Languages spoken: Armenian, Russian Currency in use: Dram.

Why did Stalin give Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan?

• Stalin wanted to pit the ethnic groups in the South Caucasus regions against each other.
• „Divide and rule“ principle
• Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast was placed within Azerbaijan SSR.
• Stalin made concessions to Azerbaijan SSR because of its economic importance, specifically its oil resources.

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

• Nationalist demonstrations – transfer Nagorno-Karabakh into Armenia.
• 1988- Nagorno-Karabakh - referendum to unify with Armenia.
• The first cases of mass violence were recorded in Sumgait, February 1988 - 32 dead (26 Armenians and 6 Azeri) during three days 27-29 February.
• The month of November was one of the great refugees flows. According to unofficial sources, around 180’000 Armenians had left Azerbaijan, and 160’000 Azeri had left Armenia by the end of the month.