Understanding the Conflict in Artsakh: A Historical Overview

At the heart of the ongoing conflict in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) lies a tangled web of historical decisions and shifting borders, particularly those made during the early 20th century under the control of the Soviet Union. This article delves into the origins of the conflict, focusing on the decisions made by Joseph Stalin and how they have persisted to shape the region's current situation.

Joseph Stalin and the Early Decisions

The roots of the present-day conflict in Artsakh can be traced back to the actions of Joseph Stalin when he served as the Commissar of Nationalities for the Soviet Union in the early 1920s. In April 1920, Azerbaijan was taken over by the Bolsheviks. Following this, Armenia and Georgia were incorporated into the Soviet sphere of influence in 1921. Seeking to gain public support, the Bolsheviks made a bold promise to Karabakh: the region would be considered as part of Armenia. However, to counterbalance Turkey's interests, the Soviet Union agreed to a division under which Karabakh would be placed under the jurisdiction of Azerbaijan.

Decades of Peace and Tensions

With the Soviet Union firmly in control, tensions over the region diminished for several decades. It was not until the decline of the Soviet Union that the question of Nagorno-Karabakh resurfaced. In August 1987, Karabakh Armenians submitted a petition requesting union with Armenia, backed by tens of thousands of signatures. The conflict intensified further when both Armenia and Azerbaijan gained independence in 1991. By the end of 1993, the unrest had claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of Armenians and Azerbaijanis on both sides.

The May 1994 Ceasefire and Aftermath

By May 1994, the Armenians had secured control over 14% of Azerbaijan's territory. For the first time during the conflict, the Azerbaijani government acknowledged Nagorno-Karabakh as a third party in the war and began direct negotiations with the Karabakh authorities. As a result, a cease-fire was established on 12 May 1994, facilitated by Russian diplomats. Tragically, tensions flared up once again in April 2016 when Azerbaijan claimed that their forces had killed and wounded over 100 Armenian soldiers.

The Historical Context of Artsakh

Artsakh (Armenian: pronounced [ɑtsɑχ]) has had a rich and complex history stretching back to the ninth century BC. It was the tenth province of the Kingdom of Armenia from 189 BC until 387 AD, after which it fell under the control of the Caucasian Albanian satrapy of Sasanid Persia. From the 7th to the 9th centuries, it was under Arab control. In 821, Artsakh became the Armenian principality of Khachen. By the year 1000, it was proclaimed as the Kingdom of Artsakh, one of the last enduring eastern Armenian kingdoms and principalities to resist Turkic invasions from the 11th to 14th centuries.

Conclusion

The conflict in Artsakh remains a complex and poignant chapter in the history of the region, deeply rooted in the decisions made during the Soviet era. Understanding these historical contexts is crucial for decoding the current dynamics and seeking a peaceful resolution.