Historical Encyclopedia
The modern period of Azerbaijan's history spans the time from the moment of gaining independence in 1991 to the present day. This period is characterized by significant political, economic, and social changes that have impacted the country and its population. Important aspects of this time include political reforms, economic growth, international relations, and cultural development.
Azerbaijan declared independence on August 30, 1991, but immediately after that, the country faced serious challenges. Internal conflicts, an economic crisis, and war with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh led to a humanitarian disaster and a large number of refugees. The conflict began in 1988 when the Armenian side started demanding the annexation of Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. A ceasefire was signed in 1994, but a final resolution to the conflict has yet to be found.
In 1993, amidst political chaos, Heydar Aliyev came to power. He became president and began implementing a policy of stabilization. Aliyev initiated economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign investments, particularly in the oil industry. Under his leadership, a "contract of the century" was signed with international oil companies, opening new horizons for Azerbaijan's economy.
Heydar Aliyev also contributed to strengthening political stability; however, his rule was marked by authoritarian tendencies. Suppression of political opposition and control over the media became characteristic features of his regime. Nevertheless, during his tenure, the country's economy began to develop, and the standard of living for the population gradually improved.
Since the early 2000s, Azerbaijan has experienced a true oil boom. The country has become an important player in the international energy market. Oil production increased, and Baku became one of the key centers for the transportation of oil and gas to Europe. The construction of pipelines, such as Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, symbolized Azerbaijan's economic independence and its integration into the global market.
The oil sector became the main source of budget revenue, contributing to increased investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. However, such dependence on oil revenues also created vulnerabilities in the economy, which became apparent during the global economic crisis of 2008 when oil prices sharply declined.
Following the death of Heydar Aliyev in 2003, his son Ilham Aliyev came to power. Ilham continued his father's policies, but his rule was also accompanied by political repression and suppression of the opposition. In 2005, elections were held in the country that were characterized by international observers as unfair and opaque.
Despite the criticism, Ilham Aliyev was able to retain power by implementing economic reforms and expanding social programs. Investments were made in infrastructure, which helped improve living conditions for the population. However, social issues such as unemployment and poverty remained relevant.
Azerbaijan actively develops its international relations, aiming to become an important energy partner for European and U.S. countries. Participation in international organizations such as the UN and OSCE, as well as cooperation with NATO, have become important aspects of the country’s foreign policy. Azerbaijan has also signed numerous cooperation agreements with various states in the fields of economy, culture, and security.
At the same time, the conflict with Armenia continues to pose a major challenge for Azerbaijan. In 2016, clashes occurred in Nagorno-Karabakh, showing that the situation in the region remains tense. Azerbaijan is trying to resolve the issue peacefully, but achieving peace is difficult against the backdrop of historical grievances and territorial claims.
The modern period of Azerbaijan is also characterized by a revival of cultural identity. The government supports initiatives to preserve cultural heritage, promote the arts, and education. An important event was the international Eurovision competition, which took place in Baku in 2012, showcasing Azerbaijan on the global stage.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Azerbaijani culture and arts, linked to an increasing sense of patriotism and a desire to preserve national identity. Numerous cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals are held in the country, strengthening cultural ties with other peoples.
The modern period of Azerbaijan is a time of significant changes and challenges. From political instability to economic growth, from the struggle for territorial integrity to the pursuit of cultural revival—each aspect shapes the modern face of the country. Despite the difficulties, Azerbaijan continues to move forward, striving to become a successful and prosperous state on the international stage.