The Legal and Historical Status of Artsakh: A Misconception
The notion that Artsakh, also known as Nagorno-Karabakh, became part of Azerbaijan is a persistent but historically and legally inaccurate narrative. This article explores the historical and legal context surrounding Artsakh and its independent status, reframing common misconceptions.
Historical Context
The modern city of Stepanakert, which many mistakenly refer to as Khankendi, has existed under various names. The primary name change occurred in 1923 when it was renamed Stepanakert, yet the region was always integral to Armenian historical and cultural identity. Much of the input claiming that Artsakh was part of Azerbaijan is based on unverifiable claims and myths rather than factual evidence.
The Soviet Era
During the Soviet era, under the leadership of Joseph Stalin, Artsakh and Azerbaijan were administratively merged into one Soviet province known as the Autonomous Oblast. However, this was a form of administrative division and not a legal annexation. Both territories maintained their autonomous status and operated under their own local governance. Upon the dissolution of the Soviet Union, both Azerbaijan and Armenians declared their independence, emphasizing that their independence was not contingent upon administrative boundaries during the Soviet era.
The Ancient Armenian Kingdom
Artsakh has been a recognized historical and natural part of the Armenian kingdom since at least the time of King Tigranes II in the 1st century BC. Tigranes the Great, an Armenian king, expanded his kingdom to include Artsakh as part of a vast and influential Armenian territory. Prior to the arrival of Turkic nomads in the 11th century, Artsakh had been a region under Armenian control and cultural influence.
The Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries
The late 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by significant geopolitical changes in the region. In 1918 after World War I, the Armenian region known as Artsakh declared its independence, aligning itself with the newly formed Republic of Armenia. This action was not sanctioned by Russia and fell into a complex series of political and ethnic conflicts.
The Role of Stalin and the Soviet Union
During the Soviet era, Stalin did administer Artsakh as part of the Azerbaijan SSR for a short period. However, this was mainly for administrative purposes and not to imply a legal annexation. Historical sources and records do not support claims that Stalin intended to permanently merge Artsakh with Azerbaijan. Instead, Stalin often used administrative divisions to manage the vast and complex Soviet territories.
The Impact of Stalin's Actions
Stalin's actions in the region, especially regarding the annexation of Armenian territories by the Soviet Union, have been widely criticized. His policies often aimed at consolidating power and controlling ethnic minorities, leading to significant human rights abuses and border disputes. The massacre of Armenian civilians in Shushi in 1920 and the subsequent repopulation of Artsakh with Azeri settlers further complicated the region's historical narrative.
Conclusion
The question of whether Artsakh became part of Azerbaijan is fundamentally a question of historical and legal interpretation. The reality is that Artsakh has always been an integral part of the Armenian realm, with its independent status affirmed in modern times through a historical and geopolitical legacy. It is important to base discussions around this issue on verifiable historical and legal facts, rather than on unverified claims and myths.