History of Nakhchivan

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  Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan
Tuesday, December 20, 2005

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Nakhchivan is the most ancient part of Azerbaijan with its centuries' old history and rich material cultural monuments. The neolith period's local sedentary population lived there, and was occupied with different household and art.

About 80 000 years ago, in the Stone Age, the initial period of the humankind, the favorable geographical situation of Nakhchivan allowed the primitive people - our great-grandfathers - to settle in these territories.

In the Stone Age, the primitive human beings - our great-grandfathers - laid settlements in the charmingly beautiful and naturally wealthy river valleys, mountains slopes, Junnut foothills, Kilid, Dashgala, Armammad, Gazma and other carse caves in Nakhchivan.

The traces of the Stone Age culture in Nakhchivan were found out in Batabat pasture in Shahbuz region, on the environs of the old settlement of Ikinji Kultepe (Second Kultepe) in Nakhchivan River valley, in the environ rocky shelters of the sacred place of Armammad in Alinja River valley, and in the Gazma cave near Tananam village in Sharur.

The ancient Nakhchivan Kins' Union established wide economic and cultural relationships with Near Eastern countries. The lion typed paste beads and colored dishes patterns of Urmia, Mesopotamia, Egypt and other origins found in Gizilburun settlement and necropolis, Ikinci Kultepe (Second Kultepe) and other monuments are the main evidences.

As a result of maintaining the economic-cultural relationship, the population of the Nakhchivan district got closely acquainted with the early urban culture of the shumers. Nakhchivan had a specific role in foundation and development of early urban culture in Near East. Nakhchivan city, one of the cultural centers of the East, was founded at the first half of the second century on the basis of such strong local economic and cultural grounds. The first written information about Nakhchivan was given in Greek geographer Claudius Ptolomey's scientific work "Geography." Informing that Nakhchivan existed as a city before Christ, he wrote: "Naksuana is the center of large Vaspuragan. Naksuana is a part of the country comprising of 37 different parts." The researches prove that Nakhchivan was included into the above-mentioned province only during the Arabic invasion, and the city had nothing to do with Vaspuragan.



Etymology of the word "Nakhchivan"

The word "Nakhchivan" was differently presented in early sources. "Naksuana" in Greek, "Nakhch" in pehlevi, "Nashawa" or "Nakhchuan" in Arabic. In some Turkish sources Nakhchivan was presented as "Nagshijahan." The city name was presented as "Nakhch" in the pehlevi language on the coins minted in the name of Sasany emperor on VI century. In the Persian sources the city name was given as "Nakhjir." Yagut Hemevi named the city "Nashawa", Muhammed ibn Hindushah Nakhchivani and Hamdullah Gazvini named it "Naqshi-Jahan." Some state that he word "Nakhchivan" is of Turkish origin meaning the motherland of Akhchivan-Nakhchivan Oghuz braves. The recent research explains the origin of the word "Nakhchivan" in connection with the word "Nahhunte" in the elam language. And some researchers associate the name "Nakhchivan" with Nuh legend.

The recent researches proved that the word "Nakhchivan" is an ethnotoponym relating the name of the ancient local kin (nakh, nakhch). While (V century) dealing with the tribes who lived in the Caucasus, Moisey Khorenly mentioned the Nakhjamajen (nakhje) tribe as well. "Van" meant location, house and settlement. According to Z.Yampolskiy, the word "van" is in the Midian language, and means settlement places of the ancient Azerbaijani tribes. That's the word "Nakhchivan" means the settlement of "nakhch" ("nakhche") tribes.






Nakhchivan in the Seljugs period.

In the first half of the VII century, Nakhchivan was exposed to the Byzantine emperor Irakli's attack. In 654 the Arabic ameer Habib Ibn Maslama occupied Nakhchivan. The city was included into the third emirate of the caliphate because of its administrative features. In this period, some revolutions took place against the feudal violence and the enslavement by the foreigners.

In early IX century, the Khurremiler movement started against the Arabs. And Nakhchivan was one of the supporting points and military camps of the Kurramiler. In IX-X centuries, Nakhchivan entered the Sajiler and Salariler governments.

In the middle XI c, the Seljug sultans (emperors) governed in Nakhchivan. In 1064, during the reign of the Seljug sultan Toghrul's heir Alp Arslan, other states in the Azerbaijani territory were made safe, and therefore he was given the name Abulfath. Alp Arslan left Nakhchivan leaving his son Malikshah and vizier Nizam ul-Mulku in his place. In 1092, after Malikshah's death, the Seljug Empire was divided into several independent states. Despite the fact, Nakhchivan city depended on the Seljug sultanate for some time.







ATABEYLER AND ELKHANILER AUTHORITIES.

In 1136, Atabeyler, actually Eldenizler period took start with the governance of Shemseddin Eldeniz, an heir of Seljug states in Ganja. In the middle XII c, Nakhchivan entered the territory of Eldenizler state. At that time Nakhchivan became the leading trade and art center of Atabeyler state. From late 1300s to 1175 Nakhchivan was the capital of the country. Nakhchivan was the city of economic and military importance. Nakhchivan, the first and leading residence of Eldenizler state, was sufficiently developed at that time. The worthy monuments - castles, palaces, mosques, tombs and so on were built in Nakhchivan. During the reign of Muhammed Jahan Pahlavan, his wife Zahide was the head of the government. The state treasure was kept in Alinja castle. The French traveler Wilhelm De Rubric, who visited Nakhchivan, stated that Nakhchivan was the capital of a huge country before the Mongolian invasion, and was big and beautiful city.

In 1221, the troops of Chingiz khan attacked the city and most part of the city was destroyed. In 1225, after the Mongolian invasion Nakhchivan became the dominion of Jalaleddin Mangiburi son of the Kharezmshah Muhammed. But the city exposed to more danger during the Mongolian invasion. During the reign of Hulaku khan, the Turkmen who came Nakhchivan merged with the Turks who lived there from the old times.

In the second half of XIV, after Elkhaniler's invasion, Chobaniler, Jujiler, Jelariler and Muzefferiler invaded Nakhchivan. In 1386, Teymurlang brought its troops to Nakhchivan. This invasion imposed great damages to economy and culture of Nakhchivan. In XY century, during the reign of Garaqoyunlular, Nakhchivan became more developed.






Nakhchivan in Sefevi period

In XII century the spontaneous sufi-derwish sect was founded in the territories occupied by Mongols. Late this century one of such kind of orders was in Ardabil city of Azerbaijan. The name of the order and sheikh dynasty is connected with the name of saint Sheikh Sefieddin Ardabili (1252-1334). The importance of Ardabil feudal governance increased. The Sefeviler controlled all laic and religious issues. The Sefevi sect was of completely politicl sence during the reign of Sheikh Juneyd (1447-1460). In 1501 the Sefevi got more political power after Sheikh Ismayil defeated the Aghgoyunlu troops in Nakhchivan. After the gizilbashlar get victory over Aghgoyunlular, Nakhchivan entered the governance of Sefevi. The main reason for Sefevi sheikh Shah Ismayil' s getting more powerful is his rely on Turkish kin of Gizilbash. Unfortunately, there are plenty of events reflecting the conflicts between two Turkish states: Sefevi and Osmanli in our history. As an example we can cite the Chaldiran Struggle (1514). The situation went on until the foundation of Afshar dynasty.





AFSHAR AND GAJAR PERIOD

As obvious from its name, Nadir shah Afshar belongs to Kirlu branch of Afshar Turks. Having enthroned Tahmasib II in 1729, Nadir shah then got him away, and established the Afshar dynasty. In 1736, putting an end to Sefevi dynasty representatives' formal administration method, declared himself as a shah (governor) of Iran. Nadir abolished all the former administrative divisions - beylik (noblity). Chuxursad beylik was also taken away and included into a unit administrative division under the name Azerbaijan. During the reigns of Ahmed III and Mahmud I the consolidation of Azerbaijan territories with Osmanli territories was the leading policy of the government, however Russia's claim on these territories and Nadir shah's successful activity prevented the Osmanli government to realize it. Then Gajars - another branch of Turkmen took the governance in Azerbaijan (1779).



NAKHCHIVAN KHANATE

After assassination of Nadir Afshar in 1747, about 20 independent feudal states - khanates emerged in Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijani khanates were divided into two - northern and southern groups:

In north: Shaki, Guba, Ganja, Darband, Nakhchivan, Talish, Shirvan, Irevan, Salyan, Garabagh and Javad khanates

In south: Tabriz, Urmia, Ardabil, Khoy, Serab, Maku and Maraga.

In the middle XVIII century, Heydargulu khan, the head of the Kangarli kin, declared himself the khan of Nakhchivan. The khanate covered the territory from Zangazur Mountains to valleys of the Araks River. Nakhchivan khanate comprised of Nakhchivan, Sharur, Ordubad, Mehri, Gafan and other provinces. In 1787, Kalbali khan became the khan of Nakhchivan. During the khanate period, Nakhchivan revived a little bit more.

During the first Russia-Iran war (1805-1813), Nakhchivan khanate was under the dominion of Iran, according to Gulustan treaties.

In 1827, during the second Russia-Iran war (1826-1828), Russian troops occupied Nakhchivan. Nakhchivan khanate's joining Russia by force ended with Turkmenchay treaties between Russia and Iran in 1828. In 1841, Nakhchivan became the gaza (another type of administration) center. Its territory joined Georgia-Imeretiya province in 1841, and then Irevan province that was under governance of Azerbaijanis in 1850.

The settlement of Armenians in Nakhchivan took start after the Russian governance in the territory, as it was in other parts of Azerbaijan as well. According the policy pursued by Tsar Russia, in 1828, the Armenians transferred from South Azerbaijan, Tabriz and environs, and in 1829-1830 forms Arzurum and environs and settled in Nakhchivan and Irevan districts of Azerbaijan. Since 1905, the Armenians had exposed the Azerbaijani people to massacre in Nakhchivan, as they did in many other parts of Azerbaijan. Since 1917, the Armenians laid claims to Nakhchivan territories.



NAKHCHIVAN DURING

THE AZERBAIJAN PEOPLE (DEMOCRATIC) REPUBLIC (1918-1920)

After the February bourgeois revolution in 1917, the Baku Caucasian Muslims Congress was held on April 15, and after the hard discussions, the decision on foundation of local Federation was made. On May 28, 1918 the Azerbaijani People Republic was declared and Turkey immediately recognized the government.

In summer, 1917, the local authorities of the provisional government were established in Nakhchivan province. In early 1918, the armed forces of the Armenian dashnags committed massacres in Nakhchivan. While Baku was under control of dashnags and esers, Nakhchivan National Committee may ask for real help only from Turkey. The Turkish troops under the leadership of Khalil bey came to Nakhchivan's help. In November 1918, the Araks-Turkish Republic was established. The territory of the republic was 16 000 km2, with a million population, and Nakhchivan was the capital of the republic. Its territory included Nakhchivan, Sharur-Daralayaz, Ordubad gazas, and also Sardarabad (Irevan), Ulukhanli, Vedibasar, Gaamarli, Mehri and other regions. After the defeat of Turkey in the First World War, according to Mudros treaties, the Turkish troops had to leave Azerbaijan, as well as Nakhchivan. Because of the instable situation in Turkey, the Russians' attempts to invade Baku, the oil and industrial center of the country, and the European states' inability to see the Russian menace, the Russians occupied Azerbaijan on April 28, 1920.



NAKHCHIVAN ISSUE IN

INTERNATIONAL MOSCOW AND GARS TREATIESS

The territory of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic was defined within the territory of Azerbaijan Republic according to Moscow treaties of March 16, 1921 and Gars treaties of October 13, 1921. According to Article 3 of the Treaty on friendship and fraternity between Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic and Turkey signed in Moscow, Nakhchivan is an autonomous part under the patronage of Azerbaijan and within the borders indicated in the Appendix 1 of the treaty, providing not to give it to the third part.

Source: "Treaty on friendship and fraternity between Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic and Turkey."

MARCH 16, 1921, MOSCOW

Article 3

The agreed parts affirm the autonomy of Nakhchivan province under the patronage of Azerbaijan, within the borders indicated in Appendix 1 (B) of the existing treaty, providing that Azerbaijan will never compromise its patronage right to a third state.

Appendix 1 (B)

Ararat station - Saraybulag Mountain (8017 - Gomrulu Mountain (8839) - (8930) - (3080) - Sayat Mountain (7868) - Gurd gulag (Kurt kulak) village - Hamasur Mountain (8160) - 8022 in height - Kuku Mountain (10282) and eastern administrative borders of former Nakhchivan gaza.

According to Article 5 of the Treaty signed with the participation of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic on October 13, 1921, Gars city, between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia as the first part and Turkish Republic as the second part, Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan governments made agreements on establishment of Nakhchivan Autonomous territory under the patronage of Azerbaijan and within the borders indicated in Article 3 of the treaty.

Source: "Treaty signed with the participation of Russia, on friendship between Armenia Soviet Socialist Republic, Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic and Georgia Soviet Socialist Republic as the first part and Turkish Supreme National Assembly government as the second part."

October 13, 1921, Gars

Article 5

Turkish government, Armenia and Azerbaijan Soviet governments made agreements on establishment of Nakhchivan Autonomous territory under the patronage of Azerbaijan, within the borders indicated in Article 3 of the treaty.

Appendix 3. Nakhchivan territory

Urmia village, from there as a straight line to Arazdeyen station (is in Armenia Soviet Socialist Republic), then straightly to Western Dashburun Mountain (3142) - then Eastern Dashburun Mountain (4108) - southern area of the spring ("Rovne") through Jehennem valley River, Baghirsag (Yaghirsag0 Mountain (6607), or along the watershed at the height of 6587 to administrative borders of Irevan gaza, then to Sharur-Daralayaz borders, Gomurlu Mountain (6839, or 6930) at the height of 6629, and then to 3080 height. Sayat Mountain (7868) - Gurd gukag (Kurt kulak) village - hamasur Mountain (8160) - at the height of 8022 - Kuku Mountain (10282) and former eastern administrative borders of Nakhchivan gaza.

While the territory of Nakhchivan was 6988 km2 when Gars Treaty was signed, it decreased to 5365 km2 (the figures are cited from N.A.Sokolski's book of "Materials on studying Nakhchivan SSR", page 7, published in Tbilisi, 1933) as a result of illegal transfer of the areas of the autonomous republic to Armenia under the patronage of Moscow.

Afterwards, the International treaties were roughly and unilaterally violated, so as the borders of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was restudied, and in 1929, according to decision of the Presidium of the Pre-Caucasian Central Executive Committee, the territories within Nakhchivan province, as well as Gerchivan, Gurg gulag, Horadiz, Aghbin, Aghkhach, Danan Almali, Almali, Itgiran, Sultanbey and part of Kilit village were given to Armenia SSR. The total area was 657 km2. The maps drawn in 1962, 1965 and 1967 were falsified, here the border line through the red brick building from Urmia to Arazdeyen was gradually set close to Sadarak village of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, thus more than 400 ha areas were illegally joined the Armenian territory. On January 19, 1990, Karki village of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic was occupied by Armenian-Russian troops.

While Moscow and Gars treaties are in force, the illegal annexion of territories of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic to Armenia opposites the standards of International law, Vienna Convention of 1969 on Law of International treaties, Declaration of 1970 on International Law principles, and Helsinki Final Act of 1975.


NAKHCHIVAN DURING SOVIET UNION

After the governance of Bolsheviks in Azerbaijan, the nakhchivan Soviet Socialist republic was declared on July 28. The Supreme body - Nakhchivan Revolutionary Committee was chosen. According to Moscow and Gars Treaties signed in Moscow, nakhchivan is given to the patronage of Azerbaijan providing that Azerbaijan will never compromise its patronage right to a third state. The Moscow and Gars Treaties played an important role in protection of Nakhchivan territories. During the Soviet Union, some areas of Nakhchivan were given to Armenia, and the economic, political and cultural relations were prevented between Turkish Republic.

Azerbaijan and its integral part Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic had long struggled to be independent. In late 1980, the collapse of USSR caused the instigation of Garabagh issues and conflict between Azerbaijanis and Armenians. To suppress the independence movement, the Soviet troops entered Baku on January 19, 1990 and committed a massacre. Eight hours earlier the Russian-Armenian amalgamation occupied Karki village of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and started intensive attacks along the borders. The hundreds of Azerbaijanis became victims of the events. As the Nakhchivan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic couldn't get guarantee for protection of its borders, the Supreme Soviet made decision to get out of USSR basing on Moscow and Gars Treaties. This political act was actually the first step towards collapse of USSR.






POLITICAL ISSUES AFTER 1990

The events around Upper Garabagh somehow affected Nakhchivan as well. In this period the situation in Nakhchivan was much harder. It was under the threat of Armenian occupation. N July 22, 1990, Heydar Aliyev's return to Nakhchivan because of persecution in Moscow saved the region. Once back to active policy, Heydar Aliyev was elected the deputy to Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan parliaments, and in September 1991 he became the Chairman of Supreme Assembly of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Firstly in the history of Nakhchivan parliament the important steps put towards restoration of national state tradition. The tricolor flag was adopted. The flag and other independence attributes issues were raised in Azerbaijan Supreme Soviet basing on legislation initiative regulations. The focus was made on developing the relations with Iran and Turkey to support the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic to live out from the blockade of Armenia. In 1992, the protocols relating Azerbaijan signed between Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Turkey and Iran, and bridges were laid o the Araks River.

The definite measures were taken for safety of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. For the first time fire cease was dealt with Armenia. It was an important step towards National Army setting and Nakhchivan's reliable protection.

In 1993, after Heydar Aliyev was elected the president of Azerbaijan Republic, the political stability in Azerbaijan had a positive impact on Nakhchivan as well, and caused ground for stability and revival.





AUTONOMY STATUS OF NAKHCHIVAN

Mustafa Kamal Ataturk, Nariman Narimanov, Behbud Shahtakhtinskiy and others played an important role in getting the Autonomy status of Nakhchivan. 1917-1920 period was more difficult period for Nakhchivan, and this ancient Azerbaijani territory was under threat of being occupied by Armenia. Getting the patronage from the winner states (USA, England) of the First World War, the dashnag government of Armenia used armed invasion to join the region with "Great Armenia", and even used the bands of Andronik, Dron and Njden for these purposes. But the local population bravely resisted the violence, and considered the union of Azerbaijan as the solution of the problem. As a result of insidious intentions of Armenians, the International community was mostly involved in the region, as the social-political events got the tragic level in Nakhchivan. As the dashnag government considered Azerbaijan People Republic is unable to solve the problem peacefully, they spread rumors on amalgamation these territories into the Armenian territory.

The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic was given autonomy within Azerbaijan Republic according to Constitution of Azerbaijan Republic adopted through general election - referendum on November 12, 1995. The state leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev said: "The autonomy of Nakhchivan is the historical achievement, we should protect it. The autonomy of Nakhchivan is a great factor to return back all its lost territories. We must conserve this factor."

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