Nagorno-Karabakh Votes for Secession from Azerbaijan
February 20th, 1988
February 20th, 1988

How Long Ago?
37 years, 23 days ago
Location
Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
First Nagorno-Karabakh War
Links & References
Tags
Nagorno-Karabakh Votes for Secession from Azerbaijan
The Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast held a critical vote on secession from Azerbaijan, resulting in a 98.8% approval for joining Armenia. This decision emerged from long-standing ethnic tensions within the Soviet Union, where the majority Armenian population sought closer ties to Armenia. The vote marked the beginning of an escalating conflict, known as the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenians in the region, leading to significant military clashes and civilian strife.
98.8% voted for secession from Azerbaijan.
Majority population identified culturally with Armenia.
Ethnic tensions escalated into armed conflict.
Conflict resulted in significant regional impact.
What Happened?
In February 1988, the local parliament of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast, an Armenian-majority region within Azerbaijan, convened and voted overwhelmingly for secession from Azerbaijan and for unification with Armenia. This highly controversial decision was primarily fueled by ethnic tensions that had been exacerbating throughout the Soviet era. Despite the region's legal status as part of Azerbaijan, the overwhelming majority of the population identified culturally and linguistically with Armenia, leading to growing demands for self-determination. The vote revealed deep-seated grievances between the Armenian population and Azerbaijani authorities, stemming from historical, political, and nationalist issues.
Following the vote, the conflict intensified, marked by protests that escalated into violent confrontations. This marked the tipping point for both the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities, leading to armed clashes that would later evolve into the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. The central Soviet authorities, unable to mediate effectively, struggled to contain the rising tensions, which soon spiraled out of control. This situation created a humanitarian crisis, with thousands displaced from their homes as violence spread.
The aftermath of the vote and the war that followed resulted in significant geopolitical changes in the South Caucasus region, fostering animosity that continues to affect Armenian-Azerbaijani relations to this day. The war officially ended with a fragile and disputed ceasefire in 1994, but the underlying conflicts remained unresolved, leading to recurrent hostilities in subsequent decades. The 1988 vote is thus a pivotal moment in both national and regional histories, demonstrating the powerful influence of ethnic nationalism and the complexities involved in the dissolution of Soviet territories.
Why Does it Matter?
The vote for secession initiated a conflict that reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus. It showcases the impact of ethnic identity on political aspirations within multi-ethnic states, contributing to a legacy of unresolved tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The resulting war not only caused substantial loss of life and displacement but also established a pattern of conflict that influences the region's politics even now.
Discover More Historic Events from February 20th
Kalamazoo County Experiences Multiple Shooting Incidents
In Kalamazoo County, Michigan, six people lost their lives and two others sustained injuries during a series of shootings across three locations. The perpetrator reportedly used a vehicle to travel between sites, marking a tense and chaotic evening for the community. Authorities quickly mobilized to apprehend the suspect. The events unfolded on a Saturday night, capturing attention both locally and nationally.
Continue ReadingTrains Collide in Rafz, Switzerland
Two trains crashed in Rafz, causing significant injuries. Around 49 individuals were reported injured, resulting from a collision that occurred during the morning rush hours. Swiss Federal Railways announced the cancellation of certain train services following the incident, impacting commuters in the region. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to assist those affected and manage the situation at the scene.
Continue ReadingSnipers Target Euromaidan Protesters in Kyiv
Amid intensifying clashes between protesters and police in Kyiv, dozens of anti-government demonstrators were shot and killed, reportedly by snipers, on February 20, 2014. This marked a turning point in the protests against the government of President Viktor Yanukovych, who had suspended an association agreement with the European Union, sparking widespread unrest. The violent confrontations escalated, drawing international attention and condemnation as the death toll continued to rise.
Continue ReadingHistoric Floods and Mudslides in Madeira
Heavy rains in Madeira Island led to catastrophic floods and mudslides, resulting in significant loss of life and property. The impacted areas experienced intense downpours that triggered landslides, damaging infrastructure, homes, and claiming at least 43 lives. This disaster marked one of the most severe natural calamities in the history of the archipelago, affecting thousands and leading to emergency responses from local and national authorities.
Continue ReadingSri Lankan Military Downs Tamil Tiger Aircraft
Two aircraft operated by the Tamil Tigers, filled with C4 explosives and targeted at the Sri Lankan Air Force headquarters, were intercepted and shot down by the Sri Lankan military before they could reach their intended target. This marked a significant engagement in the ongoing civil conflict as both sides intensified their military tactics.
Continue ReadingSpain Votes to Ratify EU Constitution
Spain held a referendum on the ratification of the proposed Constitution of the European Union, with a majority supporting the constitutional proposal despite witnessing a low turnout among eligible voters. This pivotal decision marked Spain's first direct public intervention in the constitutional process of the EU, reflecting the nation's commitment to a united Europe.
Continue Reading