The Claims of Azerbaijan on Zangezur (June- November of 1918)

Abstract

Key words: Batum, Constantinople, Ottoman Empire, Republic of Armenia, Republic of Azerbaijan, Zangezur, Andranik, border problems Despite the fact that the Treaty of Batumi assumed that the government of the Ottoman Empire would be informed about the agreement concluded between the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding the establishment of interstate borders, this agreement was never reached. The republics had already been proclaimed without marking their borders. Each of the newly-independent states was trying to expand the borders at the expense of the other. Each republic was trying to justify its claims, but in the end it was the political power and the number of weapons that mattered. That was the reason why the relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan continued to remain tense and hostile. Regarding the status of Zangezur, neither side was going to retreat or at least agree to a compromise. Although Azerbaijan had military advantage and controlled the passages leading to the region, Armenians, who formed the majority of the population of Zangezur, were determined to join Armenia. Because of the entirely different positions on the issue of borders, no allied protocol was signed and no borders were drawn. Concerned about the physical existence of its own people, Armenia tried to establish "bearable" relationship with Azerbaijan and carry out a cautious policy on the issue of Zangezur due to the presence of Turkey. The tense and hostile relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan continued up to the end of World War I and the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the region.