The massacre of Azerbaijani Muslims is a significant episode in the history of ethnic conflicts resulting from the turmoil of World War I and the subsequent political instability in the Caucasus region. Following the 1917 Russian Revolution and the fall of the Russian Empire, various national and ethnic groups sought to assert their independence and territorial claims. In this climate of instability, tensions between the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities escalated, fuelled by contesting national narratives and territorial aspirations. The Armenian Revolutionary Federation, backed by Bolshevik forces, aimed to secure territories in eastern Anatolia and the South Caucasus, leading to increasing confrontations with local Azerbaijani Muslims who resisted these claims.The violence reached a catastrophic point in Baku in late March 1918, as armed groups launched attacks on Azerbaijani neighborhoods. This systematic slaughter resulted in the deaths of an estimated 12,000 Azerbaijani Muslims as they were ambushed, executed, and displaced. The brutality marked a dark chapter in the relationship between Armenians and Azerbaijanis, setting a precedent for future conflicts in the region. Amidst the chaos, civilians bore the brunt of the violence, and many sought refuge from the onslaught. The massacre is often cited as a precursor to the later, more extensive conflicts during and after the Soviet era, significantly contributing to long-standing animosities between the two groups.In the aftermath of the violence, both communities grappled with deep-seated mistrust and hostility, which would resonate for decades. The implications of such conflict extended beyond immediate casualties, impacting political alignments and national identity as Azerbaijan sought to solidify its nationalism in response to perceived threats. The region was left fractured, with unresolved grievances laying the groundwork for future confrontations.