Violence Against Armenians in Baku
January 12th, 1990
January 12th, 1990
How Long Ago?
35 years, 2 months, 3 days ago
Location
Baku, Azerbaijan
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
Links & References
Tags
Violence Against Armenians in Baku
A violent pogrom against the Armenian community erupted in Baku, Azerbaijan, leading to widespread attacks, torture, killings, and expulsions. Lasting over a week, the violence was fueled by ethnic tensions between Azerbaijanis and Armenians amidst the backdrop of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Thousands of Armenians suffered from brutal assaults and were forced to flee their homes, creating significant fear and displacement. The atrocities committed during this period marked a dark chapter in the region's complex ethnic history.
Weeklong violence against Armenians in Baku.
Fueled by longstanding ethnic tensions.
Thousands fled their homes during the attacks.
Lack of government intervention during violence.
What Happened?
In Baku, Azerbaijan, escalating ethnic tensions culminated in a pogrom targeting the Armenian population. During the weeklong violence, which began on the night of December 1, 1990, mobs comprised mostly of ethnic Azerbaijanis attacked Armenian civilians, resulting in untold suffering. Reports detail horrifying acts including beatings, torture, and murders, with many victims being trapped in their homes or streets during the chaos. The violence was further inflamed by nationalist sentiment and historical grievances, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a territory claimed by both Armenia and Azerbaijan. As a result, thousands of Armenians were forcibly displaced from their homes, seeking refuge in safer areas.Government forces and law enforcement appeared helpless or unresponsive during the attacks, leading to widespread accusations of complicity. This lack of intervention prompted many Armenians to fear for their safety and lives in Azerbaijan. The situation escalated as reports of attacks spread, leading to panic and rapid displacement. The pogrom resulted in significant demographic and social changes in Baku; many Armenians fled to Armenia and other countries, leading to a drastic decrease in the Armenian population in Azerbaijan. The aftermath of the pogrom set the stage for further destabilization and ethnic conflicts in the region, exacerbating tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan that would continue for decades.Following the pogrom, the Azerbaijani government faced harsh criticism from human rights organizations and international observers. The event became emblematic of the ethnic strife that characterized the region in the late 20th century. The consequences of the pogrom were felt far beyond immediate human suffering, as it resulted in entrenched animosities and a prolonged conflict that has led to numerous casualties and territorial disputes over the years. Displacement not only transformed lives but altered the socio-political landscape of Azerbaijan and its relationship with Armenia.
Why Does it Matter?
The pogrom in Baku is significant not only for its immediate human cost but also for its role in shaping future Azerbaijan-Armenia relations. It underscored the severity of ethnic nationalism in the region and foreshadowed prolonged conflict over territories like Nagorno-Karabakh. This incident contributed to the deeper entrenchment of ethnic divisions and set a precedent for future violence, influencing policies and population movements in the Caucasus for years to come.
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