The Karabakh conflict and its historical roots

The Karabakh conflict: a long-running and often tragic territorial dispute Armenia and Azerbaijan between, has centuries-old historical, ethnic and geopolitical roots. It is at the center of the conflict Nagorno-Karabakh, a region historically populated by Armenians and occupying an important geopolitical position.

Geography and demography

Nagorno-Karabakh, which Armenians call Artsakh, is located in Azerbaijan, near the border with Armenia. Although it was an autonomous region within Azerbaijan during the Soviet era, the majority of the population is Armenian.

Historical background

The area was historically part of the Armenian kingdoms, but over time it came under the rule of the Persians, Arabs, Mongols, and eventually the Russians. 1813: Treaty of Gulistan Karabakh was ceded to the Russian Empire.

Soviet period

In 1923 By Stalin's decision, Nagorno-Karabakh became an autonomous region within Azerbaijan. This decision laid the foundation for further conflict. For decades, Armenians had tried to join Armenia, but were rejected.

The First War: 1988–1994

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, in 1988, the NKAO parliament voted in favor of joining. Clashes, pogroms, and finally, full-scale war began.

• More than 30,000 victims
• More than 1 million displaced
• Armenian forces occupied 7 adjacent regions

1994 A ceasefire was established. Artsakh declared independence, but remained unrecognized։

The Second War: 2020

In September 2020, Azerbaijan launched offensive operations with the support of Turkey.

• Recaptured Shushi and other regions
• Russian peacekeepers deployed
• More than 7,000 deaths in 44 days

2023: Complete control of Azerbaijan

In September 2023, as a result of a military operation carried out by Azerbaijan, the authorities of Artsakh were dissolved. Approximately 100,000 Armenians left Nagorno-Karabakh.

Geopolitical consequences

The conflict turned into a platform for competition between major powers. Russia lost influence, Turkey strengthened, and the West took a humanitarian stance.

Cultural and humanitarian crisis

The region has suffered enormous human losses, the destruction of cultural heritage, and repression. The path to reconciliation requires mutual trust, legal guarantees, and international oversight.

Conclusion

The Karabakh conflict is complex, but solvable. We must focus not on land, but on peace, reconstruction, and coexistence.

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