Nagorno-Karabakh: to the problems of Armenian and Azerbaijani historiography

Abstract

Some aspects of the confrontation between Armenian and Azerbaijani historians in the assessments of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are highlighted. The roots of this conflict should be sought in the events of the early twentieth century related to the mutual pogroms and murders of the Armenian-Christian and Turkic-Muslim population of the Transcaucasian territories of the Russian Empire. The Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict had its continuation during the events of 1917−1920, as well as at the end of the existence of the Soviet Union. It was during the Russian revolution that the first war broke out between Armenians and Azerbaijanis for the Nagorno-Karabakh. The war became a national affair of both nations, as they took part in it as regular and paramilitary units. With the collapse of the Soviet Union the conflict not only escalated but also turned back into war. Under current conditions this conflict has acquired geopolitical significance. All these events have become a stumbling block for Armenian and Azerbaijani historians. Using history facts, Transcaucasian scholars, are trying to prove the superiority of their peoples and their right to own certain lands, including Nagorno-Karabakh. The connection between government policy and the position of historians of both countries depend on the results of their researches. The prerequisites for establishing a constructive dialogue between Armenian and Azerbaijani researchers in the context of a possible political solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem are shown.