Learn…

A 26-year old stalemate between Armenia and Azerbaijan reignited into a war over the disputed territory of Artsakh – otherwise known as Nagorno-Karabakh – on September 27. 

Both countries claimed the other attacked first, though it is unclear what the Republic of Artsakh would have gained from reinitiating a war with Azerbaijan. Artsakh has been under Armenian control since the Nagorno-Karabakh War ended in a ceasefire in 1994 – a status quo more suitable for Armenia than Azerbaijan. 

While the ceasefire between the two nations has had a number of violations throughout the years – most notably a four day war in 2016 – the recent attacks have shown no signs of ending like they have in the past. 

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in a statement that Azerbaijan will not cease military action until Armenia abandons Artsakh. Turkey has added fuel to the flame by announcing its full support behind Azerbaijan, which it holds strong cultural and economic ties with. It deployed 1,000 Syrian soldiers to the area, a fact that both Turkey and Azerbaijan have denied. 

But Armenia, with the vehement support of its diaspora, has shown its own determination to hold onto its historic lands. 

“Azerbaijan says it does not agree with anything other than the capitulation of Karabakh,” said Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. “Therefore, protecting the rights of the people of Artsakh implies protecting the rights of the Armenian people. There is no Armenia without Artsakh.” 

The decades-long dispute over Artsakh has been based on the question of who it rightfully belongs to. Former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin placed the city within Azerbaijan’s borders in the 1920s, though it had strong historical and cultural significance to Armenians and a majority-Armenian population. 

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the Nagorno-Karabakh legislature passed a resolution to reunify Artsakh with Armenia in 1988. It declared its independence officially once the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. 

But Azerbaijan did not recognize Artsakh’s self-determination and a war between the two countries broke out – resulting in thousands of deaths and refugees from both sides. Once the ceasefire was declared, Artsakh became a de facto nation controlled by Armenians but internationally recognized as a part of Azerbaijan. 

But for Armenians, the latest conflict extends past just Artsakh. It has reignited fears that the Armenian genocide – perpetuated by Turkey’s predecessor the Ottoman Empire – will carry on where it left off. An estimated 1.5 million Armenians were killed, cultural monuments and history were erased and historic Armenian land was renamed and became what is present-day Eastern Turkey. 

Both Turkey and Azerbaijan deny that the Armenian genocide ever occurred. And Azerbaijan’s own history of anti-Armenian sentiment – along with the Baku and Sumgait pogroms – haven’t eased the Armenian community’s anxiety over what would happen if Artsakh was taken into Azerbaijan’s borders.  

Artsakh is one of the few historic territories that Armenians have continued to inhabit and maintain. While the war looms over the territory, Armenians from around the world have rallied together to protect Artsakh’s borders in whatever way they can. 

How to Help…

Step One: Stay Informed and Keep Others Informed 

• It is critical that we keep ourselves and others informed about what is happening in Artsakh and Armenia. Continue to share information on your social media accounts and with your family, friends and colleagues. This war is not yesterday's news. 

• Be critical of what you read before you share it with others to prevent the spread of misinformation and private information. It can be difficult to weed out what are real facts, opinions and hearsay. News literacy – the ability to decipher real news from fake news – is a valuable skill. Read more about it here. 

Step Two: Sign Petitions and Reach Out to Your Local Government Representatives 

•  Show your support for the Armenian cause by signing petitions: 

  • Disarm Azerbaijan and enforce OSCE arms embargo enforcement

  • Condemn The Aggression Of Turkey And Azerbaijan Against Artsakh, Armenia

  • Stop Terrorism and Save the People of Artsakh!

  • Get Aid to Armenia and Artsakh as Azerbaijan breaches our borders

• Reach out to your local government representatives to demand they take action and show their support for Artsakh.  

Step Three: Participate in Our Auction or Donate to Armenia Fund Directly

Step Four: Share this Information

• Share this page and our auction with your family, friends and colleagues! Proceeds will be donated to Armenia Fund.