Azerbaijan history for Year 9-10

Content:
Chapter 1: Azerbaijan in XVI-XVIII centuries
1. Chaldiran battle, Safavid-Ottoman war
2. Centralization of all Azerbaijan areas under Safavid rule
3. Social-economic life in Azerbaijan ( XVI-XVIII centuries)
4. The Shah Abbas reforms
5. The last Safavid-Ottoman wars
6. State Administration
7. Economy and culture
Chapter 2: Azerbaijan in the first half of the XVIII century
1. The political situation in the Safavids in the early XVIII
2. Russia prepares attack to Caspian shores
3. Azerbaijani lands invaded by two empires
4. Azerbaijan under the invasion of Russia and Ottoman
5. Nadir Khan Afshar returns Safavids areas
6. Nadir’s empire
7. Rebellions against Afsharids

Chapter 3: Azerbaijan in the 2nd half of XVIII century

1. The first independent khanate
2. Southern Khanates
3. Karabakh, Irevan and Nakhchivan khanates
4. Quba khanate
5. Aga Muhammed Qajar’s attack to northern Azerbaijan
Chapter 4: Azerbaijan in the early XIX century
1. The 1st Russo- Iranian war
2. Russian regime in invaded areas
3. The 2nd Russo-Iranian War
4. Turkmancay peace treaty
5. Azerbaijan culture in the late XVIII- early XIX centuries
Chapter 5: Azerbaijan after the invasion
1. Azerbaijan in 20-30s of XIX century
 2. Uprisings against the Russian regime
3. Russian colonization policy
4. The shape of capitalist relations
5. Azerbaijan National Independence Movement

Chapter 6: Azerbaijan in the early XX century

1. A new stage of Independence movement
2. The Azerbaijanis’ massacre by Armenians
3. National Movement ( the 2nd stage ) : 1904- 1911
4. Creation of National Parties and Organizations
5. Azerbaijani people in WWI
6. Azerbaijan after the February revolution
7. Cultural changes in the XX century
8. Genocide against Turk-Muslim people

Chapter 7: Azerbaijan Democratic Republic

1. Foundation of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic
2. The home policy of the ADR (State construction)
3. Foreign policy
4. Soviet invasion
5. National Independence Movement in South Azerbaijan
Chapter 8. Azerbaijan in the Soviet Union
1. Uprisings against Soviet regime and socialist changes
2. Partition of Azerbaijan
3. Economic changes during the Soviet regime
4. Massive repressions and cultural changes
Chapter 9. Azerbaijan in WWII and after the war
1. Azerbaijan in WWII
2. Azerbaijan after WWII
3. National Independence Movement in South Azerbaijan
Chapter 10. Azerbaijan in 1970-80s, Nagorno-Karabakh War
1. Social-economic development in the 1970s-1980s
2. Struggle for territorial integrity and protecting national rights
Chapter 11. Azerbaijan after independence
1. Azerbaijan in the XXI century
 Safavid- Ottoman Wars
When Safavid state emerged, the Ottoman empire was concerned about its
growing strength and the popularity of Ismail. Therefore, the Ottomans tried to
provoke the Agqoyunlu against the Safavids. The Ottoman sultan Bayazid II
recognized Ismail in 1504. Ismail and Bayazid referred to each other as "father"
and "son". However, the clash between the two growing powers was inevitable.
When Bayazid's son Selim I came to power, he openly demonstrated hostility
against Ismail.
European countries that felt threatened by the Ottoman Empire now had an
excellent opportunity to steer the Safavids against the Ottomans. The two would
exhaust each other fighting, and Europe would be left protected from attacks.
Therefore, when Sultan Selim asked for neutrality, the European states; the
Muscovite Kingdom, Hungary, Venice, Moldavia, and Valakhiya signed treaties
with him. All military actions in the West stopped. Selim then began to persecute
all the Shiites and followers of the Safaviyya order. Italian kingdoms also made
contact with Ismail. The Roman Pope wrote letters to the kings of Germany,
France, Spain, Portugal, Scandinavia starting that Shah Ismail's military successes
are "blessings by God for the Christian world". He contacted the Holy Roman
Empire, Venice, Neapol, Rhodos, and Cyprus.
Ismail needed to have access to the Mediterranean Sea to buy weapons from
these countries. However, the Ottomans controlled all the coastlines. Ismail
decided to contact Portugal and buy weapons through the Persian Gulf. This plan
failed and turned out to be a disaster since the Portuguese captured the Persian
Gulf and then refused to sell weapons. The forces of Safavid were trapped.
The battle of Chaldiran took place on 23 August 1514 ending in an Ottoman
victory. As a result, the Ottomans gained immediate control over eastern Anatolia
and northern Iraq. The battle was just the beginning of 41 years of destructive
war between the two empires that only ended in 1555 with the Treaty of Amasya.
At Chaldiran, the Ottomans had a more abundant, better-equipped army
numbering 60.000 to 200.000, while the Qizilbash Turkomans numbered around
40.000 to 80.000. Shah Ismail I, who was wounded, almost was captured in the
battle. This battle negated the idea that Shia-Qizilbash forces were infallible.
Furthermore, it also fully defined the Ottoman-Safavid borders and led Kurdish
chiefs to assert their authority.
 Centralization of all Azerbaijan areas under Safavid rule
During the reign of Sultan Selim I the Ottoman Empire could not occupy
Azerbaijan. After Shah Ismail’s death, his son Tahmasp I came to power (1524-
1576). His reign coincided with feudal clashes in the reign. The Qizilbash amirs
took advantage of the weak government and refused to obey the central
government. The Ottomans valued this opportunity.
Selim’s son Sultan Suleiman I (1520-1565) followed his father's expansionist
policy. He wanted the Ottoman Empire’s growth towards the West to stop and
also in the Eastern direction. In 1531, he sent Ulema bey to the south of
Azerbaijan but retreated to Anatolia. In 1534 Sultan Suleiman I marched to
Azerbaijan with 100 thousand soldiers. Turks occupied most of South Azerbaijan.
Tabriz was occupied as well. However, the Ottoman army did not stay long and
left the area due to the harsh winter and lack of resources.
Suleiman spent the winter of 1535 in Baghdad and marched back to Tabriz in
spring. Tahmasp evacuated people from the city and burned all the food stock.
Tahmasp attempted to communicate with, but Suleiman refused.
In 1538, Tahmasp occupied Shirvanshah state in an attempt to unite all Azeri
speaking people. This situation had positive effects on the empire. However, in
1548, Sultan Suleiman attacked Azerbaijan for the third time. He occupied Tabriz
and destroyed it. Tahmasp had to move the capital city to Qazvin which was on
the Far East of the Safavid Empire. Tahmasp also gave the order to burn and
destroy all the bordering villages between the Ottoman and Safavid Empires.
Suleiman stayed for four days in Tabriz and then retreated to Van.
Meanwhile, the Shirvan people revolted against the Safavids. They wanted to
restore their state with the help of Ottomans, but Safavid forces quickly defeated
them. In 1551, Tahmasp decided to occupy Shaki and add it to the Safavid Empire.
Shaki kept its independence for many years. However, after a fierce battle, the
Safavids won, and Shaki fell.
In 1552, Tahmasp started a campaign against the Ottoman Empire. He attacked
Van and killed many Turks and Kurds. In return, Sultan Suleiman attacked
Nakhchivan and plundered the city.
The Safavid-Ottoman wars ended with the peace treaty signed in Amasya in 1555.
According to the terms of the treaty, Western Georgia and Armenia were given to
Ottomans while the east of those lands stayed under the control of the Safavid
Empire. Overall, these wars were destructive for both the Ottomans and Safavids.
Moreover, the warring sides were related by blood, language, and religion.
When Tahmasp died in 1576, Ismail II succeeded him after a long struggle. 14-
month reign was notable for two things: continual bloodletting of his relatives and
others (including his supporters) and his reversal on religion.
Ismail II intended to reintroduce Sunni orthodoxy. It is believed that there may
have been practical political considerations; namely, "concern about the
excessively dominant position of Shia dignitaries. Nevertheless, his plan about the
reconciliation of two creeds failed, a radical Shia religious group killed him.

Mahammad Khodabanda (1578-1587) succeeded him in 1578 and allowed others

to interfere with the internal affairs of the empire. Disorder among Qizilbash
amirs who did not follow the Shah's instructions worsened the economic and
political situation.
Ottoman emperor Murad III benefited from confusion in the government and
attacked to Safavid area, breaking the peace of Amasya. The 2nd Safavid – Ottoman
war (1578-1590) began. The Ottoman forces won the battle of Childir in 1578.
However, the Safavid army defeated them in another battle at Mollahesenli in the
same year.
Despite the victory, the Safavids lost Shirvan and Georgia. Niyazabad (1583),
defence of Tabriz (1583) were also a victory over the Ottoman military. In the
battle of Sufiyan (1585) the Ottomans defeated the Safavid army. The main
reasons behind the defeat were tiredness and confusion in the state. Mahammad
Khodabanda's son Hamza Mirza did not want to obey the Ottoman army. When he
intended to take back all invaded areas, he was assassinated. After his death, the
central government weakened more. Between 1586-1589, the Ottomans almost
invaded the majority of all areas.
On the other hand, Khorasan was recaptured by the Sheybani empire. The Safavid
had to fight in two directions.
Social-economic life in Azerbaijan ( XVI-XVIII centuries)
The main activity during this period was farming and cattle-breeding. Tahmasp I
removed the tax "tamga" in 1565, and it improved urban life and trade. In 1539
Shah Tahmasp I ordered the preparation of "Sheikh Safi Carpet" which is held
now in the "Victoria and Albert" museum, London. Governmental feudals were
classified with three groups: qizilbashs (wealthy military officials), Shia religious
group, and administrative staff.
Maljahat and behre were the central taxes, biyar was the essential amenability.
 Nakhchivan, Ordubad, Tabriz, Baku all traded with European states. The great Silk
Road passed through Julfa. Safavids agreed on the permission of free trade with
Russia during their whole reign in 1667. Kazaks under Stepan Razin's leadership
attacked Derbend in 1668, but the Russian government was able to prevent
further attacks.
In the late XVII century, the Azerbaijani economy declined. There were several
reasons for this: a monetary crisis, a threefold increase in taxes, a weakness in the
governing system, and a decrease in the importance of the Silk Road (Europeans
had discovered an alternative, more efficient trade route to India).

The Shah Abbas reforms

Shah Abbas, the Great, was the Shah of the Safavid empire and generally
considered the greatest ruler of the Safavid dynasty. Abbas came to the Safavid
throne at a challenging time. Meanwhile, the enemies – the Ottoman empire and
Uzbeks, exploited this political chaos to seize territory for themselves.
In 1587, one of the Qizilbash leaders, Murshidqulu Khan overthrew Shah
Mohammed in a coup and placed the 16-year-old Abbas on the throne.
Nevertheless, Abbas was no puppet and soon seized power for himself. He
reduced the influence of the Qizilbash leaders in the government and military.
Abbas also reformed the army, enabling him to fight the Ottomans and Uzbeks
and reconquer lost Safavid provinces. He took back land from the Portuguese and
the Mughals.
Abbas was a great builder and moved his kingdom's capital from Qazvin to
Isfahan. In his later years, the Shah became suspicious of his sons; therefore, he
killed or blinded them.
The kingdom that Abbas inherited was in a desperate situation. The Ottomans
had seized vast territories in the West and the north-west, the Uzbeks had
overrun half of Khorasan in the north-east. Safavid lands were invaded because of
fighting between the various factions of the Qizilbash, who had mocked royal
authority by killing the Queen in 1579 and the Grand Vizier in 1583.
Firstly, Abbas took revenge on his mother's killers, executing four of the leaders of
the plot and exiling three others. His next task was to free himself from the power
of the "kingmaker", Murshidqulu khan. Murshid made Abbas marry Hamza's
widow wife and a Safavid cousin. He distributed essential government posts
among his friends, gradually confining Abbas to the palace.
Meanwhile, the Uzbeks continued their conquest of Khorasan. When Abbas heard
they were besieging his old friend Aliqulu Khan Shamlu in Herat, he pleaded with
Murshid to take action. Fearing a rival, Murshid did nothing until the news came
that Herat had fallen and the Uzbeks had slaughtered the entire population. Only
then he set out on a campaign to Khorasan. However, Abbas planned to avenge
the death of Aliqulu Khan and suborned four Qizilbash leaders to kill Murshid
after a banquet in 1589. With Murshid gone, Abbas could now rule Iran only by
himself.
Abbas decided he must re-establish order within Iran. He signed a humiliating
peace treaty known as the treaty of Istanbul –with the Ottomans in 1590, ceding
them the provinces of Azerbaijan, Karabagh, Ganja, and Qarajadagh as well as
parts of Georgia, Luristan and Kurdistan.

Safavid army

Qizilbash Qulams Artillery Riflemen

organized by special army artilleries were organized among

qizilbash soldiers, consisting of used during ordinary people
mainly non-Muslims, the mainly seige of from different
horsebacks storngest part of castles villages
the army

The Qizilbash soldiers had provided the backbone of the Safavid army from the
very beginning of Safavid rule, and they also occupied the most significant posts
of the government. To counterbalance their power, Abbas turned to another
element in society, the group of Qulams ( a word meaning "slave"). These were
Georgians, Armenians, and Circassians who had converted to Islam and taken up
service in the army or the administration. Abbas promoted such Qulams to the
highest offices of the state. Abbas removed provincial governorships from some
Qizilbash leaders and transferred the Qizilbash tribal unity. Financial problems
were resolved by storing the Shah's control of the provinces formerly governed by
the Qizilbash chiefs.
Abbas needed to reform the army before confronting the Ottoman and Uzbek
invaders. He created a standing army of 40000 Qulams and the Persians to fight
alongside the traditional, feudal force provided by the Qizilbash. The new army
regiments had no loyalty but to the Shah. They consisted of 10.000-15.000 cavalry
(riflemen) armed with muskets and other weapons, a corps of musketeers, and
one of the artillery (also 12.000 strong). Besides, Abbas had a personal bodyguard
of 3.000 Qulams.

Abbas moved the capital from Qazvin to the more central and more Persian city
Isfahan in 1598. Isfahan was a beautiful city with a magnificent series of new
mosques, baths, colleges.

The last Safavid-Ottoman wars

In 1603, Shah Abbas began a new war with the Ottomans. This war began with
the supported uprising against the Ottomans in Tabriz, so the Safavids began to
recapture previously conquered areas. With local people's support, Julfa,
Nakhchivan, and Ordubad were captured without any fighting in 1603.
Afterwards, Shah Abbas troops redirected to Irevan where the Ottomans' main
forces had gathered. An extended siege ended with the Safavids victory in
1604.
While the Ottoman army was on the road to Tabriz, Shah Abbas used a
traditional technique called “scorched earth ". The Safavid Empire defeated the
Ottomans at the decisive battle of Sufiyan in 1605. Between 1605 and 1607
Karabakh, Ganja, Shirvan were freed too.
The Jalali movement began against the Ottoman invasion in Eastern Anatolia in
the XVI century. It was named after leader Sheikh Jalal. In XVII this movement
spread in other areas and strengthened. Shah Abbas wanted to use them
against the Turks, but because of differences among rebels, most of them
returned Anatolia. A few of them joined the special military forces.
This stage of war ended with the 2nd Istanbul peace treaty, which was signed in
1612, and this treaty updated points of the Amasya. The Ottoman recognized
eastern Georgia and Azerbaijan as Safavids' parts. However, it did not last; the
Ottomans under Sultan Ahmad's leadership attacked Tabriz again. At the Battle
of Sinigkorpu in 1618, the Safavids emerged victoriously. In 1618 they signed
the peace treaty of Marand.
Shah Abbas had a robust foreign policy. He approached England to free Hormuz
island from the Portuguese. Abbas signed a friendship treaty with England and
gained its support against the Portuguese in 1621. He could free this area in
1622.
Between 1629 and 1639, the next Ottoman- Safavid war took place. In 1635
Tabriz was invaded by the Ottomans. The battle over Baghdad weakened both
sides, and they signed a peace treaty of Kasri- Shirin in 1639. The Arabic side of
Iraq was given to the Ottomans. Furthermore, the Safavids promised not to lay
claim to Kars, Van, Akhaltsikhe areas.

Social-economic life in XVII century

After a long-lasting war with the Ottoman empire, peace was restored,
agriculture revived. Shah Abbas II (1642-1666) took actions for the
improvement of welfare. He was walking among people changing his garment
sometimes. He was punishing corrupted governmental servants acting
arbitrarily, exploiting their authority.

Shah Abbas II restored relations with the Ottomans and Russia. Safavid paid
attention to trade through Volqa-Khazar sea road. Shah Abbas II also prevented
Russians' strengthening in North Caucasus. Safavids exported to Russia mainly
silk, wool and carpets and imported copper, fur leather, paper and crafting
products.
In 1667 Russia and Safavid empires signed a treaty about custom free tariff for
both sides. Shah Suleiman (1667-1694) passed an ordinance on particular
esteem for Russian traders, besides Russia got right to sell Azerbaijan silk
through Volqa-Khazar to Europe.

Azerbaijan also was trading with India, Indians had trade settlements in
Azerbaijan. They were exchanging silk, saffron and black and white oil with
various Indian spices.

State Administration
One of the main directions of Shah Ismail's domestic policy was the idea of a
centralizing state. In the historical sources, this state is known as the Qizilbash
State or Safavid State. The head of the state was the "Shah" with absolute
authority. Shah was at the same time the religious leader of all Shiites. Shiism was
the official religious creed.
To govern the state rightly, Shah summoned a Supreme Assembly consisting of all
state officials and powerful amirs. Shah had a deputy called "Vakil" who was the
second responsible person in the state. The first Vakil in the Safavid state was
Husein-bey Shamli. The commander-in-chief was called "amir-ul-umera". The
small military groups that formed the army were called "charik" and consisted of
all Azeri tribes. Qorchubashi controlled these groups. Besides them, the Shah had
a permanent army.
The Vizier dealt with all the administrative work, and he controlled the financial
system, imports, and exports. All courts were under the control of religious
institutions. The "Qazi" was the judge.
The state territory was divided into administrative units named "beylerbeyliks'.
Beylerbeyliks were divided into "mahals". The governors of beylerbeyliks
collected taxes and kept a permanent army. When the Shah ordered, they would
have to participate in military campaigns. However, in their internal affairs, they
were very independent.
In the XVI century, Azerbaijan was divided into three beylerbeyliks: Shirvan with
the capital of Shamakhi, Karabakh with the capital of Ganja, South Azerbaijan with
the capital of Tabriz.
Naibs controlled mahals. The villagers had rulers named "kendkhuda" and the
cities were administered by "kelenter". "Dargha" was the city police.
Land and tax policies
1. State lands- Divan
2. The lands that belonged to Shah and his family- Khasse
3. Conditional feudal lands- Teeyoul
4. Private lands– Mulk
5. Religious lands- Vakf
These were significant properties that belonged to famous people in the state.
However, the owners had to pay taxes. There were also small properties that
belonged to peasants. Peasants rented those lands. Peasants could also use the
lands named "Jamaat". These were common lands where they could graze
animals.
There were 35 different types of taxes and duties. When Tahmasp came to
power, he had to conduct reforms and decrease the burden of people.
Economy and culture
During the early years of Safavid state, a new fertile ground was created for the
development of agriculture, craftsmanship, and trade. The irrigation systems
were recovered. People's main activity was agriculture, cattle-breeding,
gardening. According to Ovliya Chalabi, seven types of cotton were grown in
Nakhchivan. Karabakh, Shaki, Ganja, Qabala, and Arash produced silk, and it was
exported to foreign countries.
The society was consist of the following groups:
1. Shah and dynasty members
2. Semi-nomadic Qizilbash tribes
3. Supreme Shiite Clergy
4. Civil bureaucracy
5. Nobility
The craftsman lived in cities. The Sheikh Safi carpet that was prepared in 1536 in
Tabriz is now being exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
Tabriz was considered the biggest city in the country. Its population was about
300.000 according to the travellers of the time. Tabriz was considered the "Gates
of East". Baku was the port city, Arash and Julfa were silk centres, Ardabil was the
spiritual centre of Safavid state.
There was an extensive network of maktab and madrasa in Azerbaijan in the XVI-
XVII centuries. Islamic studies, math, logic, philosophy, and different sciences
were taught at schools.
Shah Ismail I restored the Maragha observatory. Mohammad Fuzuli was not only
a poet but also a philosopher. He lived and worked in Baghdad. "Shikayetname",
"The origins of faith", "Leyli and Mejnun" were his best-known works.
European travellers such as Pietro Della Velle, Adam Olearius, Jean Chardin
mentioned that Azerbaijan language was the official language in Safavid palace.
Questions:
1. Fill the table with information on Shah Ismail Khatai.
Birth and death Poetry Reign

2. Write the years for the first Safavid-Ottoman War:

3. How were the relations with the Ottoman empire?
4. Why did the battle of Chaldiran take place, and how did it end up?
5. Line the rulers( Shah Tahmasp, Shah Ismail II, Shah Ismail I, Shah Abbas I,
Shah Mahammad Khodabanda ) with chronological order in the graph:

7. Write Sultan Suleiman’s four attacks to Azerbaijan :

8. Describe Shah Tahmasp’s historical importance by writing changes in
Home/Foreign policy :
Home policy Foreign policy

9. When was the treaty of Amasya signed, and how did it solve the conflict?
10. When did Shah Abbas rule the Safavid empire?
11.Write True/False for all statements
1. Shah Abbas replaced Qizilbash troops with Qulams
2. Shah Abbas reformed only Military system
3. Safavids took back Azerbaijan, Luristan, Kurdistan and other areas
4. Qulams were about 40.000 soldiers
12. Which post was considered the 2nd most important person in the
Safavids?
13. Match beylerbeylik with central cities
1. Shirvan a) Shamakhi
 2. Karabakh b) Tabriz
3. South Azerbaijan c) Ganja
14. Match the terms for meaning
1. Teeyol a) Religious lands
2. Vakf b) lands that belong to Shah and his family
3. Khasse c) conditional feudal lands
15. Who was Murshidqulu khan?
16. Who was the most famous public figure in the XVI century?
17. Which city was the biggest at that time?
18. Do little research about Shaikh Safi carpet and write information on your
copybook.
19. What was the difference in the third Safavid-Ottoman war?
20. Give information about “ scorched land” technique that Safavid used
against Ottomans.
21. How did Shah Abbas I reform the empire?
22. Which European states were significant for Safavids' foreign policy?
23. Fill the diagram with years and peace treaties for each stage of war
between Safavid and Ottoman empires:

I II III IV V

24. Which cities had the utmost importance in the society of Azerbaijan in the
XVI century?
 The political situation in the Safavids in the early XVIII

The economy of the country was in decline in the late XVII-early XVIII centuries.
There were internal and external reasons for this regression. The inflation rate was
rising gradually; some crafts and traders were leaving cities for villages, so fraud
and bribery increased. One of the apparent reason was the discovery of a new
road to India, the Silk Road passing Azerbaijan lost previous importance.
Shah Sultan Husein (1694-1722) renewed tax policy to compensate for an empty
budget. In 1699 he made a census of people over the age of 15 (not only people
but also their properties, wealth). The economic and political crisis led to several
riots against landowners, government officials.

The 1st riot was in Char- Balakan in 1707, and it began in a small area but spread
quickly neighbouring villages. Governmental forces burnt this place. In 1709
Shirvan people encountered government with a militant uprising. In 1711 Char-
Balakan people began a new attack but failed again to take any control.
Afghan attacks on Azerbaijan began in 1709. These attacks prevented the Safavid
state from suppressing local riots.
Haji Davud, who was a famous religious feudal, led this uprising. Daghestan
feudals supported him during the revolt, but it ended in failure, and Haji Davud
was imprisoned in 1719. This period overlapped with the weakest authority of the
Safavids. The Shah was taken captive by Afghans in 1722. Afghans captured the
capital Isfahan and the control of the Safavids in this area ended.
Haji Davud escaped from prison in 1721 and gathered rebels again under his
leadership. Daghestan supported him. Haji Davud purposed an independent state
in Shirvan. He appealed to Russia for military help but was not successful. Rebels
captured Shamakhi in 1721. However, his next attempts to capture Baku,
Derbend, and Ganja failed. Then Haji Davud addressed to Ottomans for help.
Ottoman empire agreed with him, recognized him as a Shirvan governor.

RUSSIA PREPARES ATTACK TO CASPIAN SHORES

The Safavids wanted to be closer to Russia in their weakest period. In 1713 The
Safavids sent a representative to Russia to sign a "friendship and trade“ treaty.
Peter the Great had an ongoing war with Sweden; therefore, Russia postponed
attacks on Caspian shores at that time. Peter I (1682-1725) sent A. Volinski to
explore Azerbaijan as ambassador. He made contact with Christians that lived
here. He was ordered to open a Russian consulate in Shirvan after long-lasting
struggle Russian consulate was opened in Shamakhi.

Haji Davud's contact with the Ottomans much worried Peter the Great. Ottoman
troops in Shirvan were a threat to Russia. Russia sped up its plans because of this
situation.

Russia was afraid of Ottoman occupation in Safavids areas. Russia passed a

declaration to intervene in Azerbaijan in 1722. This declaration was announced to
protect Russian victims in the Shirvan uprising.

It also offered help to Safavid Shah against rebels and to stabilize peaceful
relations with local feudal. A crucial point of this declaration was made
confidential: to send Armenians from Ottoman-controlled areas to Azerbaijani
areas.

Azerbaijani lands invaded by two empires

In 1722 Russian troops occupied Derbend, the city governer did not resist to
maintain his post. After the invasion of Derbend, Peter the Great ordered the
capture Baku, and Russians sent an ultimatum to the city to surrender. The ruler
of the Baku ruler refused, so Russians attacked the city. However, Peter the Great
was unable to complete his attack. Suddenly a storm appeared on the Caspian
shores, and the Russian provisions stored in ships sank. Furthermore, they edged
closer to a new war with Sweden. The Ottomans were not pleased with the
presence of Russian forces in the region.

Peter the Great organized a new plan for the Azerbaijan invasion after returning to
Russia. He knew that the Afghans were present in the region and they could
invade Gilan and Rasht areas, so he redirected his fleet reached to Rasht in
December 1722.
The Ottomans also were active and noticed the Russian threat for weak Safavids.
European countries, especially England, encouraged the Ottomans to invade the
Southern Caucasus.
The Russian fleet reached Baku in 1723 with the local rulers’ resistance failing.
Russia took complete control of Baku replacing the governors with Russian rulers
and commandants.
Russia offered a treaty to recognize the lands (from Derbend to Gilan) as Russian
territories in exchange to protect the Safavids from other threats. In 1723, the St
Peterburg treaty was signed by local rulers, but the Shah did not recognize it.
Azerbaijan under the invasion of Russia and Ottoman
After the invasion of Baku Russia established the "commandant" regime after the
invasion.
The Ottomans and Russia signed a treaty over the division of Azerbaijan. The
Ottomans recognized the invaded areas as Russian territories in exchange Russia
had to agree with the invasion of Southern Azerbaijan by Ottomans through the
treaty of Istanbul in 1724. Shirvan was recognized as a semi-independent area
under the Ottomans' control, but the treaty did not permit them to keep their
troops in Shirvan.
After the Istanbul treaty, Ottomans attacked Irevan, Khoy, Marand in 1724 and
occupied them. They reached Tabriz but faced resistance and diverted forces to
Nakhchivan, so Ordubad was captured instead. In 1725 they attacked Tabriz again
with success this time. When the last city Ardabil was occupied, they celebrated
with fireworks.
The particular document about oil wells passed by the Russian army. This
document permitted to transport and all kind of use of oil wells for Russians.
Russia was interested in silk, cotton, wool, natural colours, construction materials
of Azerbaijan, too.
The Russian government paid attention mainly to affluent areas with oil reserves.
They created a unique document to highlight these areas. Azerbaijan was famous
for its industrial plants, silk, and fishing industry. Baku was governed by
commandant Baryatinski, who exploited oil wells for financial gain.
Peter the Great legalized settlement of Armenians in coasts of Khazar,
particularly, Derbend and Baku by passing Ordinance in 1724. In Ordinance:
"Armenians asked protection, and we took responsibility, therefore, wherever
Armenians want to live, help them to settle".
 After Peter the Great's death, the situation changed. Russian nobles demanded
the withdrawal of troops from the invaded areas; however, there was concern
that the Ottomans might occupy them instead.
Russia and the Ottoman Empire signed another treaty in Nabur in 1727. According
to the treaty, Niyazabad, Javad, Astara, Salyan, Lankaran, Talish, Quba were
controlled by Russia. The general ruling regime was established in invaded areas
from 1726.
In Ottoman-controlled areas, a new regime was founded. These territories were
divided into villages, sanjaks, mahals. Surkhay Khan began ruling Shirvan from
1728 after Haji Davud’s death.
The Ottomans took a census and did not change the tax policy that left by
Safavids. They created a lending system for collecting taxes. Those who served
the Ottomans could get "beylik" and "aghalig” lands for their military service.
Azerbaijani people resisted the invaders by refusing taxes, leaving homes. In 1724
Salyan and 1727 Karabakh people revolted against the new regimes, but both
failed.

Nadir Khan Afshar returns Safavids areas

Nadir Khan was the most famous member of the Afshar tribe. The Afshars were
used to prevent foreign attacks in border areas. Nadir began his military career in
Tahmasib II’s reign in 1726. He was appointed commander (sipahsalar) for his
bravery, but their relations worsened. Nadir began to recapture lost areas after
stabilizing relations. He recaptured Isfahan and all areas around Khorasan were
reunited.
He declared war on the Ottoman Empire that had occupied western areas since
1723. The Ottomans refused to relinquish these lands, and the war began in 1730.
Nadir captured Hamadan, Kermanshah, Maragha, and Tabriz. A new revolt broke
out in Herat, so Nadir had to stop further campaigns.
In 1731, when Nadir was in Khorasan to stop the revolt, Tahmasp II attacked the
Ottomans. He lost the war and signed the Kermanshah treaty in 1732. According
to the treaty Kermanshah, Hamadan, Urmia, and Tabriz were recaptured by
Ottomans.
Nadir replaced Tahmasp II with Abbas III. He was the ruler of the country after
returning to Azerbaijan. He defeated the Ottomans near Baghdad and signed the
Baghdad peace treaty in 1733. The Ottomans had to return all areas that they had
occupied for ten years.
Nadir began another war with the Russians ending with the signing of the treaty
of Rasht in 1732. This treaty consisted of 8 points: principally that Russia had to
return Safavid areas locating south of the Kura river and Safavids promised loyalty
to Russia. They also agreed on free custom tariffs.

In 1734 Shamakhi and Ganja were freed from the Russians. In 1735,
The Ganja peace treaty was signed, and Russians left all Safavid areas.
Nadir won his last battles against the Ottomans in 1735 at Uchkilse; all areas were
freed from foreign control.
Nadir’s empire (1736-1747)
Congress was held in Sugovushan around Mughan in 1736. The participants
declared Nadir as Shah after the destruction of the Safavid Empire. It was the end
of Safavids' reign and the beginning of the Afhsarids empire.
Some tribes did not support Nadir, so they were exiled to Khorasan. Nadir took
back Bochali, Qazakh from Ganja and gave the rule of Kartli to punish the Ganja
governor for not supporting him. Small principalities (melikdoms) were given
under the control of Karabakh.
Nadir abolished some relevant posts (grand Vizier, sedr-ezem, and others). His
empire was a secular, unlike the Safavid empire.
The empire was divided into four parts: Azerbaijan, some parts of Iraq, Khorasan,
and Persia. The centre of Azerbaijan was Tabriz, his brother Ibrahim Khan was
appointed ruler.

Nadir made some reforms: he centralized the empire, reformed tax policy,
formalized a strong army. He planned to formalize a naval fleet to secure safety;
however, the beginning of a new war with the Ottomans prevented this.
Heavy taxes, obligations, a hard military service system, and sending artisans,
traders to Khorasan slowed down the development of the empire. In the 1730s-
40s, the empire witnessed agricultural recession and revolts due to financial
problems.
Rebellions against Afsharids
People were dissatisfied with Nadir’s settlement and tax policy. The 1 st rebellion
took place in Astara in 1734 but was put down by the government.
Nadir planned to launch military operations to improve the social-economic
situation. He planned to launch a military invasion and give the wealth seized
from the campaign to the people.
Nadir Shah organized military campaigns into Central Asia and India in 1737.
While he was far away, people of the north-west area rebelled. The most
significant rebellion broke out in Char in 1738, Nadir's brother Ibrahim was sent
to crush it but was wounded.

Nadir decided to lead the Southern Caucasus campaign himself and returned
from Central Asia in 1741.
Local people believed that if the Safavids returned, their situation would be
better. Some leaders posed as Safavid heirs to legitimize their protests. In 1743
the first imposter, Sam Mirza (Shah Tahmasib's son) emerged in Shirvan. He was
able to gather supporters and even received support from the rulers of
Daghestan. They attacked Agsu and captured it, but Nadir was able to defeat
them ultimately.
The rebels lead by the 2nd Sam Mirza, abolished all taxes and immediately gained
people's support. Nadir came to Shirvan, but Sam Mirza defeated him.
The 3rd Sam Mirza appeared in Ardabil and Tabriz in 1747 although he was
unsuccessful.
Questions:
1. How was the situation in the Safavids in the early XVII?
2. What did Shah Huseyn do to solve the economic crisis?
3. Which riots did happen against the Safavid administration?
4. Who was Haji Davud?
5. Why did Peter the Great have to wait for the Azerbaijan invasion?
6. Research Peter the Great and his historical importance. Prepare a
presentation about what you learned.
7. Who threatened the existence of the Safavid Empire in the 1 st term?
8. Write about A.Volinski and his purposes.
9. When was the declaration passed by Russia and what was it about?
10. Why were not Russians able to capture Baku in their first attempt?
11. How did the Ottoman empire decide to attack Azerbaijan?
12. Fill the table with invaded areas of Azerbaijan by Russia and the Ottoman
empire in the 1st term of the XVIII century.
Russia Ottoman

13. Which changes were implemented by Russia in invaded areas?

14. Which changes were implemented by Ottoman in invaded areas?
15. Do the research and do a project about Nadir shah.
16. How did Nadir return invaded areas from both empires?
17. Which treaties were successful for the Safavid empire?
18. Fill the diagram with years for each treaty:
 Peterbur
Istanbul
g

Nabur
Kirmanshah

Rasht Baghdad

19. How did Nadir end Safavid’s reign and become a founder of a new empire?
20. Talk about Nadir's changes in his administration.
21. Why were people dissatisfied with his reign?
22. Which rebellions did happen against him? How were their results?
 The first independent khanate
One of the rebellions against Nadir took place in Shaki in 1741. Local people were
dissatisfied with Malik Najaf's tax policy and cruelty. People replaced him with
Haji Chalabi, who was a respected feudal.
Haji Chalabi declared himself an independent governor in 1743. He knew that
Nadir would attack in revenge. The shah attacked Shaki in 1744 but failed. Haji
Chalabi had moved people to the castle named "Galarsan-Gorersan" there he had
gathered weapons and food supply. Nadir attacked for the 2nd time in 1745 but
failed again. With few options left, Nadir torched Shaki. Haji Chalabi had to make
a deal with Nadir due to a shortage of food in 1746. In return for his surrender,
Nadir recognized him as Shaki governor.
Haji Chalabi applied policy to centralize Azerbaijan lands. Neighbouring Qabala,
Arash and Qutqashin areas were his first target.
Haji Chalabi Khan made initial efforts to unite Azerbaijan around Shaki. He
attacked Tabriz, but this was unsuccessful. The united forces of Shamakhi and
Shaki attacked Karabakh in 1748 – at the Battle of Bayat, however, the allies were
defeated.
Georgian Irakli II invaded the western territories. Irakli used a deceived his
enemies to take Shaki in an event known as the “Qizilqaya betrayal”. He created
an alliance against Shaki, which Karabakh, Ganja, Karadagh, Irevan, and
Nakhchivan joined. In 1752 all allies were invited to a meeting around Qizilqaya,
Irakli took those present as captives. Haji Khan arrived to free the captive Khans.
He was able to regain control of the Qazakh and Borchali areas.
Haji Chalabi attacked Shirvan in 1755 but failed. He established a tax system and
built religious schools.
During Haji Chalabikhanaten Shaki was the strongest khanate. He prevented
Georgian threat to invade north-west part of Azerbaijan. He also was one of the
first political figures had diplomatic relations with the Ottomans.
After Haji Chalabi, his son Aghakishi bey succeeded him but was killed soon after.
Husein Khan became khan and signed an alliance with Fatali Khan. These allies
divided Shamakhi between them in 1767. Muhammedhesen khan’s and Selim
Khan’s reigns were a weak time for the Shaki Khanate.

After the demolition of the Afsharid reign in Azerbaijan, a new period began for
Azerbaijan. Weak economic relations and a dispute over the throne led to the
division of Azerbaijan.
Fatali Khan Afshar established Urmia Khanate. He captured Tabriz, Khoy,
Karadagh, Maragha. In 1759 he attacked Karabakh, eventually taking control after
stiff resistance. Later Irevan and Shaki came under the control of Urmia.
Fatali Khan's next target was Iran and his chief rival Karim Khan Zand. Karim Khan
Zand benefited greatly from confrontation among the khanates. Karim Khan Zand
created an alliance with Karabakh and Khoy. These allies captured Urmia in 1763
after nine months of siege. İt is known as the “Shiraz qonaglighi” in Azerbaijan
history. All areas controlled by Urmia were liberated
The founder of the Tabriz Khanate was Amiraslan Khan. Urmia briefly took control
of Tabriz; however, it was liberated 1763.
Shahbaz Khan founded Khoy; however, weak rule led to the invasion by Qajars.
Badir Khan founded the Ardabil Khanate. This area was invaded in 1784 by Quba.
In the late XVIII century, Ardabil lost its independence and became part of Qajars’
state.
Karadakh was founded by Kazim Khan, with the capital at Eher. In 1782 it was
divided between Karabakh and Koy. Maku, Serab, Maragha also were other
southern khanates. All these khanates were attacked and conquered by the
Qajars.

Karabakh, Irevan and Nakhchivan khanates

Panahali Khan founded Karabakh in the middle of the XVIII century. Karabakh had
a special rule called “ beylerbeylik “. This khanate objected against Nadir in
Mughan congress in 1736; therefore Nadir punished some tribes of Karabakh
banishing them to Khorasan, Afghanistan. When Nadir died, they returned to
their motherland.
Panahali Khan implemented some reforms to defend Karabakh. Firstly, he built
Bayat Castle as the leading centre in 1748. The Battle of Bayat took place in 1748.
Haji Chalabi attacked but was repelled.
Bayat Castle was not suitable for strong defence due to its geographical location.
He built a second castle at Shahbulag close to Aghdam, then a third at Shusha
(Panahabad) was built. The latter became a prominent political and economic
centre.

Panahali Khan controlled the Christian Alban melikdoms, too. There were five
principalities: Dizak, Chilebord, Gulustan (Talish), Khachen, Varanda.
After Panahali khan, his son Ibrahimkhalil (1763-1806) succeeded him. In 1780-
1781, Fatali khan (Quba) attempted an unsuccessful attack on Karabakh.

Irevan Khanate occurred in the middle of the XVIII century. Its founder was Mir
Mehdi Khan Afshar.
All written sources prove that local people were Azerbaijani Turks. The minority of
the population was Christian.
Georgian Tsar Irakli II attacked Irevakhanate79, and some parts of the Khanate
were invaded. Georgia accepted the Russian Tsar's protection in 1783. Irevan had
close ties to the Ottoman Empire against Russia. Aga Muhammed Khan Qajar
invaded Irevan in 1795.

A minority of the population was Christians, and their first arrival was in 1441 by
moving Armenian Catholicism from Kilikiya to Irevan. After settlement Armenians
confiscated some more areas of Azerbaijan and enhanced their territory.

Heydargulu Khan founded Nakhchivan in the middle of tkhanateI century. The

borders of khanate covered from Zanagazur to Aras river.
Georgian Irakli II attacked Nakhchivan; however, the Ottomans' disapproval
prevented the full-scale conquering of the territory. Nakhchivan was invaded in
1797 by Aga Muhammed Shah Qajar.
 Quba khanate
The Quba Khanate became independent after Nadir’s death. It was founded much
earlier by Huseineli Khan. The strategic location, geographical features, and
passing trade routes khanate the strengthening of the khanate. Quba was strong
enough to unite other Azerbaijan areas through invasion and control.
The first target was Salyan in 1757, which had economic and strategic
importance. After Huseineli, Fatali (1758-1789) became khan. He followed his
predecessor's union policy. He succeeded in uniting with Derbend in 1759.
Fatali Khan planned to bring Baku under his control. Although Baku was one of
the trading centres and the main port on the Caspian Sea, the Baku Khanate was
weak militarily. Fatali Khan used marriage diplomacy and took control of Baku in
1767.

Fatali Khan's ultimate goal was to make Shaki.... as the centre of his khanate
suggested dividing this khanate with Shaki. Their united forces captured it in
1767, but a year after Quba took control completely. The next target, Javad, was
added in 1768.

Quba united almost all of the northern-east regions under its control. It was the
most successful attempt at union policy. However, these achievements were not
welcomed by other khanates and foreign countries.

Karabakh, Shaki, Shamakhi, and Dagestan allied against Quba. These allies
defeated Quba at the Battle of Gavdushan in 1774. The allies besieged Derbend
for nine months. Fatali Khan asked for help from Russia. Russia obliged and sent
military aid forcing the allies to surrender.

Fatali Khan sought to unite Karabakh with diplomacy. He attacked several times
between 1780-1781 but failed to take control. His next plan was to restore
Safavids' territorial borders under his leadership; therefore, he began an attack on
the southern khanates.

Ardabil and Meshkin were taken in 1784, but after the objection of Russia, he had
to leave southern areas. After Fatali's death, Quba lost strength, and all
dependent areas were gradually liberated.

Shamakhi khanate
Shamakhi khanate was located in Shirvan. It was one of the biggest khanates, but
internal conflicts and fight against other khanates weakened it. In the middle of
the XVIII century, independent khanates formalized in old and new Shamakhi.
Muhammad said khan and Agahasi khan founded their rule in Old Shamakhi, Haji
Mahammadali khan declared his reign in new Shamakhi. Muhammad said khan
united Shamakhi defeating Haji Mahammadali khan in 1763, so diarchy ended in
Shamakhi.
The mighty Fatali khan (Quba khan) captured Shamakhi and made it dependent on
Quba khanate till Fatali khan’s death. After independence fight over throne began since
1789 and ended by Mustafa khan's victory in 1792. Shamakhi khanate became much
more potent since that time.

Ganja khanate
Ganja khanate was founded by a glorious member of Ziyadoghlu dynasty- Shahverdi
khan. This khanate was one of the international trade centres besides locating in a
strategically important area. In the 50s of XVIII century Ganja became dependent on
Karabakh khanate.
Ganja was divided between Karabakh and Georgian kingdom in 1780. Their
representatives had to rule Ganja at the same time anymore. Diarchy emerged in Ganja,
and this situation lasted till 1783. Local people resisted this ruling system and ended
diarchy with a riot. One of the national heroes Javad khan Ziyadoghlu came to power
and ruled between 1786-1804. During his reign, Ganja strengthened its power.

Baku, Lankaran, Derbend

Baku khanate was founded by one of the local feudals Mirza Mohammad khan. The
territory of the khanate covered Absheron peninsular and Baku city. Mirza Mohammad
khan made some efforts to improve agriculture, strengthen Baku castle. Baku was
known as port city and centre of crafting and trade. Oil, salt, saffron were a primary
source of income.
In 1767 Baku became dependent on Quba khanate. After Fatali khan's death, it restored
its independence and fight over the throne began. Huseinqulu khan accepted protection
from Russia, but a change in the Russian throne ended this situation. Russian troops had
to leave Azerbaijan.
Lankaran khanate existed since Nadir shah's period. Qara khan (Jamaluddin Mirza bey)
was a founder. He attempted to improve khanate economically and politically.
In 1785 Qara khan accepted dependence on Quba to prevent foreign invasion. Mir
Mustafa khan succeeded Qara khan in 1786.

Mahammadhuseyn khan founded Derbend khanate. Dissatisfied people addressed

Quba khanate for protection, so Fatali khan united Derbend to Quba in 1759.
 Aga Mohammad Qajar’s attack to northern Azerbaijan
Aga Muhammad Qajar intended to restore the Safavid empire. Initially, he tried
to use diplomacy by sending letters to Azerbaijan khanates and kingdom of Kartli-
Kakheti in1795, but all were rejected.

Karabakh, Lankaran allied against Qajar and Kartli- Kakheti with Irevan joining,
too. Ganja and Shaki sent representatives to declare their loyalty. It was then that
Qajar decided to begin his attack. Some khanates asked for help from Russia.
Qajar began the attack from 3 directions. In 1795 he attacked from Dagestan
(through Mugan), Karabakh, and Irevan. Aliqulu Khan led the Irevan attack, and
Irevan was captured. The main target was Karabakh, and the shah led this assault.
Shusha was besieged for 33 days however Qajar was unable to capture it. Qajar
then changed his objective and left for Tbilisi, where he successfully captured the
city.
While Aga Mohammad Qajar’s army was in Ganja, he suggested another alliance
again by sending a representative to Shusha; however, it was rejected. Qajar
invaded Shamakhi, benefiting from disputes among the khanates.
In November 1795, news of the Russian arrival to the South Caucasus spread.
Agha Mohammad Qajar was forced to leave Azerbaijan.
The Russian army came to Azerbaijan under Zubov's leadership in 1796. Russia
quickly captured the Southern Caucasus. Catherine the Great died in 1796, and
Russian troops were called back.
Agha Mohammad Shah Qajar tried to capture Azerbaijan again. He sent troops to
Tabriz, and he left for Ardabil. Nakhchivan, Lankaran became dependent on him.
His main target was Karabakh, so he went to Shusha.
Ibrahim Khalil Khan destroyed the Khudaferin bridge to prevent Qajar’s army
crossing the Aras river in 1795 (Qajar’s first attack). This time Qajar could not
cross the Aras and stopped here. Qajar lost food supplies and weapons because
of the resistance in Karabakh.
Qajar approached Shusha after gathering forces. In 1797, the first attack was not
successful; Shusha was well defended. Shah Qajar used artillery forcing the khan
to flee with his family. The elders of Shusha sent a representative to the Shah.
They expressed fear of letting Qajar enter the city. According to the written
sources, Qajar swore on the Koran to not touch the people, but in exchange,
money demanded. Eventually, Qajar was permitted to enter the city.
Agha Mohammad Qajar was assassinated in Shusha in July 1797. After his death,
all troops left.

Questions:
1. Which reasons led to the emergence of khanates in Azerbaijan?
2. Write the names of the most powerful khanates.

3. Which khanate is known as the first independent one?

4. When was the battle of “Bayat”?
5. Describe the "Qizilqaya betrayal."
6. Do little research about the "Galasan-Goresen" castle.
7. Which khanates were in Southern Azerbaijan?
8. Who was the founder of Urmia khanate?
9. Talk about "Shiraz qonagligi" and compare it with "Qizilqaya betrayal."
10.Who was the founder of Tabriz khanate?
11. How was the situation of Karabakh before independence?
12. Which castles were built in Karabakh for defence?
13. Cite the Christian Alban melikdoms controlled by Karabakh
14. Which similar and different features exist between Irevan and
Nakhchivan khanates?
15. Who founded the khanate regime in Quba?
16. Write areas annexed to Quba by Fatali khan with years.
17. When was the battle of Gavdushan?
18. Why did Quba fail to unite all Azerbaijan under its leadership?
19. Write an essay "Qajar's historical personality" doing further research
about him.
20. Why did Qajar attack to Azerbaijan?
 21. When did he attack the first time?
22. Say the three directions in the Iran army for the invasion of Azerbaijan?
23. Why did Agha Mahammad Qajar return to Iran in 1795?
24. Which city was in siege for 33 days by Qajar’s army?
25. When did Qajar attack second time?
26. How did he manage to take control of all areas?

The 1st Russian- Iran War

Difficult political, economic and international situation let Russia implement its
invasion plans easier. Russia could complete invasion of North Caucasus through
South Caucasus.
Europe, mainly, France and England, had some interests in South Caucasus, too.
They did not want to permit Russia to invade this area. Russia's policy of
Azerbaijan worried Iran and their relations become more complicated.
Qajars signed political and trade treaty with England in 1801. It triggered Russia to
take action.
Russia united eastern Georgia in 1801. Gubernia was formalized based on this
area ruled by Russian commander, and some traditional Azerbaijan lands Qazakh,
Borchali, Shamshaddil, Pambak included to this administrative unit.
In 1802 the Russian government made a meeting with Dagestan feudals and some
Azerbaijani khans also participated in Georgiyevsk. Sides signed a treaty about the
protection of Russia and accepting dependence. Russia promised not to touch the
home rule of these areas.
Char-Balakan area was located on the road to Azerbaijan. Russian commander
Sisianov paid attention, especially the invasion of this area. Russian army attacked
Char-Balakan and faced resistance of local people. The battle around Qanikh
(Alazan) took place in 1803, Russians captured Char-Balakan. People signed a deal
called “Andli Ohdelik” with Russia about protection in exchange of dependence.
The next target was Ganja for Russians. Sisianov sent a letter to Javad khan (ruler
of Ganja). There was written ultimatum for the invasion of Ganja. Javad khan
refused accepting invasion. Javad khan received the 2nd letter, and he replied "You
can invade Ganja only after my death. I will not obey you". The battle of
Quruqobu for the defence of Ganja took place between these sides. After a
month of siege, Ganja was invaded as a result of unequal forces. Javad khan and
his son Huseynqulu khan were killed in defence of Ganja. In January 1804 Ganja
was invaded entirely. After invasion name of the city was changed to Yelizavetpol
for the glory of Alexander's wife.
The Qajars demanded the withdrawal of Russian troops holding the South
Caucasus. Russia refused and cut off all diplomatic relations. Thus starting, the 1 st
Russian- Iranian war in 1804.
The first battle took place in Uchkilsa in 1804, which ended in a Russian victory.
Another battle was in Kamarli in the same year, but this time the Qajars defeated
the Russian troops.
Karabakh and Shaki, Shamakhi signed the treaty of Kurekchay in 1805. Sisianov
initially demanded voluntary union sending letter to Karabakh khanate.
Ibrahimkhalil khan accepted dependence, preserving home-rule. Khan promised
to feed and keep Russian troops, should also give a satisfying per cent of his
income to Russia. Ibrahimkhalil khan mediated Shaki to sign the same treaty with
Russia.
In June 1805 Qajar army under Abbas Mirza's leadership attacked to Karabakh.
The battle around Zayam ended by Russians' victory.
Russian commander Sisianov addressed Shamakhi khan for next Kurakchay treaty.
Mir Mustafa khan had demanded dependence and Sisianov did not agree with
him, but Shamakhi also signed this treaty after Russians' attack.
Sisianov’s next target was Baku. Baku khan Huseynqulu tried to prevent invasion.
When Sisianov reached to Baku castle, Huseinqulu Khan called Sisianov for
meeting to hand over the keys of the city. During the meeting, Huseinqulu Khan
killed Sisianov, leaving Russian troops without a commander in 1806. His
assassination made the situation worse.
Derbend, Baku, and Quba were occupied in 1806. Invasion of entire north
Azerbaijan forced Fatali shah to negotiate about the peace treaty. However, the
negotiations lasted longer than expected. Russians attacked Irevan in 1808and
surrounded the city for a while; it was unsuccessful. Qajars army defeated
Russians in the battle of Quruqobu in 1809.
Except for Lankaran, Nakhchivan, and Irevan, the whole north of Azerbaijan was
under Russian control.
In 1810 the Qajar’s forces were defeated by Russians at the Battle of Sungu. In
1812 Russia lost the battle of Sultanbud against Abbas Mirza’s forces. The Battle
of Aslanduz ended with a Qajar victory, too. Russia attacked unexpectedly in the
direction of Mughan by crossing the Aras River. Russia also invaded Lankaran.
After long talks in Gulustan village, the two sides signed an agreement on 12 th
October 1813. The Qajars recognized Ganja, Karabakh, Shaki, Shirvan, Quba,
Baku, and Lankaran territories, even Eastern Georgia and Dagestan as being
under Russian control. Only Irevan and Nakhchivan in northern Azerbaijan were
under the Qajars' control. Furthermore, Russia had negotiated the right to hold its
troops on the Caspian Sea in addition to being free from paying internal customs
for trade. By signing the treaty of Gulustan, the partition of Azerbaijan had begun.

Russian regime in Azerbaijan and the 2nd Russian- Iran War

Russia implemented a new regime in invaded areas. Commandants (Russian
officials to rule each previous khanate. The old khanate regime was abolished in
all khanates gradually. Some khans got the general title, and they were
dependent on the head of Caucasus province.
The Russian government paid attention to the improvement of fishing, silk, oil
industry, etc.
England promised to support Iran by reviewing the Gulustan treaty and showed
its support by sending military supplies. Qajar member Abbas Mirza reformed the
military formalized the new army. In the 20s of the XIX century, England increased
its financial support to Iran.
Russia also sent a delegation under Yermolov’s leadership to Iran in 1817. Russia
intended to improve relations with Iran, although this failed. Yermolov was not
welcomed in Qajars’ palace.
Iran signed a supportive treaty with the Ottoman empire in 1823. A new
movement that was in December 1825 forced Russia to be more attentive.
The Russian government made an extra effort to avoid war with an offer to
release control of Karabakh and Lankaran, but this was not accepted.
Abbas Mirza's army entered northern Azerbaijan in 1826 and the second war
began soon after. Iran army had freed all areas from Russian troops except
Shusha, Baku, and Quba.
The Qajars' army besieged Shusha for 48 days. It was a big mistake for Iran. The
Qajars attacked Baku; however, this was also a failure. The Iranian troops came to
the Ganja to confront the Russian army. The first battle was around Shamkir and
Shah troop was defeated. The next battle around Ganja ended in a Russian
victory which forced the Shah’s soldiers to leave northern Azerbaijan.
Tsar replaced Yermelov with Ivan Paskevich as commander. In the spring of 1827
military operations resumed. Russia began the invasion of Irevan and Nakhchivan
in 1827. Nakhchivan was invaded on 26th May 1827. The Battle of Javanbulag took
place between the Qajars and Russia, ending in a Russian victory.

The Russians marched towards Irevan. They attacked Serderabad Castle, but it
was vigorously defended. The attack on Irevan completed with invasion in
October 1827. I. Paskevich was awarded the title “Erivanski” for the invasion of
Irevan.
After these areas, Russia shifted its forces to southern Azerbaijan. Tabriz was
invaded in 1827.

Turkmanchay peace treaty

The Russian commander, Paskevich, ordered the invasion of Ardabil and Urmia in
January 1828. Fearing the loss of further territory, Abbas Mirza and Paskevich
began negotiations in Turkmanchay village next to Tabriz in February 1828. Russia
demanded the southern areas that were under Qajars' control; however, the
Ottoman threat of attack in these areas was too high; therefore, Paskevich had to
give up on this claim.
On 10th February 1828, Russia and Iran signed the peace treaty of Turkmanchay,
which consisted of 16 points. Regarding this agreement, the process of the
division of Azerbaijan completed: Southern Azerbaijan was recognized as part of
Iran, whereas Northern Azerbaijan was taken officially by Russia. After this treaty,
Nakhchivan and Irevan territories were included in the northern part, too.
According to the points of Turkmanchay, the Iranian shah recognized the Caspian
Sea as being under Russian control and with only the Russian allowed to keep a
fleet there. The shah was forced to pay compensation to Russia.
One point was dedicated to the settlement of Armenians from Iran and defending
these people's rights. The Armenians were moved to mainly Karabakh, Irevan,
and Nakhchivan areas.
Russia and the Ottomans ended the ongoing war by signing the treaty of Adirna in
1829. The Armenian settlement to Azerbaijan from the Ottoman Empire was one
of the main points of this treaty.

Questions:
1. Why was the war between Iran and Russia inevitable?
2. How did the war begin?
3. Which areas were invaded by Russia firstly?
4. Who was Javad khan, and what did he do?
5. What was about “treaty of Kurakchay”?
6. How did Sisianov die?
7. When was the battle of Aslanduz?
8. Which area was the last invaded area by Russia during the war?
9. How and when was the treaty of Gulustan signed?
10. Describe the main points of the treaty of Gulustan
11. Write areas for invasion years by Russia during the first war:

1801 1803

1804 1805

1806 1812

12. How was the situation in invaded areas after the first war?
13. What did Russia do to avoid the next war with Iran?
14. Why was Iran so willing to begin a new war?
15. How and when did the 2nd war begin?
16. Except which cities did Qajars free from Russian invasion?
17. What was the Qajars’ mistake during the 2nd war?
18. When did the battle of Javanbulaq take place?
19. Which areas were invaded by Russia in 1827?
20. Which areas were invaded in 1828?
 21. How and when was the treaty of Turkmanchay signed?
22. Which point was about the settlement of Armenians?
23. What was the most crucial difference in the Turkmanchay treaty?
24. Write the years for each war between Russia and Iran:

Azerbaijan in 20-30s of XIX century

The Turkmanchay treaty completed the division of Azerbaijan, and a new regime
replaced previous khanates. At the top of the government was the ruler that was
appointed by the Russian Tsar. These rulers had the authority to control the
taxation process and appoint the smaller governmental officials like naib,
kendkhuda. The commandants took control of the trial system gradually.
The Tsarist government abolished all rights and privileges of the local feudal lords.
Senators Kutaysov and Mechnikov came to Azerbaijan to control financial and
political issues between 1828-1829.
The Russian Empire wanted to gain support in captured areas. Therefore, the
Germans, the Armenians, and the Russians were sent to Azerbaijan and settled
here. The Germans were settled to encourage farming. The new villages
(Yelenendorf and Annenfeld ) were built for the Germans in Azerbaijan.
The settlement of the Armenians began with the Turkmanchay and Edirne
treaties. They were mainly sent to Irevan, Nakhchivan, and Karabakh. More than
130 000 Armenians came in a short period. These Armenians were free from all
taxes and compulsory duty for six years.
On the 20th of October 1830, Tsar declared an ordinance. Hundreds of Russians
were sent to mainly Shirvan, Karabakh, Lankaran. The Yelenendorf, Annenfeld
settlements were built.
The peasants were classified as public and private peasants. Silk was one of the
leading agricultural products and Shaki, Shusha, and Shamakhi was famous for silk
production. “Silk culture and trade supporting a community in the Caucasus"
opened in Shaki in 1836.
The discounted trade tariff was accepted in 1821 in the South Caucasus.
According to this tariff, the customs fees for imports decreased by 50 %. It revived
trade around the country. Internal custom – rahdar was abolished in 1836, a
single currency, the measurement system was established.
 Uprisings against the Russian regime
The new Russian regime caused particular problems. Political, social, and
economic situations worsened, and rebellions were inevitable.
Political New commandant regime, arbitrary governmental officials
Economic Increase in tax and duties
Social Pressure on local feudals, confiscation of their lands and
settlement policy

The 1st revolt took place in Char –Balakan in 1830 under Hamzat Bey's and Sheikh
Shaban's leadership. This area had home rule since 1803, and local rulers were
paying the Russian government a certain amount of money. Russia demanded
payment, but local rulers refused to pay. Therefore, the Russian government sent
troops to Char-Balakan, making the area controlled by Russia completely. Rebels
groups organized and established the "Temporary Council" to control the revolt.
However, the fighting forces were not equal, so rebels were forced to surrender,
and the majority of them were exiled.
The Lankaran Khanate was replaced with the Russian Tsarist regime in 1826. The
previous Khan, Mirhasan, fled to Iran. Local people were burdened with a
threefold rise in taxes. People invited the previous Khan to come back and fight
against Russia. He returned to his motherland in 1831 and became the leader of
the movement although this uprising failed.
The most potent rebellion took place in Quba in 1837 for almost the same
reasons. Russian rulers placed taxes on mosques and other religious institutions,
much angering the local population. The excuse for the rebellion was a meeting of
militants in Quba. Under Haji Muhammed's leadership, the Military Council was
founded to control the uprising. They had the more significant military force with
12 000 soldiers. However, after several battles they were forced to surrender, the
leaders were exiled to Siberia, and the majority of participants were punished.
Mashadi Muhammed led another rebellion in 1838 in Shaki with the support of
Daghestan rebels. It also ended with failure.
Russian colonization policy
After the uprisings, the Russian government decided to change the unsuccessful
ruling system. Tsar Nicolai signed the "Administrative- trial reform in the Caucasus.
th
Act" on the 10 of April 1840. The commandant regime was replaced with a new
regime. According to this regime gubernia (governorate), qeza (district) and sahe
(field) were new structural divisions. The South Caucasus was split into two parts:
Khazar province and Georgian- Imereti gubernia.
The trial system was renewed: all local officers were fired and replaced with
Russians. Furthermore, the trial system was wholly controlled by the Russian
court. These courts controlled all aspects of life and were conducted in the
Russian language. Only wedding and heritage issues were left to a sharia court.
This new regime also failed. Therefore, Russia established yet another new
governing regime. The administrative power was given to janishins, who also had
military and executive power. During this time, Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Shamakhi, and
Derbent gubernias were founded. On the 6th of December 1846, the Russian
government gave back local owners' rights over their heritable lands which were
taken away before. The Russian government intended to gain local landowners'
support with this law.
The next step was to pass a law that regulated relations between peasants and
landowners. "Villagers' rights regulations "(kendli esasnameleri) was passed in
1847. Every man above 15 was provided with a small land, in exchange, a
peasant had to pay 1/10 of the product to the state.
Bourgeoisie reforms

The reforms of 40s in XIX century failed to make significant changes. Since
capitalist relations already began to influence society.
In 1861 peasant reform was passed in Russia that legalized reinforcement. Though
the Russian government was delaying this process in Azerbaijan excusing
dependency on feudal being not that radical and not having favourable conditions
for reform.
Eventually, the Russian government confirmed regulation about feudal peasants on
the 14th of May 1870 in Azerbaijan. Three main points had been highlighted on
this: freeing peasants from feudal dependency, land share, tax policy.
This regulation did not make feudal peasant completely free, and it became
"temporarily dependent" for a long time. Peasant had to pay "maljahat"(1/10% of
product) for using lands of feudals. Compulsory work abolished, for each land
share, the peasant would get money.
Trial reform was implemented later in Azerbaijan than central Russia. It passed in
1866 in Azerbaijan. According to reform, classed court system replaced with a
standard court system for all people. The trial process should be open to everyone
in the Russian language. Judicial body members could only be from Russian or
Christian.
City reform was in Russia in 1870, in Baku 1878, in Ganja in 1892.

Education in the 2nd half of XIX century

The primary purpose of Russia after the invasion was to formalize a loyal
education system to Tsarism. Azerbaijani language should be replaced by Russian
completely. Hence regulation about opening new Russian primary schools was
accepted in 1829. The first school was opened in Shusha in 1830. However, the
education process was in
Russian, Azerbaijan language was also taught.
According to the new regulation of 1872, all these primary village schools turned
to private city schools. In 1874 Regulation about opening new primary village
schools were accepted. The first secondary school –gymnasium was opened in the
Russian language in Baku in 1865. The first gymnasium for girls was opened in
Baku in 1874. Gori Teachers Seminary that began to work since 1876 played an
essential role in the preparation of new teaching staff. Azerbaijan branch of
Teachers Seminary began its work since 1879 as a result of great efforts by
M.F.Akhundov and Aleksey Cheryayevsky.
The first Russian-Azerbaijan school was opened in Baku in 1887 by S.M.Ganizadeh
and Habib bey Mahmudbeyov. Unlike other Russian schools, Azerbaijan language
was a compulsory subject in the first education year.
New type schools were opened in northern Azerbaijan between 60-90s of XIX
century. Analytical knowledge replaces memorization without physical
punishment and great use of educational equipment.
Knowledge: Abbasqulu Agha Bakikhanov was the first prominent researcher that
investigating Azerbaijan history based on primary sources. His work "Gulustani-
Irem" reflects Azerbaijan history since ancient times till the Gulustan treaty. Haji
Zeynalabdin Shirvani and A.Bakikhanov had a significant role in the development
of geography. Mirza Kazimbey and Mirjafar Topchubashov played a vital role in the
foundation of Oriental studies in Russia. Mirza Kazimbey is considered "founder of
Oriental studies of Russia".

THE SHAPE OF CAPITALIST RELATIONS

Changes occurred all over the world in the second half of the 19th century. These
changes also influenced the social-economic life of Azerbaijan.
In this period, there was an essential revival of industry in Azerbaijan, especially
in the oil industry. In 1848, oil wells were created with a new drilling method for
the first time in Baku. In 1864 compulsory work for peasants was abolished in oil
refineries of Balakhani. The lending system in the oil industry was cancelled in
1872.
"Simens brothers" bought a copper plant in Gadabay and made it into the biggest
copper-producing plant in the Russian Empire. This company developed this field,
building a new copper plant in Qalakend in 1883. Russian capitalists opened a
new silk factory in Shaki in 1861.
The Russian capitalists built the first white oil plant in Surakhani. Javad Malikov
also built a new white oil plant-based on this project. The national capital of the
oil industry was represented by Z.Tagiyev, Musa Nagiyev, Shemsi Esedullayev,
Murtuza Mukhtarov.
The Nobel brothers founded a company in 1879 in Baku. In the 1880s French and
1890s English capital entered the Baku oil industry. In 1883 the first railway
connecting Baku and Tbilisi was built. In 1886 the first centralized telephone line
station launched in Azerbaijan. Haji Zeynalabdin Tagiyev opened the first spinning
factory in 1900. The Baku-Batumi oil-pipe, built between 1897-1907, substantially
enlarged the opportunities for export of Azerbaijan oil. By this point, 90% of all
Russian oil was exported from Baku.

Azerbaijan National Independence Movement

By the middle of the XIX century, there were two classes: the bourgeoisie and the
workers. All these changes and developments triggered the formation of the
Azerbaijani nation in the 2nd half of XIX. The national independence movement
began in the last term of the XIX century. The primary purpose of this movement
was to eradicate Russian nationalism, discrimination against the Muslims and to
improve the literacy rate and the regaining of self-government.
The1st stage (Awaking of nationalism period) was in between 1875-1904. This
stage is famous for the formation of the ideas on nationalism and the importance
of education. M. F. Akhundzade, H. Zardabi, A. Aghayev, M.Shakhtantinski were
famous intellectuals. M.F. Akhundzade used the word of "Azerbaijani nation" for
the first time in the press.
In 1875, H.Zardabi began to publish the paper of “Akhinchi" (1875-1877) which
was considered the foundation of the Azerbaijan press. In 1894, N.Narimanov
opened the first Azerbaijan Public library-reading hall in Baku. H.Zardabi and N.
Vazirov founded the national theatre in 1873. Haji Zeynalabdin built a theatre in
Baku in 1883.
 South Azerbaijan as a part of Qajars’ state
After Turkmanchay treaty south part of Azerbaijan remained under Qajar’s
control. Tabriz became the 2nd capital city in Iran. The royal family and
government officials were misusing their authority, and people were dissatisfied.
South Azerbaijan was considered one of the four parts of Iran and all khanates
were replaced with the provincial system. South Azerbaijan was the place where
Qajar's heir had to reside.
The primary resource of income was farming, cattle-breeding, crafting and trade.
Foreign capital increased with Russian, English traders' arrival in the 2 nd half of XIX
century. Sometimes local people were leaving for other countries to earn their
lives. They were considered as cheapest working labour in these countries most
of the time.
An unsuccessful political system, massive import of weaving products made
ordinary people's lives harder. Riots and uprisings were inevitable.
The biggest riot is known as "Babism movement" began in Zanjan in 1848.
Women were active in this movement, and they demanded equal rights the first
time in Iran history. However, riot ended in 1852 by the Qajar government.
In 1872 new protest wave began due to economic pressure and it resulted by the
expulsion of Tabriz governor in 1881.
"Tobacco riots" spread in the majority of Iran since 1891. The main reason for
these riots was shah's ordinance about giving all tobacco production to English
capitalist Talbot's company. Nevertheless, the shah had to cancel this ordinance,
and the English company had to close all trade relations relating South Azerbaijan.
In 1898 new uprising began against grain jobbery and Zeynab Pasha led it. She
distributed grain among people seizing grain storages.
Questions:
1. Put a tick for each statement.
Statement True False
After Turkmancay, khanate regime was replaced with the new regime
– commandant.
The Russian Empire sent the Germans, the Armenians & the Russians
to Azerbaijan to gain support in invaded areas.
The settlement of the Armenians began with Gulustan & Edirne
treaties.
2. When was Rahdar – internal custom abolished?
3. When did Tsar declare an ordinance?
4. What was the discounted trade tariff that accepted in 1821?
5. Describe the "Administrative- trial reform in Caucasus Act."
6. How did the Russian government reform the trial system?
7. When did the Russian government give back local owners’ rights over
their heritable lands?
8. What was about “Villagers’ rights regulations “passed in 1847?
9. Who was leading uprising in Lankaran?
10.Line the uprisings against the Russian regime with correct chronological
order:

1. 2. 3. 4.
11.Which uprising was the most organized?
12.When was the first oil well released with the drilling method in Baku?
13.Who was a pioneer in the national oil industry?

14. Which foreign capitals entered to Azerbaijan oil industry?

15.When was the national newspaper published the first time?
16. Who was editor-in-chief of the “Akinchi” newspaper?
17. When was national theatre founded in Azerbaijan?
18. Who opened the first Azerbaijan public library reading hall?
19. Which public figures played a crucial role in the first stage of National
independence?
20. When was the Baku-Tbilisi railway built?
21. Write the years for the first stage of the National Independence
movement :
22. Where did “Simens brothers" buy a copper plant?
 23.Write a short essay named “What is capitalism?”

The new stage of the independence war

The first political demonstration against Russia was in Baku in 1903. The first great
general strike took place in 1903 in Baku. The main demands were an 8-hour
working day and an increase in wages. Army forces destroyed this strike cruelly.

In December 1904, workers began a more significant strike with 50.000

participants. On 30th December oil industrialists agreed to the demands and
passed the "Black oil Constitution". This document decreased the working hours
to 9 hours a day, wages rose 20- 25%, and one day off a week was granted.

The movement spread so much that the Russian government set up a new
military post to control the order in 1905. The General governor had increased
authority. In 1905, in Baku, martial law was declared.

Russia and England colonized almost all of Iran. The Shah was weak, and in order
not to lose his power, accepted demands to pass a new constitution in 1906.
Elective bodies were founded in all Persian villages.

One elective body had been founded in Tabriz, but the new Shah refused it. It led
to an uprising in Tabriz in 1907.

The Shah had to sign another new constitution. Russian troops supported the
Shah’s regime and destroyed demonstrations. Tabriz was under the control of
Sattar Khan and was defended by rebels. The rebel force numbered about 20.000.
They founded the military council and defeated the government forces several
times. Haji Zeynalabdin Tagiyev and other nationalists supported them financially.

England and Russia joined this struggle against them in 1909. Sattar Khan
understood the situation was turning against him and was ready for compromise
in 1910. In 1910 Sattar Khan died, and by 1911 the rebellion was ended
altogether.

The Azerbaijanis’ massacre by Armenians

The Dashnaktsutyun party was founded in 1890 in Tbilisi. They fought for the
foundation of great Armenia. The Russian government used the Armenians to
slaughter Turk-Muslim majority in the South Caucasus.
 st
The 1 national massacre was in Baku in February 1905, thousands of people
died on both sides. The next attacks were in Nakhchivan, Irevan. Many volunteer
patriots came to defend local people from across Azerbaijan, 400 Armenians were
killed.
A massive attack was planned in Shusha in August 1905. Azerbaijani intellectuals
supported the soldiers. In July 1906, the commander of Russian forces in Shusha-
Goloshapov gave the order to burn local houses, but volunteers managed to
defeat them.

Between 1905-1906, 158 Azerbaijan villages were destroyed and burnt.

National Movement ( the 2nd stage ) : 1904- 1911

The main demands of this movement were for an authoritative republic structure.
A. Topchubashov, J. Mammadquluzade, M.A.Sabir, A. Aghayev, U. Hajibeyli played
a vital role in the struggle for an independent Azerbaijan. They wanted self-
government in a constitutional monarchy.

Azerbaijan national Democrats joined the front of Russian Muslims. In August

1905, Azerbaijan, Kazan, and Crimean Turks organized the first meeting of Russian
Muslims. They declared the foundation of the Russian Muslim community. In
January 1906 the 2nd meeting was held where the main demands were
announced.

The initial demand was the foundation of unique Muslim self-government as part
of the Russian constitutional empire. In August 1906, the 3rd meeting was held.
The Central Committee had been decided to open in Baku as a headquarter of
movement.

1. Creation of National Parties and Organizations

2. Azerbaijani people in WWI
At the beginning of the new century, our national movement became more
organized and significant. Many young intellectuals returned to Azerbaijan after
getting education abroad and played a crucial role to prevent discrimination
against them.
 The first political organization – Muslim Youth Organization was founded in 1902
by Mammad Amin Rasulzadeh. In 1904, Hummet was established by several
intellectuals. It was a social democrat (Bolshevik) organization that was mainly
working-class dominated.
The 1st national party – Qeyret was founded in Ganja in 1905 by Alakbar
Rafibeyov. Its main goal was to obtain authority inside the Russian Empire.
After the massacre in 1905-1906, the protection of the nation was remarkable.
Ahmad bey Aghayev created the "Difai" party in 1906 in Baku. This party was so
organized that it founded several special militant groups in certain places.
Another organization that was founded against Armenian violence was “Mudafie”
in 1907 by Ismail khan Ziyadkhanli.
Azerbaijan's national independence movement moved to a new stage after the
foundation of Musavat. Musavat (equality) was established in 1911 by
Mammadali Rasulzadeh, Taghi Naghiyev, and Abbasgulu Kazimzadeh. In 1913
Mammad Amin Resaulzadeh returned from exile and became a leader of this
party. They began to publish their newspaper called "Achig Soz” from 1915.
These people participated, and some made speeches in the Russian Duma.
Initially, they wanted only self-rule; later, they demanded independence.
For nearly a century, since 1886, Azerbaijani men were not called for military
service; they paid a military tax instead. Russia mainly Georgians and Armenians
when fighting against the Ottomans. The Russians gained victory in the battle of
Sarigamish which lasted from December 1914- January 1915.
Ali-Agha Shikhlinski was called the "godfather of Russian artillery". He organized
the defence of Petrograd. Samad Bey Mehmandarov was another general that
defeated the Germans with " Lodz operation". Huseyn Khan Nakhcivanski,
Ibrahim Agha Vekilov also were famous generals. The 1st Azerbaijani military pilot
was Farrukh Agha Gayibov.
According to the 1905 Tsar ordinance, 50.000 Azerbaijanis between 18-23 years
old served in the military. Azerbaijan supplied 80 % of oil resources.

1) Azerbaijan after the February revolution

2) Cultural changes in the XX century

The February revolution ended the empire regime in Russia and affected
Azerbaijan too. The Caucasus government that ruled Azerbaijan was replaced
with The Special Transcaucasian Committee. The Social Democrats formed a party
and established the Baku Workers Deputies Soviet in March 1917.
The Azerbaijan National Independence movement took action, and the 1 st
meeting of Musavat party was held in October 1917.
In October 1917 Bolshevik revolution broke out and after this change, the new
socialist rule was founded in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijanis, Georgians, Armenians were
represented in this government.
This government ended the war with Ottomans with the Erzinjan treaty on the
5th of December 1917. Russian troops left the area but surrendered all military
supplies to Georgians and Armenians. During their retreat, they attacked nearly
200 Azerbaijani villages. Azerbaijani representatives demanded the disarmament
of remaining troops and the surrender of all arms. The Russians disarmed after
clashes in Shamkir.
Small conflicts led to the foundation of the Transcaucasian Council ("Sejm") in
February 1918 in which Azerbaijan had 44 representatives. This Sejm failed in
solving problems with the Ottomans after WWI. After the solution of the
territorial problems, the Sejm declared the foundation of the Transcaucasian
Democratic Republic in April 1922.

The 1st girls' school was opened in 1901 with H.Z Taghiyev’s investment. Jalil
Memmedguluzadeh published the "Molla Nasreddin” journal in 1906. The 1 st
national film was produced in 1916, and the 1st national opera was played in 1908.

Genocide against Turk-Muslim people

Baku was a unique city that was not dependent on the Transcaucasian
governments. Instead, Baku became the centre of Bolshevik rule with the
foundation of the Socialist government in October 1917. Stepan Shaumian was
the leader of this Bolshevik government in the Caucasus, and his primary purpose
was to spread socialism throughout the Caucasus. Russia supplied the Baku
Socialists with weapons, artillery, and money.
On the eve of the March genocide, the Baku Soviet had 20.000 strong military
force. On the 15th of March 1918, the Baku Soviet signed a confidential
agreement with dashnaks and other Armenian parties.
On the 24th of March, this government ordered Azerbaijanis to disarm all
militants on the "Evelina" ship. The building of Ismailia, Taghiyev's theatre
building, editorial offices of "Achig Soz" and "Kaspi" newspapers were destroyed.
Overall, more than 50 000 people were killed in Baku from March to April. The
ADR established the Special Investigation Committee On the 15 th of July 1918.
Baku Soviets founded the official Baku People Soviet on the 25th of April 1918,
under the leadership of S.Shaumian. This government nationalized the national oil
industry and Khazar trade fleet on the 2nd of June 1918.
Questions:
1. When was the 2nd stage of the National Independence Movement?
2. How were people demanding their rights at this stage?
3. How was the result of the first strike in Baku?
4. Describe the demonstrations in Baku in the early XX century
5. Who was Sattar khan?
6. What led to the political movement in South Azerbaijan?
7. Why did the first political movement in South Azerbaijan fail?
8. When did Armenians found their nationalist party?
9. Where did the Armenians massacre Azerbaijani people?
10. How was the total result of this Muslim-Azerbaijani massacre?
11. What were the specific characters of the 2nd stage of movement?
12. What was the first political organization in Azerbaijan?
13. When was “Hummat “party founded?
14. Which parties were founded for defence reasons?
15. How did Azerbaijan participate in WWI?
16. Which public figures participated in WWI?
17. Who is known as a first military pilot?
18. Provide brief information about WWI
19. Write the years for each government:

Special Transcaucasian Committee--

Transcaucasian Council--

Transcaucasian Democratic
Republic--

20. Why did these governments fail?

21.When was the journal “Molla Nasreddin” published?
22. Which cultural changes happen at that time?
23. Make a presentation about “What is genocide”? (Give a brief
description of the victims at world scale)
24. What was the main excuse for the March genocide?
25. Which buildings got damaged during this massacre?
26. Who was Stepan Shaumyan?
 Foundation of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic
The Transcaucasian Sejm could not solve the problems among nations over war
with Ottomans. Georgia proclaimed independence on the 26th of May 1918.
The foundation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was declared on the 28th
of May. The National Council passed the "Declaration of Independence" which
had 6 points. The headquarters was located in Tbilisi, and Fatali Khan Khoyski led
the first government.
The initial task was to sign a treaty of friendship and peace with the Ottomans in
Batumi on the 4th of July 1918. So, the Ottoman Empire was the first state to
recognize the ADR and promised to give it military aid. When Turkish Muslims
were massacred by Bolshevik-Dashnaks in Ganja, the Ottoman commander Nuru
Pasha came to help. He organized the Caucasus Islam Army.
On the 16th of June, a new government was established in Ganja with the same
staff. The Baku Soviets' attacks on Ganja intensified. The Caucasus Islam Army
defeated the united forces of Dashnaks- Bolsheviks at the battle near Goychay, on
the 27th of June. Therefore on the 31st of July 1918, the Baku Soviets had to
retreat.
After the defeat of the Soviets, Mensheviks ruled Baku, and Nuru Pasha could
return on the 15th of September.
The home policy of the ADR (State construction)
The population of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was nearly 3,3 million, and
the historical area was about 97,3 km2. It was a parliamentarian republic,
consisting of 120 deputies.
The first three governments were led by F. Khoysky, the next two by Nasib bey
Yusifbeyli.
The Azerbaijan government confirmed the flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan on
the 24th of June, 1918, but the coherence of the Azerbaijani flag with the Turkish
flag was rejected. On the 9th of November, 1918, it was replaced with a new flag,
which was reflected in the white crescent and eight-angled star in blue, red, and
green colours. The three colours of the official flag of the Azerbaijan Republic
symbolized "Turkish national culture, modern European democracy, and Islamic
civilization".
On the 26th of June, 1918, the National Military Army was formalized. The
military minister was Samad bey Mehmandarov, and his assistant was Aliagha
Shixlinski. This army defeated the Armenians several times in Garabagh, Asgaran,
and Shusha.
On the 27th of June, the Azerbaijani (Turkish) language was declared as the
official language of the state.
On the 7th of December, 1918, the chairman of the National Council of
Azerbaijan, M.A.Rasulzadeh opened the first assembly of Parliament. In this
assembly, the prominent statesman was neutral (he wasn't a member of any
party). Ali Mardan bey Topchubashov was elected the chairman of Parliament and
the member of Musavat party Hasan bey Aghayev-his assistant (vice-chairman).
On the 11th of August, 1919, the "Azerbaijani citizenship law" was accepted.
The national government returned all nationalized properties: oil wells, factories,
trades, even sheep to previous owners. In September 1918 the national currency
was put in circulation. A year after, the State Bank was formalized.
The government paid attention to education issues much more. All education
institutions were nationalized. The law granting the opening of Baku State
University was passed on the 1st of September, 1919. Additionally, 100 young
people were sent abroad to study.

Foreign Policy

Azerbaijan faced Armenian territorial claims since independence. Armenia did

not have an area as a capital for a declaration of independence. They lay claim to
Irevan as a political centre, and Azerbaijan National Council agreed upon this after
lengthy disputes. On the 29th of May 1918, Armenia declared independence by
declaring Irevan as the capital. In doing so, Armenia had to give up claims on
Nagorno Karabakh and other territories.
The Armenian government did not keep their promise and began to attack
Zangazur, Nakhchivan, and Karabakh under Andronik's leadership. They
destroyed nearly 200 villages, and more than 100 000 Turk-Muslims became
refugees.
The national government founded the Karabakh gubernatorial regime to protect
these areas from Armenians on the 15th of January 1919. Khosrov bey Sultanov
was appointed a governor of this regime and to prevent further Armenian attacks.
The Azerbaijan government agreed to establish the Araz-Turk republic against the
Armenian attacks on Nakhchivan in November 1918. Later, the Nakhchivan
gubernatorial regime replaced it in February 1919. Armenia waged an armed
conflict over Zangazur, although both sides reached an agreement in Tbilisi in
1919. Almost 40 villages were destroyed.
The Azerbaijan government had good relations with some countries. Georgia and
Azerbaijan signed a military defensive agreement on the 16 th of June 1919. The
ADR singed a Friendship treaty with Iran on 21st 1920.
The ADR sent representatives to the Paris conference under A.Topchubashov's
leadership in 1919. The main goal of the Azerbaijan delegation was to get de-jure
recognition around the world. On the 11th of January 1920, the Azerbaijan
Democratic Republic was recognized de-facto by participants in the Paris peace
conference.

Soviet invasion
The socialist regime in Russia was planning a military invasion from the beginning
of 1920. This regime founded the Azerbaijan Communist Party, which played a
vital role in the Soviet invasion.
In April 1920 nearly 130.000 soldiers gathered in the northern regions of
Azerbaijan. The majority of national troops were in Karabakh to prevent an
Armenian uprising. Russia took advantage of this situation and sent an ultimatum
to the national government. They demanded the hand over of the rule of
Azerbaijan on the 26th of April 1920. Russia promised to keep the independence
of Azerbaijan and not to send Soviet troops to Azerbaijan.
On the 27th of April 1920, the Red Army entered Azerbaijan, and the next day the
foundation of Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic was proclaimed. The head of
the new communist government was Nariman Narimanov.
The new regime did some socialist changes. All lands were confiscated to share
with local peasants. The government nationalized the Khazar trade fleet, banks,
factories. All titles and national ranks were cancelled. Azerbaijani oil wells were
nationalized, and the Azerbaijan Oil Committee (Azneft) was founded. The first
constitution was passed in 1921.

The national independence war in Southern Azerbaijan

The uprisings in Tabriz led to a national independence movement in southern
Azerbaijan in 1917. The movement was against the shah's regime and foreign
invaders. The Azerbaijan Democratic Party led the movement, and the leader of
the party was Sheikh Muhammed Khiyabani.
England made Qajars entirely dependent by signing the treaty of 1919. This
situation caused chaos among people. On the 7th of April 1920, the uprising began
under Khiyabani's leadership in Tabriz. The rebellion ended successfully with the
withdrawal of British troops from Tabriz.
Russia was also interested in supporting the movement and even suggested
financial aid. The Turkish leader Mustafa Kamal Ataturk also wanted to support
the movement; however, Khiyabani refused both.
The movement aimed to declare a republic in Iran and making Southern
Azerbaijan an authoritative part of this. So, the National Government was
formalized on the 23rd of June 1920. This government passed some reforms. The
lands were distributed among local people, and individual girls schools were
opened, lessons were conducted in the Turkish language, a national carpet
factory was built in Tabriz. National military and police forces began to work.
Sheikh Muhammed Khiyabani named his state "Azadistan". This state had a
strong relation with ADR.
The Qajars connected with the British empire and prepared a military coup
against Tabriz. On the 14th of September, the national government collapsed, the
leader died. The national movement ended with failure.

Questions:
1. When was the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic established?
2. Talk about the national governments struggle to survive and fight
against Bolsheviks.
3. Write the public figures for each post:
1. Head of parliament:
2. Head of the first three government:
3. Head of state:
4. Write extra information researching Nuru Pasha and his role for ADR.
5. Why did the government change its flag after several months?
6. How much was territory and population of ADR?
7. When was the act of Language passed?
8. When was held the first assembly of the National parliament?
9. Who was the Military minister?
10.What was done to manage the economic situation well?
11. Do exciting research about Mammad Amin Rasulzadeh's and other
founding fathers' personal lives.
12.Which actions were taken to improve education in ADR?
13.How was the tale of Irevan city?
14.Where was founded general gubernatorial regime?
15.Which areas were Armenians’ target at that time?
16.How were relations of ADR with neighbouring countries?
17. Where was the Aras-Turk republic established?
18. Talk about what was done to be recognized around the globe.
19. Write down about foreign policy and disputable areas in ADR to your
copybook.
20. How did the Red Army invade Azerbaijan?
21. What changed after being part of a socialist regime?
22. Who was appointed as head of the communist government in
Azerbaijan?
23. Who was Khiyabani?
24. What led to the national movement in South Azerbaijan?
25. When was the Tabriz uprising?
26. Who suggested help for the National Independence movement in the
South?
27. What did the Khiyabani’s National government reform in South
Azerbaijan?
28. How was this government collapse?

Uprisings against Soviet regime and socialist changes

 From April till August 1920, the Soviet regime killed 48.000 people, mainly
intellectuals and military officials. Nasib bey Yusifbeyli, Fatali khan Khoysky,
Hasan bey Aghayev were killed.
The first uprising against the Soviet regime took place in Ganja. The military
council ruled the uprising, which was between 25- 31 May. Russian soldiers were
sent to Ganja, and the uprising was destroyed.
The second uprising was in Karabakh on 29th May. They declared Nuru Pasha a
new governor instead of the Soviet regime. On 13th June the Red Army entered
the region and ended the uprising.
In Zagatala, Shaki, Shamkir, Lankaran uprisings took place against the socialist
regime, but all ended unsuccessfully.
The Azerbaijan SSR was a formal government that was ruled by the Russian
Communist Party. The Russian language was legalized. On 30th September 1920,
Russia and Azerbaijan SSR signed a "military-economic friendship" deal (Moscow
treaty). Russia took authority over all national wealth and resources. This treaty
automatically ended formal independence.
Russia ended the Armenian firstly, then the Georgian socialist regimes. The
primary purpose was to unite them into the Southern Caucasus Socialist state. On
12th March 1922 Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia signed a treaty forming
Transcaucasian Soviet Federative Republic (ZSFSR).
On 22nd December 1922, the creation of the United Soviet Socialist Republic was
decided at the Moscow conference. Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Transcaucasian SSR
were all included in this state. In 1924 the first USSR constitution was passed.

Partition of Azerbaijan
After the invasion of Azerbaijan, the Soviet regime signed an agreement to give
Sherur- Derelyez area to Armenia in August 1920. Additionally, Zangazur,
Nakhchivan & Karabakh were declared “ disputable areas”.
Russia passed an act in Soviet Armenia in December 1920. This act declared
“there is no border between Soviet Azerbaijan and Soviet Armenia. Zangazur and
Nakhchivan are part of Armenia. Nagorno Karabakh can decide its destiny “. The
people of Nakhchivan were dissatisfied with it.
Borchali was given to Georgia by order of Russia in 1921. Qarayazi was divided
into two parts and shared between Georgia and Armenia. Georgia took the upper
part.
Armenia had claims on Karabakh and did everything to take it. In June 1921 the
Russian Communist Party passed an act on giving Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia:
Nagorno Karabakh would remain under Azerbaijan authority, but with regional
autonomy.
Azerbaijan resisted this proposal for two years. Eventually, on 7th July 1923, the
Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous province was formalized. The centre of the
province was Khankendi which had its name changed to Stepanakert.
Turkey and Russia signed a treaty in Moscow over Nakhchivan. On 16 th March
1921 Nakhchivan remained under the control of Azerbaijan, but as an
autonomous territory.
On 9th February 1924 Azerbaijan SSR passed an act on the foundation of the
Nakhchivan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic under Russian pressure. In
1929-1930 years Mehri province was created on account of some villages of
Ordubad and Zangilan territories. Mehri was given to Armenia.

Economic changes during the Soviet regime

The socialist government began to apply the "military communism" policy from
the summer of 1920. According to the new system peasants might take a
minority of their crops, the rest had to be given to the government. The Soviet
government exploited the property of villagers.

The Russian government began a new economic policy in 1921, and it was
implemented in Azerbaijan, too. The new food tax was accepted in 1922. This tax-
improved people's living conditions. Peasants could take the rest of their products
now.
Moscow let the Azerbaijan Oil Committee make relations with foreign countries.
Thereby, the socialist government could buy new pieces of equipment.

This new economic policy revived welfare, and peasants became richer.
Therefore, the Soviet government rejected this policy during the 2 nd term of the
1920s.
The USSR accepted the "industrialization" policy in 1925. The main goal was to
increase the oil production of Baku. As a result, oil production rose eightfold in
the 1920-1930s. Ganja became the 2nd industrial city of Azerbaijan.

The Baku- Sabunchu electric railway began to work. Regular air flights began
between Baku & Moscow from 1937.
 The USSR declared a "collectivization "policy in the late 1920s. The government
took all private lands. The government wanted to destroy the more luxurious
peasant class (qolchamaq), which was dangerous for a socialist regime. More than
200.000 qolchomaqs' properties were confiscated.

People reacted to this corporate industrialization policy with uprisings. The

uprising took place in Shamkir, Shaki- Zagatala, Nakhchivan, and Ordubad in 1930,
all failed.

Massive repressions and cultural changes

The Soviet regime was a dictatorship, and ACP conducted everything. Azerbaijani
intellectuals were not allowed to work in good positions. Mir Jafar Baghirov was
appointed the first secretary of the Azerbaijan Communist Party in 1933. Apart
from him, there was not any Azerbaijani in government, and Baghirov's assistants
were Russians, Armenians.
The Soviet regime began mass killings of intellectuals in the 1930s. This
repression wave reached its peak in 1937, and many intellectuals became victims
of this repression. Most of them were denounced as being " traitors " and were
either exiled or killed. Husein Javid, M. Mushvig, Ahmed Javad were among these
29.000 people.
In 1936 a new constitution was passed in the Soviet Union, and the
Transcaucasian Republic was abolished. All South Caucasus countries separately
became parts of the union. In 1937 Azerbaijan SSR also passed the Constitution
and replaced "Turk Republic" with the Azerbaijan Republic.
The Russian government began to campaign called: "fighting against ignorance"
in Azerbaijan. Pedagogical, Medical, Agricultural and Technical institutions, the
first Conservatory all opened. The Arabic alphabet was replaced with the Latin
alphabet in 1929. Cyrillic alphabet replaced it ten years later in 1939.
Scientists found new methods for using oil products.

Between the 1920-1930s many theatres began to work. Azerbaijan radio and
film studio were ready in 1926.
The communist regime was propagating atheism and banned Islamic traditions
such as Novruz.
Questions:
1. Which public figures were killed right after the Soviet invasion?
2. Where was the first uprising against the Soviet regime?
3. Who was declared a new governor during the Karabakh uprising?
4. What was the significance of the Moscow treaty which was signed on 30th
September 1920?
5. When was Transcaucasian Soviet Federative Republic established?
6. Which countries were parts of the USSR when it was founded?
7. Which areas were declared “disputable areas”?
8. How was decided the tales of these areas?

Borchali Karabakh Nakhchivan

9. Explain the "military communism."

10. What changed a new economic policy that was introduced by the Russian
government?
11. What is industrialization?
12. Write the years for each economic policies:

military communism
new economic policy
industrilaisation

13. Which economic developments happen after industrialization?

14. Where did the uprisings against collective industrialization take place?
15. Do extra research about Mirjafar Baghirov and his role in Azerbaijan history
16. When was M.J.Baghirov appointed secretary of ACP?
17. What is repression?
18. How many intellectuals died as a result of Massive repressions?
19. Cite the victims of repression
20. Which changes did happen as a result of “fighting against ignorance” policy?
21. What was the difference between the Constitution of 1937?
22. Which alphabets were used in Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan in WWII
 Germany had a particular plan codenamed: "Barbarossa" for the attack on the
Soviet Union. Germany attacked Russia on 22nd June 1941. Hitler intended to
seize the oil-rich country of Azerbaijan. Rosenberg made a plan of management
for the Caucasus, and this plan presupposed the creation of the Caucasus
commissariat with its in central Tbilisi. All captured Turkish nations had to be
united in the "Great Turkustan" state.
Germany created a plan codenamed: "Edelweiss" for the Caucasus. According to
this plan, Baku was to be captured in 1942. The USA and Great Britain passed the
plan codenamed: “Velvet" for the Caucasus. According to this plan, after the
withdrawal of German troops, Allied military forces would be sent to defend the
region from the Soviet Union. USA and British military forces would stay to defend
the Caucasus. Stalin rejected this plan and proposed sending Azerbaijani and
other Turkish Muslims to Central Asia; however, Mir Jafar Bagirov prevented it.
Azerbaijani people participated actively in WWII. 700.000 men joined the military
service. Special divisions "402", "416", "223", "271" were created. Israfil
Mammadov was the first Azerbaijani who was awarded the title "Hero of Soviet
Union". Hazi Aslanov was awarded this title twice. Pilot Huseynbala Aliyev was
also awarded for the defence of Leningrad. Mehdi Huseynzade, who killed more
than a thousand fascists, died in 1944. In total, 121 men from Azerbaijan were
awarded the title "Hero of Soviet Union" during WWII.
Azerbaijan produced 75million tons of oil and 22 million tons of petrol for the
Soviet Union. It represented was 75% of oil, 90 % of the petrol supply of the
Soviet Union during the war. Working hours increased to 11 hours a day, and new
railways began to function.

The national independence movement in Southern Azerbaijan

In 1932, the military regime replaced all democratic values in Iran. German spies
were active in Iran in WWII. The Soviet army occupied Iran according to the treaty
of 1921. The USA and Great Britain also sent military help to Iran.
Rza Shah resigned under pressure from Great Britain and his son Muhammed Rza
Shah replaced him in 1941. Rza Shah's military regime failed, and the democratic
movement began. The first stage of democratic movement was between 1941-
1945 in Southern Azerbaijan.
The new stage of the movement began in September 1945 by creating the
Azerbaijan Democratic Party. Sayid Jafar Pishavari was elected head of the party.
The primary purpose of the party was to give Southern Azerbaijan authority.
Stalin, M.J. Bagirov promised to support this movement. The party published the
"Azerbaijan " newspaper in Tabriz. The members created special forces, then took
control of Maragha, Zanjan, Ardebil, and other cities.
The national government began to work on 12th December 1945 under Pishavari’s
leadership. This government had implemented some democratic changes. The
Shah’s regime could not intervene due to Soviet troops in Iran.
The national government passed the act of Agriculture: all state lands were
distributed amongst the people. Then the act of Labor was passed. The last act
was the Language act; the Azerbaijani language was declared the national
language. The University of Tabriz was opened in 1946.
Iran signed a deal with the Soviet Union and as a result of the deal Soviet troops
withdrew from Iran. On 12th December 1946, the Shah sent troops to Tabriz. The
members of the ADP were shot. Sayid Jafar Pishavari died mysteriously in a car
accident in 1947.

Azerbaijan after World War II

After World War II, Stalin’s totalitarian regime strengthened. Mir Jafar Baghirov
was appointed to the main post in the Azerbaijan government. A new repression
stage began.
Philosopher Heydar Huseynov was criticized for his work on the Sheikh Shamil
movement. Even his award was taken back as punishment. The invasion of
Azerbaijan by Russia was described as a "voluntary union" in history books. "Dede
Qorqud” epos was censured.
A. Mikoyan (who took a high post in the USSR government) claimed to give
Nagorno- Karabakh to Armenia after the war. In 1945 confidential "Karabakh
Committee " was established in Armenia. Head of Azerbaijan government
M.Baghirov tried to reclaim traditional Azerbaijani areas like Zangazur, Goyche,
Borchali, and Derbent; however, his requests were refused. The USSR cancelled
the Karabakh issue.
In December 1947, an ordinance about Azerbaijanis deportation from Armenia &
and their replacement with Armenians coming abroad was reported. Between
1948-1953 more than 53000 Azerbaijanis were deported. Some died on the road,
and some could not adapt to climate change. This process was criticized and
called "ethnic cleansing" 50 years later in 1997 with Heydar Aliyev's order.
 In 1954 Imam Mustafayev was appointed as head of government. He added a
new point to the Constitution about the national language; his measures
prevented Baku from controlled by Russia directly. Imam Mustafayev was blamed
for encouraging nationalism propaganda and was replaced by Vali Akhundov. The
Karabakh Committee began to work openly from 1965. Heydar Aliyev was
appointed as the new secretary of ACP in 1969.

Questions:
1. Give extra information about WWII
2. What was the plan of Barbarossa?
3. What was the plan of Edelweiss?
4. What was the plan of Velvet?
5. Write the states according to each plan:

Edelweiss

6. How many did Azerbaijani participate in WWII?

7. Who was awarded the title “Hero of the Soviet Union” first time from
Azerbaijan?
8. Who was awarded the title of “Hero of the Soviet Union” twice?
9. Which specialized divisions were created during WWII?
10. How did Azerbaijan contribute to the Soviet Union in WWII?
11. How was the situation in Azerbaijan after WWII?
12. What happened to Heydar Huseynov?
13. Give information about the “Karabakh Committee " and its historical role
14. How many people were deported between 1948 and 1953?
15. What was the purpose of ethnic cleansing?
16. Who succeeded Mirjafar Baghirov in 1954?
17. Which changes did happen during Imam Mustafayev’s period?
18. When did Vali Akhundov rule the ACP?
19. How was the situation in Iran between the 1920s-1940s?
20. Why did the National Independence Movement begin in South Azerbaijan?
21. How were relations with other countries?
22. Who was the leader of the movement?

I II
stage Years: stage Years:

Activity: Activity:

23. When was the National government established in Tabriz?

24. Which acts were passed by Pishavari’s government?
25. How did the National government collapse?
26. Do further research about Sayid Jafar Pishavari.

Social-economic development in the 1970s-1980s

The economy of the republic, the especially agricultural recession led to a change
in the government. Heydar Aliyev was elected the first secretary of the Azerbaijan
Communist Party. He decided to replace previous staff with new personnel. The
improvement of Shusha city was a priority. One of his excellent services was to
include a particular point (73rd) about Azerbaijan language to the new Azerbaijan
SSR Constitution which passed in 1978.
During Heydar Aliyev’s leadership (1969-1982), more than 250 plants, factories
began working, the engineering industry, the oil industry was rebuilt.
The development of the transport system was a priority. Baku-Boyuk Kesik and
Baku- Yalama railway lines were built. Aghdam-Khankendi railway was completed
in 1979. The new water pipeline was completed in 1971.
Heydar Aliyev was promoted to the first assistant of the head in the USSR
government.
In the 1980s, recession and economic stagnation grew stronger. The general
secretary of USSR CP Mikhail Gorbachev introduced new economic policies:
"perestroika" (restructuring) and "glasnost" (openness). These policies
accelerated the protests against the socialist regime.
In 1983, the Baku-Grozny oil pipeline was ready. In the 1980s the fight against
alcoholism commenced, with many grape fields being destroyed.

Gorbachev's policies failed. Heydar Aliyev was forced to resign in 1987. One
month later, the Armenians demanded Nagorno Karabakh. Armenian leaders
demanded the control of Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous province to Armenia in
February 1988. They desired to separate this region from Azerbaijan SSR and to
make it an authoritative part of Armenia SSR. Some Azerbaijanis marched to
Khankendi to protest it, and two were killed. However, the Azerbaijan
government did not take serious action.

Struggle for territorial integrity and protecting national rights

The USSR formalized a special regime in Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous province
in January 1989. This regime legalized the separation of Karabakh from Azerbaijan
automatically, afterwards Armenia declared the unification of the region to
Armenia in December officially.
Armenian nationalists committed crimes in February 1988 in Sumgayit. An
Armenian nationalist Grigoryan began to kill Armenians and attack houses
claiming himself as an "Azerbaijani Pasha". The murdered Armenians were not
supporters of the nationalist side. After this provocation, Azerbaijani people
faced massive deportations. The last group was deported from Nuvedi village in
August 1991.
230 000 Azerbaijanis were forced to move; thousands of people faced massive
killings between 1988-1991.
The first protest meeting against the Armenian nationalist movement was in Baku
in February 1988. The next and more massive protest began in November 1988
called the "Meydan movement". The main reason for this protest was Armenians'
cutting of the forest in Topkhana. The Soviet regime declared "martial law" to
prevent a national uprising in Baku, Ganja, and Nakhchivan. The Soviet Army used
military force against protesters, to stop the movement.
The Azerbaijani Popular Party (AXC) was formed under Abulfaz Elchibey’s
leadership in September 1989. They passed the constitution act on the
“Sovereignty of Azerbaijan SSR”.
On 31st December 1989, the border post between Iran and Nakhchivan was
destroyed by people in the act of solidarity.
Armenians attacked Goychay; therefore, the government decided to create
special defence forces. As the Azerbaijan government was gaining more power,
the USSR organized attacks on Armenian shelters in Baku, which allowed Armenia
to implement a plan. They attacked Nakhchivan on 19th January 1990, but local
people resisted and passed an ordinance to separate from the USSR.
The USSR passed an ordinance creating a "state of emergency in Baku" on 20 th
January. On the night of 19th January, military forces of the Soviet government
slaughtered hundreds of innocent people.
After this tragedy, a president post was created, and Ayaz Mutellibov was
appointed as the first president on 19th May 1990.
Nakhchivan removed the "Soviet Socialist" word from its name in 1990. Heydar
Aliyev became the head of the Nakhchivan Parliament on 3 rd October 1991.
18th October 1991 Azerbaijan passed the "Independence of Azerbaijan Republic"
Act.
The next target was Khojaly since the only airport in Karabakh was located here.
On 25th February, at night Soviet troops entered Khojali, slaughtered 613 people.
Shusha, Lachin, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Qubadli, Zangilan were
occupied between 1992 and 1993.
In June 1992, Abulfaz Elchibey was elected president. Several days after, the
Azerbaijan National Army began to attack in retaliation. After the invasion of
Kalbajar, a political crisis began in the country.
In June 1993, a military coup began in Ganja. After failing to prevent the rebels
from taking control, Heydar Aliyev was invited to the government. Only he could
prevent further escalation.
On 3rd October Heydar Aliyev was elected president of Azerbaijan.
On 8th May 1994, Azerbaijan signed a ceasefire protocol in Bishkek. Both sides
decided to meet an agreement peacefully. However, the ceasefire was broken
many times by Armenia.

Questions:
1. What was Heydar Aliyev’s immediate work after the appointment of the
secretary post?
2. What was the difference in the third Constitution passed in 1978?
3. How was the developed national transport system?
4. Describe Heydar Aliyev’s period and his role in developments
5. Do extra research about M.Gorbachev and write down to your copybook all
information
6. How was M.Gorbachev’s economic policy called?
7. How was the political situation in Azerbaijan in the late 1980s?
8. What were the Sumgayit events?
9. How did the last deportation wave begin?
10. When was the “Meydan movement”?
11. How did Soviet Russia react to this movement?
12. Which day is the National Solidarity day of Azerbaijanis?
13. How did Nakhchivan exclude itself from USSR?
14. What was the excuse for sending Soviet troops to Baku?
15. Write an essay about "Bloody January."
16. Who was the first president of AZSSR?
17. How did Armenia intensify its claims over Nagorno Karabakh?
18. When was the Khojaly genocide?
19. Talk about the consequences of this massacre
20. Write the dates of each invaded region and learn them by heart

Lachin Kalbajar Aghdam Jabrayil Fizuli Gubadli Zangilan

21. When did Azerbaijan pass the "Independence of Azerbaijan Republic" Act?
22. How did Azerbaijan famous Party take over control of the state?
23. When did the government call Heydar Aliyev?
24. When was signed ceasefire protocol in Bishkek?

Azerbaijan after independence

After the declaration of independence, Turkey, Romania and Pakistan recognized
Azerbaijan immediately. In 1993, 116 states recognized Azerbaijan, and 70 of
them opened diplomatic relations.
In December 1991, Azerbaijan was accepted for membership in the Organization
of Islamic Cooperation. In 1992, Azerbaijan joined to UN, then OSCE. The OSCE
created an exclusive community, the Minsk group, to negotiate the Karabakh
issue.
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova established the GUAM organization in
1997 for better cooperation. Azerbaijan was accepted into the European Union in
2001.
On 12th November 1995, the Constitution of the Azerbaijan Republic was passed.
On the same day, the first parliamentary election was held. In 1998 the court of
Constitution was organized. The new system abolished censorship and capital
punishment.
All these positive changes led to a successful presidential election of Heydar
Aliyev in October 1998.
According to the new Constitution, local self-governing bodies – elective
municipalities were created. The first municipal elections were held in December
1999.
Milli Majlis passed Constitution law “Human rights commissioner (ombudsman) of
Azerbaijan Republic” on 28th December 2001. Like democratic European states
Ombudsman institution formalized as a result.
Heydar Aliyev determined a new oil strategy. On 20th September 1994, Azerbaijan
signed the "Treaty of the century" with worldwide oil companies. In 1999, the
deal regarding the construction of a new oil pipe: "Baku-Tbilisi-Jeyhan" was
signed. Later, Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan agreed on the construction of a
new gas pipe "Baku-Tbilisi-Arzurum" in 2001.
New economic regulations were implemented to resolve the financial crisis. In
1994, the president passed ordinances for free trade. In the same year, the manat
became the new national currency. Another fundamental change was the
"Regulation of Landownership system" that passed in July 1996.
Ilham Aliyev was elected president of Azerbaijan in October 2003. The nationwide
leader Heydar Aliyev passed away on 12th December 2003. Ilham Aliyev won
further presidential elections in 2008 and 2013.
The oil strategy of Azerbaijan developed over time. On 13th July 2006, the building
of the "Baku-Tbilisi-Jeyhan" main export pipeline was completed. In the same
year, the "Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurm" gas pipeline was launched.
New projects such as the "TANAP" and "TAP" were introduced to export
Azerbaijan natural gas to Europe in December 2013. The building of these
pipelines allowed the creation of a "southern gas corridor".
Concerning the transport system, road systems and public transport means were
improved or reconstructed. The "Baku-Tbilisi-Kars" railway uniting Asia and
Europe was constructed.
Many factories and plants began to work between 2003-2015 in Baku: leather
producing factory, TV factory "Star Ltd", stations generating electricity in Astara
and Shaki, reconstruction of a car factory in Ganja, new car factory in Nakhchivan.
Recently constructed new industrial enterprises gave a boost to local
entrepreneurship, the development of the non-oil sector.
The first Congress of World Azerbaijanis was held in Baku in November 2001. The
2nd Congress was held in 2006, the 3rd in 2011, the 4th in 2016. Congress helps to
strengthen relations with Azerbaijanis living abroad.
According to Ilham Aliyev's ordinance, "Asan xidmet" centres were built. This
project aimed to reduce citizens' costs, prevent time-wasting, make the system
more efficient and increase the struggle against corruption.
The Heydar Aliyev Foundation and state budget invested in education by building
more than 3000 public schools. The “National Mugham Center" was established.
In 2011 the Azerbaijan team won the International song competition "Eurovision".
In 2015 the first "European games" were held in Baku.
The building of National Flag Square ended in 2010. The Heydar Aliyev Center and
Heydar mosque are one of the well-known buildings completed recently.
The mainline of Azerbaijan foreign policy was to increase a good reputation in the
world, develop cooperation with leading countries, achieve a fair solution of
Nagorno Karabakh conflict.
Questions:
1. Which countries recognized the independence of Azerbaijan?
2. Did Azerbaijan join to which organizations?
3. When was the Constitution passed?
4. When was the first parliamentary assembly held?
5. Talk about the "Treaty of the century."
6. When was signed deal about construction of a new oil pipe: "Baku-Tbilisi-
Jeyhan"?
7. What is the national currency of Azerbaijan since 1994?
8. What was done by the government to resolve the financial crisis?
9. When was Ilham Aliyev elected as a president?
10. Which projects were introduced to export Azerbaijan natural gas to Europe in
December 2013?
11. What is the project of “Asan Xidmet” and how did it improve Azerbaijan?
12. How did the government pay attention to the improvement of education?
13. Which historical events were held in Azerbaijan?
14. What was done to improve the architecture of Azerbaijan?