True story behind Karabakh

In this post I will emphasize position of the Karabakh region and the most interesting historical facts.

First, let’s start from geographic location. Karabakh is a geographic region in the South Caucasus located in the Azerbaijani republic. The origin of this word comes from “qara bag” which in translation from Azerbaijani language means Black Garden. The territory is highland and is full of breathtaking sceneries, also many rivers take their start and flow here. The variety of rivers makes this place full of different and unique plants, great forests with strong and large trees.

Now that we have some information about Karabakh, lets dive into the history of this magical place. There were found evidences and marks of ancient people which bring us even to the stone ages. First mention of this place in historical documentation starts from 4th century B. C. as the part of Azerbaijani Albania. The entity mainly consisted of Azerbaijani Turks. Later territory became a fighting area between Byzantine and Sasanids empires. Then, it was attacked several times by Arabs and later was seized. Karabakh was famous for its art and literature representatives. Moreover, for its unbelievably beautiful nature. Most importantly, Karabakh has very beneficial location for trade, even routes of Chinese Silk Road passed through this region. These aspects attracted many countries. In 10th century Turk dynasty took the power and started ruling. After, territory faced many attacks from different armies. The strongest and most violent attacks were from the Russia. They reached this place through Kur river which flows into the Caspian Sea. The territory was destroyed and damaged. Later, in 11th century Seldjuks started to rule Karabakh region. Their rule didn’t last for long, after decade Eldenizids dynasty came to the power. During 13th century Karabakh was exposed by major attacks from central Asia. Mongols invaded Azerbaijan including Karabakh several times. İn 15th century on territory of Azerbaijan were created two greatest republics, first was Qaraqoyunlu and later Aqqoyunlu. The territories of these republics were extremely large and included Karabakh. After, in 16th century Aqqoyunlu dynasty was overthrown by Sefevids. Great part of the Sefevids state was Karabakh administrative division which consisted of: Barda, Beylegan, Agdam, Evlax, Shamkir, Zayam, Tovuz, Gazax, Borcali cities. Karabakh was under the Ziyadoglu rule for almost 300 years. In 18th century Russian emperor Peter the first showed great interest to geographical and strategic position of Azerbaijan. Especially, natural resources. Russia initiated many Caucasian raids on Karabakh. Major Muslim population was killed. Then, Nadir shah became the ruler of Azerbaijan and cleansed the territory from Russians and other entities who raid here. After Nadir shah’s death Azerbaijan was divided into many administrative divisions called khanates. Each khanate was ruled by khan. Karabakh khanate was created in 1747 by Panahali khan. Khanate included Barda, Agdam, Kalbajar, Terter, Goranboy and Evlax districts. Panahali khan constructed Bayat fortress in Karabakh and made it the center of the khanate. Later, center was moved to the strategically stronger Shusha- Panahabad fortress, which was announced the capital of the khanate. Karabakh khanate included one city and 638 villages. Population composed 90 thousand citizens, 80% of population were Azerbaijani and the rest included different ethnicities. Karabakh region was always very progressive from economical aspects, due to its resources, fertile ground and nature. Panahali khan constructed coin mint, where he produced his own silver coins. On the one site of the coin was written Panahabad and on the other, prayer in Arabic. Karabakh was full with constructions of different types, there were mosques, baths, fortresses, caravanserais and tombs. Krabakh region was intensively developing up until 19th century, when Russia started its occupational campaign on Azerbaijani lands. In 1805 Karabakh khan Ibrahimhalil and Russian officer Tsisianov signed Kurekcay treaty. The terms of this treaty claimed that Russia will maintain autonomy of this region, even though it was just one of the ways of declaring patronage of Russia over Karabakh. Later, there were signed two crucial treaties Gulustan in 1813 and Turkmencay in 1828. These treaties served separation of Azerbaijan and Karabakh remained under Russia. Right after, Karabakh joined Russia, Armenian people were resettled here, general Tsitsianov created good living conditions for them in Karabakh. The aim was to replace Azerbaijani population with Armenian. In 1830 130 thousand Armenians were moved here. Having Armenian people in Karabakh was strategically important and beneficial for Russia.

In 1918 ADR Azerbaijani Democratic Republic was announced and Karabakh was part of this republic. After 2 years, in 1920 on the territory of Azerbaijan under the rule of SSSR was created ASSR. SSSR insisted on declaring Daglig Karabakh as separate autonomous region (NKAO) with the center in Khankendi.

In 1991 was proclaimed independence of Azerbaijan. Starting from 1992 Armenian armed forces started military acts in Daglig Karabakh. They acted aggressively towards Azerbaijani people and forced them to leave territories of Daglig Karabakh. They made massacre of peaceful civilians. The worst attack was in Xojali, it was genocide. There were killed 613 peaceful civilians including children and women, they were killed with the cruelest ways. Many people who managed to escape were freeze till the death in the forests, because it was winter. This merciless and ruthless genocide is one of the scariest acts of massive terror. Armenia occupied Daglig Karabakh and seven surrounding districts. As the consequence of Armenian aggression 1 million Azerbaijani citizens were forced to leave their homes, 25 thousand people were killed. This is unbelievable right? But this is the true story, this is the reality.

Today on 10th November 2020 year we have returned Karabakh back and the conflict is finally over. We are proud of every soldier who bravely fought on the battlefield. After 30 years we proclaimed justice for people who died, who ruthlessly was killed during these years, justice for people who were forced to leave their homes, justice for every Azerbaijani. Today we wright new history, together we are strong, and no one can defeat us.

Karabakh is Azerbaijan!!!

Thank you!