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92 years pass since liberation of Baku

15 September 2010 09:32 (UTC +04:00)

After Azerbaijan declared its independence on May 28, 1918, Baku Council of the Peopleâ€™s Commissars seized the government in the capital. Bolshevik-dashnak armed units committed genocide against the civilians. In June Bolsheviks began large-scale operations to occupy western regions of Azerbaijan. Bolshevik-dashnak units plundered Azerbaijani villages, killed civilians on the way to Shamakhy. Caucasus Islam Army led by Nuru Pasha was sent to help Azerbaijan Peopleâ€™s Republic. Caucasus Islam Army and newly-organized national army units of Azerbaijan defeated bolshevik-dashnak units near Goychay and moved towards Baku. The army units liberated Shamakhy, Kurdamir. On September 15, Caucasus Islam Army liberated Baku and the official parade of Caucasus Islam Army and Azerbaijani troops was held the next day.

On September 17, after grandiose and historical victory the capital of Azerbaijan Peopleâ€™s Republic moved from Ganja to Baku. So, main period of state-building in Azerbaijan started at that time, and 3 months later parliamentary elections were held on the basis of democratic rights.

Liberation of Baku also proved the humanism of Turks. During the parade on September 16 Nuru Pasha entered Baku solemnly and behaved with Russian officers kindly. He not only tried to revenge them, but also assisted their families with money.

Liberation of Baku from bolshevik-dashnak armed units caused real holiday. Famous millionaire and weel-doer Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev organized solemn banquet in honor of Turkish army. The banquet was held at present Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall. Taghiyev made presents to Nuru Pasha and his heroic warlords.

Ottoman army gave 1130 martyrs in military operations carried out for liberation of Baku. But they were obliged to leave Baku after a short time as a result of increasing pressure of Antanta states over Ottoman Turkish Empire.

Liberation of Baku on September 15, 1918 is a great incident in Azerbaijani-Turkish brotherly and friendly relations. Azerbaijani nation has never forgot Turkish soldier and immortalized him.

Every year on September 15, graves of Turkish soldiers are visited not only in Baku, but also in Shamakhy, Goychay and other regions, commemoration ceremony is held in front of the monument erected in honor of Turkish soldiers at the Alley of Martyrs. Friendly help shown by Turkish Army will be never forgot, it will be remembered by Azerbaijani nation with gratitude.