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New book published by The Europe Azerbaijan Society, entitled The Armenian Question in the Caucasus: Russian Archive Documents and Publications launched in London

08 February 2012 10:17 (UTC +04:00)

Baku â€“ APA. The roots of the ongoing Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh were outlined in the heart of London on 6 February 6 during the launch of a new book, published by The Europe Azerbaijan Society (TEAS), entitled The Armenian Question in the Caucasus: Russian Archive Documents and Publications. The event was attended by H.E. Fakhraddin Gurbanov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK; H.E. Ãœnal Ã‡evikÃ¶z, Turkish Ambassador to the UK and more than 70 journalists, historians, students and friends of Azerbaijan.

These three authoritative volumes incorporate facsimile documents from the Russian State Historical Archive, St. Petersburg, and the Russian State Military History Archive, Moscow. These invaluable historical documents, many of which are published for the first time, chart the systematic migration of Armenians to the Caucasus and their subsequent protection during the time of the Russian Empire.

During his speech at St. Jamesâ€™s Hotel and Club, Professor Kerim Shukurov, who spearheaded the research, commented: â€œThis is a key resource, taken from the Russian archives. All documents have been systematically arranged for publication and, to date, we have gained access to over 10, 000 pages, of which 2000 pages have been published in these three volumes. There is no exact definition of The Armenian Question, but by collection the material and arranging it correctly, Azerbaijan can seek to gain understanding of its position. Future books will cover relations with Georgia and Armenia in the years beyond 1914.â€

He continued: â€œThe Azerbaijani position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is supported by the publication of these books, which prove that Armenians were systematically relocated to the Caucasus during the time of the Russian Empire.â€

Lord Laird stated: â€œI recently discovered the South Caucasus area, which has great future potential, particularly due to its expending relations with Europe. The Armenian Question does not try to rewrite history â€“ it is a serious work of archive research. It is very important to ensure that the Azerbaijani case is understood, and these books assist with achieving this.â€

Professor Tadeusz Swietochowski, Monmouth University, USA, then contextualized the importance of these books, saying: â€œThese books contain important, overwhelming details. During the late 19th century, Azerbaijanâ€™s international position changed, due to the oil revolution. Baku became a cosmopolitan, urbanized hub of intellectual development, with a booming economy. It was also the center of the press in the Turkic world. However, the Armenian aggression of 1905-06 changed this situation, and this is charted in these books.â€