🇬🇧 The Batumi Treaty. The First Republic of Armenia
The First Republic of Armenia
The Beginning of the Turkish Army's Offensive
In early May 1918, Turkish forces resumed their offensive on the territories of the former Russian Empire in the Caucasus. By the time the conference began on May 11, they had already secured significant footholds, giving the Ottoman Empire an important geopolitical advantage. Germany, Turkey's ally, continued to provide diplomatic support to Turkish demands until May 25, 1918.
On May 11, 1918, a peace conference opened in Batumi, where the South Caucasus was represented by the delegations of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. The Turkish side made claims not only on Armenia but also on Georgia (Tiflis), demanding the creation of a railway corridor through Armenian territory to connect with Baku.
The Armenian delegation attempted to delay the negotiations, hoping for help from the Entente, but by the end of May, their efforts proved futile. At this time, key battles were taking place on the front lines for Yerevan and Ardahan (including the battles of Sardarapat, Kara-Kilis and Bash-Abaran), but they did not significantly alter the balance of power before the signing of the treaty.
- Peace and Friendship. Article 1 established “peace and eternal friendship” between the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Armenia.
- Borders. Article 2 defined the border of the Ottoman Empire with Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. Armenia’s territory was reduced to part of the Yerevan province and neighboring areas, covering an area of about 10,000 km² (less than half of its pre-war size).
- Transport. Armenia was obligated to provide the Ottoman Empire with duty-free passage through its railway between Kars, Julfa, and Baku.
- Royalties and Compensation. The Turkish side demanded the payment of reparations and compensation for civilian losses, but the exact amounts were not agreed upon until the ratification of the treaty.
- Ratification. The treaty would take effect after confirmation by the Central Powers, and the Armenian delegation was to travel to Constantinople for final approval.
- Ottoman Empire:
- Halil Mengeshe — Minister of Justice
- Vehib Pasha — Commander of the Third Army of the Caucasus Front
- Republic of Armenia:
- Avetis Aharonyan — Chairman of the National Council
- Alexander Khatisyan — Minister of Foreign Affairs
- M. Babachanyan, G. Grorhanyan, and others
- Republic of Georgia:
- Noe Ramishvili — Prime Minister
- Ilia Odysseledze — Deputy Minister of Defense
- G. Gvazava, G. Rtskhiladze, and others
- Azerbaijan Democratic Republic:
- Territorial Losses of Armenia. According to the treaty, Armenia’s territory was reduced to less than half of the Yerevan Governorate (about 10,000 km²).
- Geopolitical Situation in the Caucasus. The Ottoman Empire secured access to the oil-rich region of Baku and established a military foothold on the border with Soviet Russia, which later influenced the establishment of Soviet power in the South Caucasus.
- Short-lived Nature of the Treaty. After the defeat of the Central Powers in November 1918, the Batumi Treaty was effectively annulled, and the borders in the South Caucasus were revised during the Paris Peace Conferences.