Eastern Provinces Of Turkey Research Articles

DETERMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA APPEARANCE CONSCIOUSNESS AND SELF-ESTEEM IN ADOLESCENTS

Introduction: Adolescents' active use of social media raises curiosity about how they appear on social media platforms. This situation may cause changes in their personality. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between social media appearance consciousness and self-esteem in adolescents. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2023. The study involved 1103 students from three different high schools located in a province in eastern Turkey. As part of the study process, data were collected using the "Questionnaire", "Appearance-Related Social Media Consciousness Scale" and "Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale". To analyze the data, percentages, averages, independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were performed. The significance level in all tests was set at 0.05. Shao's method was employed to assess the conformity of the data to normal distribution. As a result, the Skewness value was 0.409, the Kurtosis value was -0.370, and it was determined that the data showed a normal distribution between -3 and +3. Results: The mean age of the students in the study was 26.8% 15 years old, 62.2% were male, and 27% were 9th-grade students. The mean total score of the students was 41.11±17.74 for the Appearance-Related Social Media Consciousness Scale and 29.36±6.35 for the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. It was determined that there was a positive correlation between the scores of the Appearance-Related Social Media Consciousness Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (p<0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, it was observed that increasing social media appearance consciousness scores was associated with higher self-esteem levels.

Anthrax Epidemıc Management in an Eastern Turkey Region

Background: Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. It has been known for centuries and remains hyperendemic in certain parts of the world, with occasional epidemic outbreaks. This study aimed to investigate an anthrax outbreak affecting a family and their close contacts in the Akçakiraz town of Elazığ province in eastern Turkey. Methods: Twenty-two individuals who had contact with a sick animal in Akçakiraz were included in the study. Weekly anamnesis, physical examinations, and follow-ups were conducted over three weeks. Swab samples were collected from the wound sites of hospitalized patients for culture and Gram-staining. Blood and wound samples were sent for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to detect B. anthracis. A sample was taken from the liver tissue of the infected animal. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25. Results: Of the 22 individuals, 9 (40.9%) were hospitalized and treated, while 13 (59.1%) were monitored on an outpatient basis. B. anthracis spores were identified in Gram-stained samples from the liver of diseased animal. PCR positivity for B. anthracis was detected in the wound samples of two patients (22.2%), although the PCR results from the blood samples of these patients were negative. No bacterial growth was observed in wound cultures, and gram-staining did not reveal any notable features. All patients were successfully treated. Contacts, family members, and residents were informed and educated about the disease, and necessary public health measures were implemented through coordination with the Provincial Hygiene Board. Conclusion: Increasing awareness of zoonotic diseases, especially anthrax, is essential. It is crucial to implement societal prevention measures, including controlling animal production, educating at-risk populations in endemic areas, vaccinating animals, preventing contact with sick or deceased animals, and preventing environmental contamination by decontaminating affected areas.

Psychosocial dimension of adolescent pregnancy: a phenomenological study on life experiences

ABSTRACT Aim This study aimed to assess the lived experiences of adolescent pregnant young women, with a specific focus on the psychosocial aspect of adolescent pregnancy, using a phenomenological approach. Design Employing the phenomenological research method, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted between 3 August and 18 August 2023 with 15 young women (mean age = 21.86 years; SD = 1.06) living in a province in eastern Turkey who had undergone adolescent pregnancy 3–5 years before. Methods The criterion sampling method, a form of purposive sampling, was used to form the sample group. Interviews were carried out until data saturation was reached. All interviews were recorded and transcribed, and thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the data. The study adhered to the COREQ checklist for reporting. Results Through data analysis, three main categories (reflections on adolescent pregnancy, challenges due to adolescent pregnancy, and effects of adolescent pregnancy) and nine sub-themes (emotions, roles and responsibilities, perception of social support, cognitive, emotional, behavioural, mental, physical, and social) emerged. Conclusion Our study highlights the adverse psychosocial impact of adolescent pregnancy on young women. Young women who got married at an early age before attaining full physical, social, and psychological maturity grappled with the substantial burdens of adolescent pregnancy and adjusting to their new roles. The study’s implications are significant, emphasising the necessity of addressing the psychosocial facets of adolescent marriage and pregnancy, and gaining valuable insights for the future.

Comparing Personal Risk Communication with Generic Information on Breast Cancer Screening Attendance: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: This study sought to discern the differential impacts of communicating individualized breast cancer risk versus disseminating generic breast cancer information on women's proclivity towards breast cancer screenings. Method: A structured experimental design was used, including 300 female volunteers aged between 40-69, who had not previously been diagnosed with breast cancer, in Erzincan. Data collection entailed a face-to-face administration of a 22-item questionnaire complemented by the ASSISTS scale. Participants were randomized into two conditions: one receiving a standardized briefing on breast cancer screening modalities, and the other being apprised of their lifetime risk of breast cancer development based on the modified Gail model. Results: Post-intervention, 55.8% (n=72) of the risk-informed cohort and 40.5% (n=41) of the generic information cohort expressed a willingness to undergo screening (p=0.022). Notably, the group informed of their personalized risk exhibited a more pronounced uptick in requests for breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, and mammography screening compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: The communication of personalized breast cancer risk proves to be a more efficacious and time-efficient strategy than generic information dissemination in bolstering screening participation rates.

Assessment of stigmatization and self-esteem in patients with epilepsy

AimThis study was conducted to examine the relationship between stigmatization and self-esteem of patients with epilepsy. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 216 patients at a university hospital in Van, a province in eastern Turkey. The researcher prepared the data collection tools, including a personal information form, Jacoby Stigma Scale and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, in line with the literature. The Jacoby stigma scale was applied to assess stigma. Data analysis was performed using t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey, LSD coefficient. ResultsThe mean total stigmatization score of patients with epilepsy was 21.11 ± 10.00, while the mean total self-esteem score was 20.26 ± 5.16. The study found a significant negative correlation between stigmatization and self-esteem scores (r = -0.411; p < 0.05). ConclusionThe research study revealed that patient with epilepsy have a high perception of stigma and low selfesteem levels.

The safety and efficacy of TNF inhibitors in patients with Behçet's disease: Retrospective study from eastern Turkey

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the clinical features, disease course, and associated factors for outcome in severe/refractory BD patients receiving TNF-i treatment. Material and methodsThis retrospective study was conducted by reviewing medical records from a tertiary referral center in Van province in Eastern Turkey. Data were obtained from patients' charts followed up between June 2019 and June 2022. ResultsWe included 469 BD patients (59.3% male) whose 80 patients (17%) received TNF-i treatment in the study. The mean ± standard deviation of the patient age was 36.7 ± 10.1 years and the median (IQR) disease duration was 12 (12) years. IFX and ADAwere initiated in 67.5% (n = 54) and 32.5% (n = 26) patients, respectively. Overall and first-line retention rates of TNF-i were 84.7% and 92.6% for IFX and 83.3% and 80.8% for ADA, respectively. IFX was discontinued in 9 patients which were in 2 patients due to allergic reaction and tuberculosis, 3 patients for inefficacy, one patient for heart failure, and one patient for orbital zona. Although no serious adverse event was observed with ADA, 5 patients switched to IFX due to inefficacy. Overall, 72 patients (90%) resumed TNF-i at the end of the study; TNF-i was discontinued in 3 patients (3.8%) due to severe adverse events and in 5 patients (6.2%) with prolonged remission. ConclusionIn our study, no case of death was observed in TNF-i receiving patients. Most patients achieved attack-free and CS-free disease and retained TNF-i treatment. TNF inhibitors appear to be safe and effective in patients with severe/refractory Behçet's disease.

The Impact of Socio-Scientific Activities on Middle School Students’ Attitudes and Views towards STEM

In this study, middle school students were encouraged to develop STEM based socio-scientific activities, and as a result, their attitudes and opinions towards STEM were investigated. Mixed nested method was used in this research. Sample of the study consists of 16 seventh grade students, who got educated during the 2017-18 academic year in an eastern province of Turkey. The study lasted 24 weeks during an academic year. Data was collected by using STEM Attitude Scale, STEM Interview Form, Field Notes and Informal Meetings. The research findings indicated that engagement in STEM-based socio-scientific activities significantly enhanced participants' attitudes towards STEM disciplines. Moreover, this active involvement positively impacted their skills and aspirations, fostering a greater inclination toward selecting professions and careers geared towards creating innovations to enhance human life. Additionally, it was concluded that the activities positively affected their knowledge and motivation about STEM and socialization features such as communication, interaction and sharing.

What are the thoughts of postgraduate nursing students regarding the 'Applied Scientific Research' course? A qualitative study on achievements, benefits, challenges, and suggested solutions

ObjectiveThis research aimed to examine students' emotions, opinions, and suggestions regarding the "Applied Scientific Research" course. MethodThe study was conducted in a province in eastern Turkey between June and July 2023. Data were collected from 9 postgraduate students attending the "Scientific Research" course at a university's Institute of Health Sciences using a 'Descriptive Information Form' and a 'Semi-Structured Questionnaire'. Content analysis was employed for the qualitative data evaluation. ResultsThe participants' ages ranged from 25 to 32. Six participants were female, five were academicians, and five were doctoral students. Six participants had taken a statistics or research course before the scientific research course. Additionally, seven had attended scientific conferences, five followed a scientific publication regularly, five had conducted scientific research before, and five had not published scientific research before taking the course. Through the analysis of data obtained from participant interviews, three themes, namely "Effects of Activities in the Course," "Reasons for Recommendations and Preferences," and "Outcomes of the Course," were identified. Six sub-themes and 18 codes were generated, including "Most Challenging Activity," "Least Challenging Activity," "Recommendations for the Course," "Reasons for Choosing the Course," "Contributions of the Course," and "Feelings Towards the Course." ConclusionThe research results indicate that students improved their skills in conducting scientific research, writing articles, and getting published after taking the course. Furthermore, the course evoked positive feelings in students and increased their perceived competence.

The effect of environmental health education on microplastic pollution awareness.

The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of environmental health education given at the ninth-grade level on the microplastic pollution awareness level of students. This pretest-posttest experimental study with a randomized control group was conducted between 2022 and 2023 in three high schools in a province in eastern Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of 90 ninth-grade students (experimental group: 45, control group: 45), and the sample magnitude was determined by power analysis. Tools such as the "Personal Information Form" and "Microplastic Pollution Awareness Scale (MPAS)" were used to collect data. Training was given to the experimental group as a nursing intervention in a total of four sessions at 15-day intervals. No intervention was applied to the individuals in the control group. While no significant difference was observed in the MPAS total score in the control group according to the pretest and posttest mean scores, a significant difference was observed in the MPAS total score in the experimental group (p<0.05). When the posttest mean scores of the experimental and control groups were examined, it was observed that the posttest mean scores of the experimental group were higher than the posttest mean scores of the control group and there was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). It was observed that the microplastic pollution awareness level of the experimental group students who received environmental health training increased significantly. The issue of environmental health should be integrated into the education curriculum in schools and students' awareness levels should be increased.

The relationship between fear of old age, loneliness and death anxiety in adults.

The increase in the number of elderly people in the world, individuals' perspectives on older adults, and false beliefs and ideas about old age negatively affect adults in terms of ageing. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between fear of old age, loneliness and death anxiety in adults. This study, which was designed in a correlational cross-sectional descriptive model, was conducted with 1074 adult individuals living in one province in eastern Turkey. Data were collected using Personal Information Form, Fear of Old Age Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale and Turkish Death Anxiety Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0, AMOS 24.0, G*Power 3.1 statistical package programs. In our study, it was determined that the model created in line with the hypotheses was compatible and the model fit indices were within the desired limits as χ2 /df = 4.737, root mean square error of approximation = 0.05, comparative fit index = 0.93, goodness-of-fit index = 0.92, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.90, IFI = 0.93. There is a significant relationship between loneliness and death anxiety (P < 0.05). There is a significant relationship between loneliness and fear of old age (P < 0.05). There is a significant relationship between death anxiety and fear of old age (P < 0.05). It was determined that death anxiety has a mediating role in the effect of loneliness on fear of old age (95% confidence interval: 0.112-0.226; P < 0.05). As the level of loneliness increases, the level of death anxiety and fear of old age increases. Fear of old age also increases in the mediating role of death anxiety. It is recommended to conduct intervention studies to reduce fear of old age. Longitudinal study on fear of old age is recommended.

The relationship between internet addiction and physical activity levels of university students in a province in eastern Turkey.

Internet addiction and physical inactivity are often a major public health problem. This study aimed to determine the relationship between internet addiction (IA) and physical activity (PA) levels of university students in a province in eastern Turkey. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 638 students. Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were administered. Chi-square, independent sample t-test, correlation analysis, one-way analysis of variance tests (ANOVA), Tukey HSD test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. 64.6% of the participants were female, with a mean age of 20.4±2.4 and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 22.3±3.5. 83.4% of the participants were identified as those asymptomatic, 15.2% showed limited symptoms, and 1.4% were pathological internet users according to IAT. A statistically significant difference was found between IAT scores and gender, mother's education level, father's education level, academic success, smoking status, and alcohol use (p < 0.05). According to IPAQ scores, 28.1% of the students were inactive, 56.3% were moderate PA and 15.7% had vigorous PA levels. IPAQ total scores of male participants, smokers, and participants with exercise habits were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05). The mean score IAT and IPAQ was found to be 30.9±18.9 and 1697.7±1847.0. A negative, significant correlation was found between students' PA and IA levels (p < 0.01). It has been observed that IA negatively affects PA. Seminars, conferences, and panels on the internet and physical activity should be organized for university students.

The effect of cognitive behavioural therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing techniques on infertile women: a randomized controlled trial

Research questionWhat is the effect of training programs based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) techniques applied to infertile women on infertility, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychological development? DesignThis randomized controlled study was conducted between May 2021 and August 2022 using a total of 90 infertile women (30 CBT, 30 EMDR, 30 Control) who referred to the in vitro fertilization unit of a hospital in a province in eastern Turkey. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale (SUDS), the Validity of Cognition (VoC), the Infertility Distress Scale (IDS), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Women in the experimental groups (CBT and EMDR) received the intervention in 6 sessions over 3 weeks. Pre-tests were administered to both experimental and control groups, and post-tests were conducted 3 weeks after the intervention. ResultsThe SUDS, IDS and IES-R mean scores of women in the experimental groups decreased significantly compared to that of those in the control group after the CBT and EMDR interventions (p<0.05). The VoC and PTGI mean scores of women in the experimental groups significantly increased compared to that of those in the control group after the interventions (p<0.05). ConclusionIt was determined that CBT and EMDR technique applied to infertile women reduced the levels of infertility effects.

Relationship Between Obesity Awareness and Nutrition Attitude: A Sectional Study Among Secondary School Students

This study was aimed to identify the relationship between obesity awareness and nutrition attitudes among secondary school students.&#x0D; Methods. This descriptive research was conducted between April and June 2022 and involved 625 secondary school students of a province in Eastern Turkey. The data were collected using a question form consisting of a questionnaire, the Obesity Awareness Scale (OAS), and the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition (ASHN). One-way ANOVA, independent sample t-test, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were used to interpret the data.&#x0D; Results. There was a balanced distribution of descriptive characteristics among the study population. In this study, age and grade level were effective on the ASHN and OAS. Additionally, there were significant differences in the OAS score only by gender; however, the ASHN value significantly depended on weight assessment status, regular eating, and body mass index variables. Although there was a considerable deviation observed within the assessed sample regarding unhealthy behaviors, average time spent per day on the computer, phone, or television was approximately one hour. Although the study population had a positive attitude towards healthy eating and a high awareness of obesity, it was seen that students consumed junk food twice per day and fast food once a week on average. A regression analysis revealed a significant negative impact of time spent per day on the phone and junk food consumption on the ASHN; however, regular eating and OAS had positive effects.&#x0D; Conclusions. As students’ attitudes towards healthy nutrition increased, their levels of obesity awareness increased as well. Unhealthy lifestyle factors such as phone usage and junk food intake negatively affected healthy eating attitudes.

The mediating role of social ostracism in the effect of social media addiction on loneliness in adolescents

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the mediating role of social ostracism in the effect of social media addiction on loneliness in adolescents. MethodsThis descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 1225 adolescent students attending high school in a province in Eastern Turkey between 30 May 2023 and 01 August 2023. The study data were collected using the “Personal Information Form”, “Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale”, “UCLA Loneliness Scale-Short Form” and “Ostracism Experience Scale for Adolescents”. The analysis of the study data was performed by using SPSS 22.0, AMOS V 24.0, and G*Power 3.1 Statistical package software. ResultsIt was determined that the model created in line with the determining the mediating role of social ostracism in the effect of social media addiction on loneliness in adolescents was compatible and the model fit indices were within the desired limits x2/df = 4.481, RMSEA = 0.05, CFI = 0.96, GFI = 0.96, AGFI = 0.94, IFI = 0.96. Social media addiction has been found to affect loneliness and social ostracism (p < 0.05). It was found that social ostracism affected the level of loneliness (p < 0.05). It was determined that social ostracism had a mediating role in the effect of social media addiction on loneliness (p < 0.05). ConclusionAs the level of social media addiction increases, the level of loneliness and social ostracism increases. As the level of social ostracism increases, the level of loneliness increases. Longitudinal studies on the factors affecting loneliness are recommended. Practice implicationsIn order to reduce the loneliness and social ostracism levels of adolescents, their access to social media should be controlled. Programs to reduce social ostracism should be designed.

Examination of the level of tolerance of uncertainty and psychological wellness of patients with epilepsy

AimThis study was conducted to examine the level of intolerance of uncertainty and the psychological well-being of patients with epilepsy (PWE). MethodsThis descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 201 patients in a university hospital in Van, which is a province in eastern Turkey. Personal information form, intolerance of uncertainty scale, and the psychological well-being scale were prepared by the researcher in line with the literature and used to collect data. An independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), post hoc (Tukey, LSD), correlation, and regression analyses were used to analyze the data. ResultsIn this study, the mean total score of PWE for the intolerance to uncertainty scale was found as 37.144 ± 9.202. Among the sub-dimensions, the mean prospective anxiety score was found as 21.821 ± 5.416 and the mean inhibitory anxiety score was 15.323 ± 4.695. The mean total score of the psychological well-being scale was found as 28.975 ± 6.622. It was determined that there was a significant relationship between the total score of the intolerance of uncertainty scale and the total score of the psychological well-being scale of the PWE who participated in the study (F = 14.314; p = 0.000 < 0.05). It was observed that the total score of intolerance of uncertainty was decreased as the total level of psychological well-being was increased (ß = −0.186). ConclusionIt was found that PWE had higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty and lower levels of psychological well-being. It was also determined that the total score of psychological well-being was decreased as the total score of intolerance of uncertainty was increased. RecommendationsFor preventing the negative consequences of intolerance of uncertainty in PWE, it is recommended to inform nurses to increase the level of psychological well-being as a result of raising awareness about their concerns by conducting studies to increase the level of intolerance to uncertainty. It is also recommended to carry out studies on intolerance of uncertainty and psychological well-being in advanced and larger sample groups.

Can a supportive supervisor be a treasure for teachers? A multilevel analysis of the relationship between perceived supervisor support, work engagement, and burnout

AbstractIn this study, we examined the relationships between perceived supervisor support, work engagement, and burnout levels of teachers by using multilevel analysis. We assumed that a high level of perceived supervisor support would relate positively to work engagement but negatively to burnout. We also suggested that work engagement would mediate the relationship between perceived supervisor support and burnout. The participants of the study consisted of 796 teachers from 87 schools located in the center of Elazig province in eastern Turkey. According to multilevel structural equation modeling analysis, we found that perceived supervisor support is positively related to work engagement but negatively to burnout at the teacher and school levels. We carried out a series of Sobel tests for multilevel mediation analyses and identified the presence of a mediating role in the relationship between perceived supervisor support and burnout at both levels of work engagement in general. In conclusion, this study indicates that perceived supervisor support can be a significant resource for teachers' well‐being.

The relationship between internet addiction and peer bullying level of sixth and seventh grade secondary school students.

The research aimed to determine the relationship between internet addiction and peer bullying in sixth and seventh-grade students. The population of the study consisted of students in the sixth and seventh grades of secondary schools in a province in eastern Turkey. The data were collected throughout the 2021-2022 academic year from 1201 sixth and seventh graders who voluntered to participate in the research. The data were collected using the Bullying Scale and the Internet Addiction Scale for Adolescents (IAA). It was determined that gender, grade level, status of having a mobile phone, and age influenced children's participation in peer bullying. Also, variables of gender, grade level, and status of having a mobile phone affected internet addiction levels. Furthermore, when the correlation between the two scales was analyzed, a strong positive correlation was determined. In line with the findings of this study, interventions that may lower levels of bullying include delivering training on bullying and internet addiction to families, encouraging children to participate in activities that would reduce the amount of time they spend on the internet, and investigating the reasons for bullying.

How Street-Level Bureaucrats Perceive and Deal with Irregular Migration From Borders: The Case of Van, Türkiye

ABSTRACT This study presents field research about policy implementation to manage and minimize irregular migration in the border region of Van province in eastern Turkey. For this purpose, this article finds out how street-level bureaucrats at the Turkish-Iranian border perceive and deal with irregular migration. The conceptual framework covers the evolving use of Lipsky’s (1980) street-level bureaucracy approach in the public policy literature. The field research comprises interviews with a total of thirty-two border bureaucrats as street-level bureaucrats in the province of Van on the Turkish-Iranian border. Then, in the findings, six issues came to the fore in the implementation of border policy on irregular migration: the geography and climate, the intervention, the institutional relations, the judicial legislation, the physical and technological measures, and the role of the Iranian State. Finally, the discussion evaluates and reveals a “vicious circle of border security” that reduces the effectiveness of the policy implementation.

Muslim Women's Beliefs About Menstruation in Turkey.

This study aimed to determine health, nutrition, religious beliefs, hygiene, and beliefs concerning menstruation of women aged between 18 and 49years. This research was conducted as a descriptive study in primary health centers in one province in eastern Turkey between 2017 and 2019. The study sample consisted of 742 women. In the research, a questionnaire form that included the sociodemographic characteristics of the women and their thoughts regarding beliefs about their menstrual period was used. The biggest myth about food preparation was that 22% of the women believed that they will spoil food if they are involved in the food canning process while menstruating. The greatest menstrual beliefs about religious belief were that 96.1% of the women felt that it was wrong to have sexual intercourse while menstruating. The biggest beliefs about social life were that 26.5% of the women felt that they cannot have blood drawn while menstruating. The biggest beliefs about cleanliness were 89.8% of the women stated that it was necessary to take a bath at the end of menstruation. Generally, of all menstrual beliefs, opening pickles was highest among all groups. Notably, the second cluster, with a low value for kneading dough and shaving the genital area, showed a better cluster structure.

On the History of the Population and Territorial Issues of the Gazakh Region of Azerbaijan

The Gazakh region, located in the basin of Agstafa and Kura rivers in the northwest of Azerbaijan, was inhabited by the Gazakh tribe, which was part of the Hun tribal union from the first centuries of our era. The greater influx of the Gazakh tribe, which gave its name to the north-western region of Azerbaijan, took place in the XI–XII centuries at the invitation of the Georgian tsars who tried to free themselves from Seljuk dependence. During this period, the Gazakh tribe, which was part of the large Kipchak tribal union, lived in a part of the Kuban steppes. That area was called ‘Gazakhia’ after the name of the Gazakh tribe. Tens of thousands of Gazakhs who came to the South Caucasus at the invitation of the Georgian tsars settled in Georgia and converted to Christianity, while the other part began to live in the present-day Gazakh and Borchali regions. The Gazakhs living in the latter areas have preserved their national identity by mixing with their compatriots since the early Middle Ages. The Gazakh region, a part of the Safavid province with the status of a county, came under the influence of the Kartli-Kakheti kingdom in the second half of the XVIII century. During this period, a large part of the Gazakh tribe, who did not want to live under the rule of the Georgian tsars, moved to Ganja, Karabakh, Iravan khanates and the eastern provinces of Turkey.