UNSUBSTANTIATED TERRITORIAL CLAIMS AGAINST NAKHCHIVAN IN RESEARCH CENTERS IN ARMENIA AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES

Abstract

The Nakhchivan region of Azerbaijan has held significant geostrategic impor-
tance in the Turkic geography and has attracted the attention of various states and

empires throughout history. In the early 20th century, Armenia, established in the
region to completely sever the land route between Türkiye and the Turkic peoples

8
of the Caucasus, also advanced claims over Nakhchivan and attempted to seize it.
However, as a result of the diplomatic activities of Türkiye and Azerbaijan in the
years 1920-21, Nakhchivan remained an integral part of Azerbaijan, and Turkish
presence in the region was preserved. Yet, Armenia’s claims over the region have

not diminished. Baseless territorial claims against Nakhchivan by Armenian na-
tionalists have been voiced both during the Soviet era and after 1991.

The article analyzes the activities carried out by social organizations in Armenia
and abroad, as well as research conducted in research centers. The main objective

is to determine how Armenians attempt to support their baseless claims over Nakh-
chivan and to reveal the truths against historical fabrications. The primary sources of the research consist of works by Armenian researchers and other Armenian sources.