Historical Events tagged with "azerbaijan"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Azerbaijan's Declaration of Independence

October 18th, 1991 33 years ago

The Supreme Council of Azerbaijan adopted a declaration of independence from the Soviet Union, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of the region. This move came amidst growing nationalist movements and a decline in Soviet authority, as nations sought to assert their sovereignty. The declaration was a culmination of years of ethnic tensions and the desire for autonomy, reflecting the aspirations of the Azerbaijani people. This historic document aimed to establish a new political framework, paving the way for Azerbaijan's emergence as an independent nation.

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Politics & Government

Azerbaijan Declares Independence from Soviet Union

August 30th, 1991 33 years ago

On August 30, 1991, Azerbaijan formally declared its independence from the Soviet Union following a referendum held earlier that year. This pivotal moment was part of a broader wave of independence movements across the Soviet republics. It was driven by a desire for sovereignty, national identity, and self-determination amidst the crumbling structure of Soviet authority. The declaration signified the end of Soviet governance in Azerbaijan and set the stage for the country to establish its government and international relations.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Airplane Tragedy in the Karabakh Range

August 1st, 1990 34 years ago

A Soviet passenger plane crashed in the Karabakh Range, resulting in the loss of 46 lives. The aircraft, a Yakovlev Yak-40, encountered difficulties soon after takeoff from the regional airport. Most passengers were military personnel returning home, while the cause was later linked to severe weather conditions.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Protests and Civil Unrest in Baku, Azerbaijan

January 20th, 1990 35 years ago

In Baku, Azerbaijan, significant protests erupted as citizens demanded greater autonomy and sovereignty from the Soviet Union amidst escalating ethnic tensions. These demonstrations were fueled by discontent over economic hardships and political repression, particularly directed at the Azerbaijani regime. Fearing unrest, the Soviet government deployed troops, leading to violent clashes between protesters and military forces.

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Politics & Government

Violence Against Armenians in Baku

January 12th, 1990 35 years ago

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.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Violence Against Armenian Community in Sumgait

February 27th, 1988 37 years ago

In late February, the Armenian community in Sumgait, Azerbaijan, faced violent assaults as systemic tensions escalated. This unrest was fueled by the growing conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, where ethnic Armenians demanded independence from Azerbaijan. The culmination of hostility erupted into riots led by Azerbaijani mobs targeting Armenians, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries as well as significant property damage. Many Armenian residents fled the city amidst the chaos, seeking safety from the violence that had overtaken their neighborhoods.

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Politics & Government

Nagorno-Karabakh Votes for Secession from Azerbaijan

February 20th, 1988 37 years ago

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.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Aeroflot Flight A-13 crashes shortly after takeoff

August 18th, 1973 51 years ago

Aeroflot Flight A-13 took off from Baku-Bina International Airport in Azerbaijan but crashed shortly after due to an unknown cause. The accident resulted in the deaths of 56 passengers and crew members, while eight others suffered injuries. The flight was operated by a Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft and was headed toward the Soviet Union. Investigations followed to determine the crash's circumstances and contributing factors, impacting safety regulations in aviation.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Aeroflot Flight 2723 Crashes into Caspian Sea

April 23rd, 1966 58 years ago

Aeroflot Flight 2723, a Soviet passenger plane, crashed into the Caspian Sea off the Absheron Peninsula during a routine flight. The aircraft was on a domestic route to Baku with 33 people on board, including crew and passengers, when it encountered difficulties and went down. Despite search and rescue efforts, none on board survived, marking it as one of the significant air disasters of the time.

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