Why Azerbaijan's Claims Over Zangezur and Nagorno-Karabakh Lack Legitimacy
The Republic of Azerbaijan bases its territorial claims over Zangezur and Nagorno-Karabakh on dubious historical and legal arguments. This article delves into the historical context, the disputed territories, and the international recognition of these regions as part of the Republic of Armenia. By examining the legal and historical realities, we aim to shed light on the legitimacy of Azerbaijan's claims and the rightful ownership of these territories.
Historical Context and Territorial Claims
The name 'Azerbaijan' itself is a Turkicized version of the Persian name 'Azerbayjan', derived from the 11th-century Azeri Turkic tribe. Azerbaijan is often described as an 'artificial state' created through the pan-Islamic and later pan-Turkic policies of the early 20th century. The territory of modern-day Azerbaijan has been home to diverse ethnic groups, including Armenians, who have settled in the region for over a millennium.
The Claim Over Zangezur
The claim over Zangezur, also known as the Syunik province, is a complex issue. Zangezur is a historic region that has been integral to Armenia since ancient times. However, the disputed nature of this region arises from historical conflicts and boundary changes. Zangezur is not claimed by Azerbaijan as a whole, but the control over parts of it is a subject of contention, particularly the Southern districts of Zangezur that are part of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR).
The Claim Over Nagorno-Karabakh
Nagorno-Karabakh, or Artsakh as it is known to Armenians, is a territory within the historical province of Utik. It has been part of Armenia since ancient times, with a predominantly Armenian population. The modern conflict began in the late 1980s when the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast (NKAO) declared its intention to secede from Azerbaijan and join the Armenian SSR. This claim is substantiated by historical, cultural, and legal documentation, as well as international recognition of the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia.
Legal and International Recognition
The League of Nations, in 1920, declared that the state of Azerbaijan did not exist before 1918 and that the name Azerbaijan was borrowed from a neighboring Persian province. This ruling recognized that the modern Republic of Azerbaijan was not a legitimate successor to historical state entities and had no internationally recognized borders. The Republic of Armenia, on the other hand, was internationally recognized both at the time of its founding and currently, as the heir to the Kingdom of Armenia.
The Case of Nakhchivan
Nakhchivan, a part of modern-day Azerbaijan, was historically Armenian territory. After the Russian-Turkish Treaty of 1921, the entire indigenous Armenian population was expelled from Nakhchivan. The region then fell under Azerbaijani rule, with the destruction of Armenian historical and cultural sites, including 127 ancient churches and over 15,000 khachkars (cross-stones) in 2008.
The Treaty of 1921
The Treaty of 1921 between Bolshevik Russia and the Turkish Grand National Assembly is illegal as neither party was a subject of international law. The treaty ceded the territories of Kars, Ardahan, Kakhizvan, and Surmali to the internationally unrecognized Republic of Turkey, and Nakhchivan to the Musafat Azerbaijan, which was not a state in the international law sense.
Conclusion
Azerbaijan's claims over Zangezur and Nagorno-Karabakh are based on a fabricated historical narrative. Legal and historical reality clearly show that these territories have been integral to the Republic of Armenia and the Armenians for centuries. The international community, including the League of Nations, recognized the Armenian claims long before Azerbaijan was a recognized sovereign state. It is crucial to acknowledge the legal and historical facts to ensure fair and just territorial claims.