HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY OF THE ARAS-TURKIC REPUBLIC

Abstract

The Ottoman Empire, which was defeated in the first World War, was forced to withdraw its army from Nakhchivan in accordance with the Armistice of Mudros signed on October 30, 1918. The entire Azerbaijani community was sorry about the withdrawal of the Ottoman army from Nakhchivan.  Under the terms of the Armistice of Mudros, the Ottomans agreed to pull their troops out of Azerbaijan,as well as Nakhchivan. But the Ottoman Empire, whose political situation was extremely difficult and complicated, did not allow the occupation of Nakhchivan. With the support of Kazim Karabekir Pasha, the Muslim National Council of Nakhchivan established the Araz-Turkic Republic in order to ensure the security of the region. The only purpose of establishment of the Araz-Turkic Republic was to eliminate the threats that Nakhchivan faced. The establishment of the Araz-Turkic Republic influenced the historical geography of Nakhchivan. The Araz-Turkic Republic, founded in the early 20th century in Nakhchivan, successfully served to save this land from Armenian aggression and to ensure the territorial integrity of the country. Existing for only five months, this organization has served the territorial integrity of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and prevented Armenian occupation. The achievements of the Araz-Turkic Republic are of great importance not only for that period, but also for the fate of the territory, the present and future of Nakhchivan.