Historical Encyclopedia
The Karabakh conflict is a prolonged and complex confrontation between Armenia and Azerbaijan that began in the late 1980s and continues to this day. At the center of the conflict is Nagorno-Karabakh, a region with a predominantly Armenian population that is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan. This conflict has deep historical roots and complex ethnic, political, and cultural aspects that make it one of the longest and most tragic in the post-Soviet space.
The origins of the Karabakh conflict can be traced back to the late 19th century when both ethnic groups began to actively form their national identities. At that time, Nagorno-Karabakh was part of the Russian Empire and later became part of the Azerbaijan SSR after the establishment of Soviet power in the early 20th century. Soviet policies regarding the management of ethnic minorities created the prerequisites for tension. In 1923, Nagorno-Karabakh was declared an autonomous region within the Azerbaijan SSR, leading to ongoing disputes over its status.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, ethnic Armenians, seeking unification with Armenia, began a struggle for the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. This caused a surge of violence, and by 1992, the conflict escalated into a full-scale war, resulting in Armenia taking control of Nagorno-Karabakh and several adjoining areas of Azerbaijan. This war ended in 1994 with a ceasefire, but a final resolution to the conflict was not achieved.
The conflict began to intensify in 1988 when mass protests against Azerbaijani governance erupted in Nagorno-Karabakh. These protests quickly escalated into armed confrontations. In 1991, independence was declared in Nagorno-Karabakh, but no international organization recognized it. The war that ensued led to significant losses on both sides, with estimates of around 30,000 people killed and over a million displaced.
A ceasefire was signed in 1994, which halted active hostilities but did not resolve political issues. Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh continued to control much of the territory, yet the international community, including the United Nations, continued to regard Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. This created tense relations between the two countries and led to ongoing conflicts and incidents along the border.
After the active phase of the conflict ended, the international community made efforts to resolve the situation. The OSCE Minsk Group, established in 1992, was appointed to mediate negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, despite multiple rounds of talks, a stable peace was not achieved. Reasons included deep mistrust between the parties, differences in approaches to resolving the conflict, and domestic political issues in both countries.
The situation remained tense, and periodic armed confrontations occurred. In 2016, violence escalated in what is known as the "Four-Day War," during which both sides suffered significant losses. This indicated that the conflict remained unresolved and could flare up at any moment.
In September 2020, the conflict escalated again, leading to intense fighting that lasted six weeks. Both sides used modern weaponry, and the conflict gained wide international attention. As a result of the military actions, Azerbaijan regained significant territories lost in the 1990s.
The conflict ended with a peace agreement signed on November 10, 2020, with the mediation of Russia. This agreement established new borders and set a ceasefire regime. However, many issues remained unresolved, and the atmosphere of mistrust between the two countries persists.
The Karabakh conflict has led to extensive humanitarian consequences. Many people on both sides lost their homes, and a significant number of refugees live in resource-scarce conditions. The reconstruction of the war-affected regions has become a complex task requiring substantial efforts from both the government and the international community.
The issue of refugees and displaced persons remains urgent, and many continue to live under harsh conditions, unable to return home. This creates tension within both countries and exacerbates existing social problems.
The future of the Karabakh conflict remains uncertain. Despite the signed ceasefire agreement, the political situation in the region continues to be complex. Issues such as the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, the rights of ethnic Armenians and Azerbaijanis, and security and reconstruction matters require careful and constructive approaches.
The international community continues to play an important role in the efforts to achieve long-term peace. However, to ensure stability in the region, both sides must demonstrate political will and a commitment to dialogue. Only through mutual understanding and compromise can conditions be created for peaceful coexistence and development for both Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The Karabakh conflict is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that requires a deep understanding of historical, cultural, and political factors. It has been a trial for both countries and has left a significant mark on the lives of their peoples. Efforts are needed to achieve a just and sustainable peace that allows people from both nations to live in harmony and accord.