by Turan Gafarlı, M.A.
The massacre of Azerbaijani Turks and Muslims in Baku on March 31, 1918 is a tragic event that is still etched in the memory of Azerbaijanis today. In the wake of the Russian Revolution, ethnic tensions in the region boiled over and led to a brutal attack on Azerbaijani Turks and Muslims. This event, known as the Baku Massacre, remains a defining moment for Azerbaijani identity. It teaches us that the peaceful coexistence of different ethnic groups and peoples on the basis of tolerance and unity must be preserved as the greatest good.
The Baku massacre was not an isolated event, but took place at a time when the region was in turmoil and upheaval. The Russian Empire, which had ruled Azerbaijan for centuries, was struggling with the consequences of a red revolution that had only recently brought the Bolsheviks to power. At this time, nationalism was growing among the various ethnic groups in the empire. The Azerbaijani Turks were no exception and began to assert their identity and demand autonomy within the empire. This political upheaval was accompanied by ethnic tensions as Armenians and Azerbaijanis vied for control of the South Caucasus.
The Bolsheviks regarded the Azerbaijanis as a threat to their rule
The situation came to a head in early 1918 when the Bolshevik forces took control of Baku, a booming, oil-rich coastal city. This triggered a wave of violence against Azerbaijani Turks and Muslims in Baku and the surrounding provinces, who were accused of posing a threat to the Bolshevik cause. The brutal events began with Bolshevik and Armenian provocations against the former “Savage Division” of Tsarist Russia, which was made up of Muslims who had returned to Azerbaijan from Iran. In the attacks on the civilian population, Armenian paramilitaries and other groups took part in the violence against the civilian population, which quickly spiraled out of control.
Systematic massacres of Azerbaijani civilians
In the following days, Azerbaijani Turks and Muslims were attacked in a series of brutal attacks. Houses and stores were looted and burned down. Rape, torture and mass murders characterized the streets. Estimates of the number of fatalities vary widely. However, it is assumed that several thousand Azerbaijani Turks died in the massacre. The atrocities were not limited to Baku, but also took place in other parts of the region. The attack was indiscriminate and thousands of innocent civilians were massacred in the streets.
March 31, 1918 as a shattering turning point in the formation of Azerbaijani identity
The events of March 31, 1918 were a tragic turning point for the Azerbaijani Turks and for their identity as a nation. The massacre not only cost many people their lives, but also had a profound impact on the cultural and social fabric of society. Many families were displaced or forced to flee, and the trauma of the violence was felt for generations to come. It was a stark reminder that the Azerbaijani Turks were a minority within the dissolving empire and that their identity and culture were threatened by their centuries-old neighbors. The event also served as an initial spark for the awakening awareness of an Azerbaijani nation and spurred the community to fight for their rights. Many Azerbaijani Turks sided with the Ottoman army in particular, which, having arrived in the Caucasus, supported the existential struggle of the Azerbaijanis.
Foundation of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan
After the massacre, the Azerbaijani Turks founded the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, the first secular democracy in the Muslim world. The republic, although short-lived, served as an important symbol of Azerbaijani identity and sovereignty. It also created a modern understanding of Azerbaijan’s borders, which was crucial for the transformation of the masses into a nation. In this decisive moment of nation-building, Baku also became the capital and a source of national pride and was recaptured by Ottoman Azerbaijani troops in September of the same year.
The massacre also had a lasting impact on the way Azerbaijani Turks see themselves and their place in the world. It reinforced the idea that they are a distinct ethnic group with a unique culture and history, and also highlighted the need for self-determination and autonomy in the wider political context. After the massacre, the Azerbaijanis were forced to come to terms with the reality of their situation. They were a minority in a region that was increasingly dominated by Armenians, and they lacked the political and economic power to resist this trend. The massacre was a wake-up call, and Azerbaijanis began to organize politically to assert their rights and defend their identity.
Today, Azerbaijan is an independent country and the Azerbaijani Turks have developed a strong national consciousness. The events of March 31, 1918 are still commemorated every year as a reminder of the sacrifices made for Azerbaijani identity and independence.
In recent years, interest in the events of 1918 has increased again both in Azerbaijan and in the international community. In 2018, the hundredth anniversary of the massacre was marked with events and commemorations throughout the country.
The events of 1918 are a painful reminder of the challenges minority groups face in asserting their identity and securing their rights. They also serve as a warning of the dangers of nationalism and the need for tolerance and understanding between different ethnic groups.
In summary, the massacre of Azerbaijani Turks and Muslims in Baku on March 31, 1918 was a tragic event that had a profound impact on the identity of Azerbaijani Turks. It reinforced the need for self-determination and autonomy in the wider political context and spurred the community to fight for their rights. Today, the events of 1918 are commemorated to remember the sacrifices made for Azerbaijani identity and independence. It is important to remember these events and work towards a future of tolerance and understanding between the different ethnic groups.