The book in a popular form gives analysis of roots, causes, the course and problems related to overcoming of consequences of Garabagh war and depicts facts of atrocities, devastation and terrorist actions done by aggressor Armenia against Azerbaijan. Facts shown in the book embrace the struggle of Azerbaijan nation against Armenian nature and aggression from the ancient times until now. The book is intended for a wide audience of readers.  

The book is translated and published by financial support of Council for State Support to non-governmental organizations attached to President of Azerbaijan Republic.

Foreword

Attempts made by Armenians to capture Daglyg Garabagh are part of territorial claims of non-indigenous nation. Various states repeatedly encountered with similar claims from non-indigenous nations. So, the problem is not new for history. And Armenians also did not live from ancient times in South Caucasus, including Azerbaijan, and moved here gradually from other countries or have been resettled. In Garabagh there always have been living Azerbaijani tribes and this area was the part of Azerbaijani states. Garabagh in all historic times was an integral territorial unit. The expression “Daglyg Garabagh” was fabricated in the XX century by officials of Soviet Russia. In ancient times the territory of Garabagh belonged to Azerbaijan Alban state (IV century BC – VIII century AD) under the name of “Artsakh” (the name “Artsakh” is related to name of ancient Turkic tribe – sakhs and meant “brave sakh”, “courageous sakh”, “sakh man”). Albanian state, which included also the territory of modern Azerbaijan, covered a vast area. West frontiers of Albania, passing along the lake Geycha embraced the most part of modern Armenia. At that period there were no Armenian elements on those territories. Later the territory of Artsakh-Garabagh belonged to Arab Caliphate and after its collapse the area was within Azerbaijani states – Sajids, Ravvadids, Eldegises, Karakoyunlu, Akkoyunlu, Sefevids and Garabagh khanate. In May of 1805 Garabagh khanate was occupied by Russian empire. This occupation was continued until 1991 with small recessions (excluding the period of existence of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic through 1918-1920). Independence of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic established in 1918, as well as its territorial integrity and sovereignty, including Garabagh, was recognized by Paris Peace Conference. At that period Garabagh was not mentioned in the list of disputed areas.  Western borders of Azerbaijan, recognized by international community, passed along the lake Geycha, similar to those of Albanian state 2300 years ago. Today Armenians appropriated historic lands of Azerbaijan and included the lake Geycha within its borders renaming its as “Sevan”. Migration of Armenians into South Caucasus was a gradual process and underwent through Minor Asia. The first groups of Armenians (which named themselves as hay) were small and arrived from Balkans in VII-VI B.C to Minor Asia, into one of the eastern regions of modern Turkey. They were used as slaves, mainly at construction works. Renown scientist, expert for Armenia Kh.Adons wrote: “Cimmerian tribes in VIII century B.C arrived to Balkans, into Thrace. Here they met with ancestors of Armenians and together with them they moved to Minor Asia”. Armenians, which population number was gradually increasing attempted to create their own small state in these areas, but they failed to establish any durable state. Armenians, evidencing such states as Manna, Urartu, Media, Assyria situated in close and distant areas, desired to establish similar state, but they did not succeed. Lands on which Armenians settled were within indicated states during various time periods. After emergence of such states as Azerbaijani Albania and Atropatene (IV B.C), i.e. in the II century B.C Armenians succeeded to create their own small state on shores of lake Van in Minor Asia. This state had not any major role, and only in 80-ies of the I century B.C the state strengthened and occupied some neighboring territories, including Atropatene and part of Azerbaijani Albania. This lasted approximately for 10 years period. This Armenian state 66 B.C was destroyed by Roman troops. Armenians left occupied territories and went back to surroundings of the lake Van. Later, Armenians named this period as period of “Great Armenia” If one will follow this logic, then Azerbaijan being the successor of such states as Manna, Media, Albania and Atropatene may claim vast areas belonged once to those states for centuries, not for decades. In other words any nation which had is own state during that period may express similar claims. Fortunately, no one except for Armenians with their morbid imagination has such a desire. After these events Armenians ceased attempts to create their own state. Territories where Armenians lived were under the control of various states. Wars also resulted in migration of Armenian tribes to neighboring lands. Despite that there are no any definite historic facts, it is possible that at that time Armenians by a small group settled also on territory of Azerbaijan. Local Turkic population used their work in construction and other works.

During the period of Arab Caliphate, prior to advance of Islam into Azerbaijan, indigenous Alban-Azerbaijan tribes populated the lands of Artsakh-Garabagh. In the VII century the major part of population of Artsakh-Garabagh adopted Islam. Until then, beliefs of population were Christianity and fire-worshipping. Insignificant part of Christian population went to mountains and preserved their confession. They were representatives of Alban and other tribes. There was no Armenian state during that period, but Armenian Grigorian Church was continuing its activity. Local Alban-Christian population moved higher to mountains and at first prayed only at their own churches and kept traditions of Alban Church. But later, due to distinction of their confession with that of neighboring Georgian Christians and absence of relations with the rest of Christian world, these tribes of Azerbaijan’s Albans gradually undergo the influence of Armenian Church, and initially they adopted Grigorian Christian Confession and then mixed with Armenians. Despite of all this, tribes of Azerbaijani Albans migrated to mountains of Garabagh for a durable period preserved their ethnicity and religion and till mid- XIX century in official documents described themselves as representatives of Alban nationality and Alban church. The major part of population in Artsakh-Garabagh (since XIII century the name Garabagh is in use) consisted of local Turks and this province being within various states of Azerbaijan was ruled by representatives of indigenous tribes. Christian population, which moved to mountains, always showed their obedience to those rulers, but in order to preserve its confession, attempted to create some structures of self-administration. At the start of the IX-XIII centuries states of Sajids and Atabeks practically united the state from political point of view. However, Christian Albans were given the chance to create structures of self-administration in aim to preserve their confession. During that period the structures established by Christian Albans during the rule of Hasan Jalal (1215-1261) from dynasty of Mihranids (since they lived in Moslem state and adopted most Moslem traditions, being themselves Christians, they were named by Moslem names) became more developed. The structure named as Khachin kingdom was subordinated to the central power of Azerbaijan. The dynasty of Hasan Jalal was always loyal to Azerbaijan rulers. For this loyalty the ruler of Azerbaijan dynasty of Karakoyunlu – Jahan shah gave them the title “melik” (this means “owner of property” in Turkish). During  the period of rule of Azerbaijan state of Sefevids (1501-1736) the local self-administration structures were abolished and a beylerbeklik - new administrative-territorial unit had been created. One of such territorial units was Garabagh beylerbeklik. Garabagh beylerbeklik consisted of 7 sanjaks and 36 nahiye, i.e. there were no intention to create any self-administration structure. This was in force until the first half of XVIII century. Starting from that time the Russian Government had been manipulating by Christian population of Azerbaijan to reach its own goals. This policy was initiated by tsar Peter I, who did not hide his policy of expansionism continued also after his death. Russian rulers made attempts to show Albans-Grigorians living in mountain part of Garabagh as Armenians and encouraged them to adopt this. But those ancient people of Azerbaijan did not display a desire to change its name.

After collapse of state of Sefevids (1736) and short period of rule of Nadir shah, tense and very complicated political situation dominated in Azerbaijan. Nadir shah also made use of Alban meliks in his own political aims. Structures of self-administration in mountain part of Garabagh were revived. In Khachin kingdom there were created 5 new structures of self-administration – melikliks. Nadir shah had an intention to use these meliks in order to weaken the influence of famous Turkic dynasties of Garabagh and break down the resistance of those, who refused to recognize him as shah. Of those new five structures of self-administration the Dizakh meliklik was established by Melik Yegan, who arrived from territory of modern Armenia, Varand meliklik – by melik Shahnazaryan from territory of modern Armenia, Khachin meliklik – by Hasan Jalal, local Alban, Chileberd meliklik – by melik Allahgulu and Talysh meliklik – by melik Usub from the village Nij of Gabala region (today Albans-Udins are living in indicated village). Only rulers of Khachin kingdom had belonged to local Alban population, the others moved into Garabagh from other places. No one of those moved in there was Armenian, they had Moslem names, communicated only with Turkic-Moslem population and adhered their traditions and rituals. 

After death of Nadir shah the activity of meliks significantly weakened. But some foreign and domestic forces started to use them against ruler of Garabagh – Panah Khan and later against Ibrahim khan. Representatives of Russian government in Tiflis invited meliks there and gave them instructions and orders for activity to weaken Garabagh khanate. Russian government used all means to assure them that they are not the Turks-Albans, but Christian Armenians. Russia pursued the aim to expand Christianity in Garabagh and create here the Christian state. The idea seemed attractive for meliks also and that is why they are readily implemented instructions of Russians. Several attempts to assassin Ibrahim khan failed. So, Ibrahim khan was forced to imprison all meliks and their katalikos. Later some of them broke from imprisonment and started the open struggle against Garabagh khanate.

It can be seen that from the XVIII century the desire of Albans, which adopted Grigorianity, to find powerful supporters of the same religion and Russia’s intention to take over the control over South Caucasus region totally coincided. Russia did not hide its plans to create at least a small Christian state, outpost in Garabagh for its further use against Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran. Perspective of own independent state seemed very tempting to Garabagh meliks and triggered their separatist intentions.  In fact, establishment of any independent state here was not real. That is why, Russia was satisfied just by giving promises to meliks and used their separatist moods to damage the position of Garabagh khanate, break its resistance and finally take it under the control. Armenian Church intensified its activity and sent its representatives to palaces in Europe and Russia trying to draw the attention of heads of states to “Armenian problem” and gain their support for establishment of Armenian state on territory of Turkey or South Caucasus. While displaying closest interest to appeals of Armenians, Russia turned “Armenian problem” into one of the major instruments in its eastern policy. During the rule of Ekaterina II there was a serious attempt to create an Armenian state in South Caucasus. High activity of meliks - Grigorian Albans in Garabagh attracted the attention to this area. Ekaterina II considered Alban meliks as representatives of Armenian community and while creating Armenian province in Garabagh, by means of these meliks attempted to attract there Armenians from other places. Due to small number of Armenians and Grigorian Albans in Garabagh it was impossible to create any Armenian state there without inflow of Armenians from other places. G.Potemkin, favorite of Ekaterina II and ideologist of policy for Caucasus outspokenly demonstrated anti-Azerbaijan policy of Russian government in his letter dated April 6, 1783 and sent to commander of Russian forces in South Caucasus: “Ibrahim khan of Shusha must be overturned and then Garabagh must be turned into Armenian province depending only on Russia. To create this new province you have to use all means. Thus Armenians will be coming here from other places”. However, as a result of Ibrahim khan’s wise policy Russia could not implement its insidious plans. The last attempt to gain South Caucasus and fulfill set goals, including increase of number of Armenian population in some provinces was undertaken by Ekaterina II in spring of 1976. Under the supervision of General V.Zubov there was initiated a new military campaign in South Caucasus. During this campaign the Armenian priest Iosif was one of advisors of V.Zubov. But sudden death of Ekaterina II ceased the campaign.

To ease its task, Russia also considered Albans adopted Christianity (Grigorianity) as a composite part of “Armenian problem”. For a long time Garabagh meliks resisted this, i.e. to the perception of them as Armenians. It is not accidental that Khachin duke Hasan Jalal ordered to inscribe on the Gandjasar shrine the following words: “I, Hasan Jalal built this shrine for my people of Agvank”. In other sources and documents also they named themselves as Albans, Agvans. But later, especially after mass migration of Armenians initiated by the Russian government from Iran and Turkey to South Caucasus, including Garabagh, they gave in to this ideological line and partially agreed to name themselves as “Armenians”. Russia, strengthening its positions in Azerbaijan, tried to move as much Armenians as possible. In war against Azerbaijan the active part belonged to Russian army officers of Armenian origin. Armenian officers involved in Russian army while military operations applied all means to strengthen positions of Armenians in Garabagh. Iran-Russia wars (1804-1813, 1826-1828) and Turkey-Russia wars (1806-1812, 1828-1829) played the major role in migration of Armenians into Garabagh. During these wars Armenians living in Turkey and Iran held traitorous position towards their governments and took the side of Russian forces. Grouping into armed bands they fulfilled instructions of Russian military command, made strokes from back front to Iranian and Turkish forces, organized insurgencies and massacred local people. These Armenian armed bands were supplied by weapons from Russian army. Thus, Armenian leaders hoped to gain the support of Russia and create an autonomous or independent state on the territory of Turkey or Iran. But their dreams did not come true. They feared to be punished for the treachery of interests of Turkey and Iran and expressed their desire to move to territory of the Russian empire after the end of wars. This also coincided with the interests of Russia. Russia aimed to create a stronghold by support of Armenians resettled into recently occupied South Caucasus, including Azerbaijan. Turkmenchay treaty signed between Russia and Iran in 1828 and the agreement between Russia and Turkey signed in 1829 in Edirne became the juridical base for migration of Armenians into Azerbaijan. Thus, mass migration of Armenians into Azerbaijan, to Garabagh in particular, had started. Local population in Garabagh resisted settlement of Armenians on the best lands and to arrival of Armenians as a whole. However, they failed to reach any results. Russian forces mercilessly repressed any resistance. Representatives of local population of Garabagh repeatedly appealed to A.S.Griboyedov, Ambassador of Russia in Iran claiming to stop resettlement of Armenians. The Russian ambassador, who controlled resettlement of Armenians, calmed down the people assuring them that these resettlements have temporary nature and Armenians will not stay there forever and will be moved to Russia. On the other side, A.S.Griboyedov was quite familiar with nature of Armenians and he wrote to the emperor of Russia: “Your Excellency, in case if you permit Armenians to settle in Central Russian territories. They are such a tribe that upon living a few years in those areas, they will announce to a whole world that those are the lands of their ancestors”. The Russian government clearly understood the nature of Armenians and successfully used them in their long-term plans against Azerbaijan Turks and neighboring Georgians.

At the start of XIX century the Russian government organized the first flows of Armenians from Iran and Turkey into Garabagh. As a result, Russians included Armenians together with Grigorian Albans into their first statistic data. For the first time it was shown in statistical book compiled by Russian military command in 1823. According to the book, only 1559 families from 18563 families lived on the territory of present Garabagh were Armenians and Grigorian Albans. Figures once more displayed that the major part of population on these lands prior to “great migration” constituted Azerbaijani Turks. Some period later Russian government initiated mass migration of Armenians into Azerbaijan and Garabagh in particular. According to official data, in 1828-1830, i.e. during two years only in Azerbaijan, including Garabagh there were resettled 40 thousand Armenians from Iran and 84 thousand Armenians from Turkey. These are just the official data. In various sources of the period there are sufficient amount of data indicating that Armenians migrated illegally, secretly. According to evaluations of experts for indicated two years over 200 thousand Armenians migrated into Azerbaijan. Into Garabagh the Armenians moved generally from Iran. This was due to short distance to border and absence of proper border guarding. On the other hand, Russian military deployed on the border did not create any serious hurdles to illegally migrating Armenians. In most cases Armenians migrated by whole villages and while settling on new lands gave them names of Iranian villages. Despite that later they are attempted to correct their “mistakes”, names of the most villages are evidencing about their migration from Iran.

Migration of Armenians into Garabagh speeded up the process of armenization of Christian Albans, which lived here from ancient times, and the process became irreversible. Alban church, which existed independently until that time, was subjected to Armenian church in 1836 by decision of Russian government. In aim to strengthen positions of Christian Armenians in some places, including mountain part of Garabagh, Russia continued its policy of resettling during the XIX century. At the end of XIX century number of Armenians in South Caucasus reached 1 million 300 thousand. Official sources of Russia indicated that 1 million of them are Armenians arrived as a result of “Armenian migration”. Despite the mass migration of Armenians, Russia failed to reach their dominance in Garabagh province. Armenians still were minority.

In the second half of XIX century very important events took place around the world, various states expressed territorial claims to each other and new alliances were created. Under such circumstances these states attempted to use various subjects in their own interests. Thus, so called Armenian problem was raised during that time by Russia and England. Armenian church initiated visits of various delegations of Armenians to Europe, keep meetings at various levels and try to receive the support for creation of structures of various status on the territory of Turkey. For the first time “Armenian problem” was used by Russia and England, and in fact they became its authors. By initiative of England and Russia at the Berlin congress (1878) with participation of great states, the “Armenian problem” was included into agenda and Turkey was imposed by obligations to keep reforms on the territories where Armenians lived and to protect them against attacks of Circassians and Kurds. To make clear description of the way how impudently Armenians pushed their problem to the agenda we give here two examples. During Berlin congress the Armenian delegation repeatedly used various cynical methods and finally they succeeded to meet Otto Bismarck, the Chancellor of Germany, who chaired at the congress and getting tired of their pushy attempts agreed to meet them. During the meeting he did not allow them to talk much and to their request about military support he said: “I won’t exchange even a bone of Pomeranian soldier for all Armenians”. The second episode is happened then they received the negative answer of Bismarck and tried to meet the emperor of Germany or his wife. One of representatives of Armenians – Minas Cheraz describes the case as the following: “Being very exited we desired to meet the empress… In front of the door we met a lanky man in official suite. We told him that we want to meet the empress. Upon hearing this he started to swear at us. Approaching to Mkrtych Khrimyan he slapped him into face… With collapsed hopes we have returned to Constantinople”. So impudently Armenians wanted to reach their goals.

After Berlin Congress the official circles of England and Russia are started to widely use “Armenian problem” in their own aim, as a kind of instrument to weaken positions of Turkey. Armenians according to their plans created in Turkey their organizations and undertake attempts to insurgences. Establishment of Armenian terrorist organizations “Khnchak” and “Dashnaktsutyun” and their first bloody acts happened namely during this period. They were armed by governments of England and Russia and organized insurgences in various provinces of Turkey, mercilessly massacring local people. At the end of XIX century France also joined to active campaign of protection of Armenians. Great powers succeeded to take advantage from “Armenian problem”, but Armenians themselves could not reach anything. Turkey’s government defending its national interests impeded realization of intentions of Armenians and suppressed all insurgencies punishing all initiators. Armenian Church and terrorist organizations, which met serious resistance of government of Turkey, redirected their attention to South Caucasus, Azerbaijan and especially Garabagh. Armenian population migrated here some time ago might became a base for territorial claims. Peacefully living until that together with local population, keeping with “status of guest” and clearly understanding that they are non-indigenous here, Armenians suddenly displayed their cruelty and irreconcilability and turned into the party expressing claims.

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