🇬🇧 Struggle for Karabakh and Zangezur. First Republic of Armenia
First Republic of Armenia
The Armenia–Azerbaijan Conflict over Karabakh and Zangezur
At the end of 1918, Armenia and Azerbaijan found themselves in a state of acute conflict over the disputed status of Karabakh and Zangezur. Both republics claimed these territories and were unwilling to compromise. Azerbaijan had an advantage in military forces and better access to the mountainous regions; however, the Armenian population of these areas sought unification with Armenia.
By the end of 1918, an Armenian administration was operating in Zangezur under the protection of a local militia associated with General Andranik. In Karabakh, after the withdrawal of Turkish forces, a provisional Armenian administration was formed based on local self-governing bodies. However, both structures were under the supervision of the British military mission in Baku, led by General William Thomson.
Initially, Armenians welcomed the arrival of the British, hoping for a fair settlement. Thomson promised to resolve disputes over the contested territories and support refugees. However, Britain’s position soon changed.
The British command began supporting Azerbaijan and demanded recognition of its jurisdiction over Karabakh and Zangezur. This was explained by geopolitical interests: London sought to strengthen its influence in the Muslim world, weaken the Ottoman Empire’s legacy, and gain access to Baku’s oil resources.
Negotiations and the Situation in Karabakh
In the spring and summer of 1919, negotiations took place between the Armenian side and the Azerbaijani government. However, Baku repeatedly revised agreements in its own favor.
In August 1919, a congress of Karabakh Armenians was held in Shusha, which rejected the new conditions. In response, Governor Khosrov-bek Sultanov issued an ultimatum demanding recognition of Azerbaijani authority.
Lacking real external support, the Armenians found themselves in a difficult position. After discussions, it was decided to begin negotiations on a temporary agreement.
On August 22, 1919, an agreement was signed in Shusha under which Karabakh was temporarily recognized as part of Azerbaijan but retained a special administrative status and a number of guarantees for the Armenian population, including cultural autonomy and participation in governance.
Consequences of the Karabakh Agreement
The agreement consolidated Azerbaijan’s de facto control over the region. Mixed administrative bodies were created, guarantees for Armenians were introduced, and the restoration of infrastructure was promised.
However, many Armenians viewed the agreement as forced and temporary. The Azerbaijani press soon suggested the possibility of extending control to other regions as well.
In the winter of 1918–1919, Zangezur found itself in severe isolation. Famine, disease, and an influx of refugees intensified. The region suffered an acute shortage of resources.
Armenian self-defense forces maintained control over the territory but were in a critical condition. British assistance was limited.
General Andranik led Armenian armed formations in the region, but after prolonged resistance and lack of support, he decided to withdraw his forces. In the spring of 1919, he left Zangezur, after which the region remained under the management of local Armenian structures.
End of British Intervention and Consequences
After the withdrawal of Armenian forces and unsuccessful attempts by the British to establish control over the region, Zangezur remained under de facto Armenian administration.
British missions left the mountainous areas without achieving recognition of Azerbaijani authority. As a result, by mid-1919 a situation had formed in which Karabakh came under temporary Azerbaijani control, while Zangezur remained under Armenian self-governance.
The final resolution of these issues was deferred to the international level, but the conflict between the parties remained unresolved and tense.