Sumgait Pogrom
What event in Nagorno-Karabakh increased tensions and led to the Sumgait Pogrom?
The Artsakh Movement, when Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh demanded to join Armenia.
What was the main goal of the Baku Pogrom?
To remove the remaining Armenian population from Baku through violence and terror.
When did the Kirovabad Pogrom take place, and why was it important?
November 1988; it was part of Azerbaijan’s efforts to remove Armenians from its cities.
Why did the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict begin?
Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh wanted independence from Azerbaijan, leading to war.
How did misinformation contribute to the Sumgait Pogrom?
False reports claimed that Azerbaijanis were being killed in Armenia, fueling anger and violence.
Why did Soviet troops enter Baku in January 1990, and what was controversial about their intervention?
They came to stop Azerbaijani independence protests but did little to protect Armenians.
How did Armenians in Kirovabad resist the attacks?
Some Armenians formed self-defense groups, but most were outnumbered and had to flee.
What was one of the most important battles in the war, and why was it significant?
The Battle of Shushi (1992) was crucial because Armenians captured the city, securing a key strategic advantage in the First War.
What was the Soviet government’s response to the Sumgait Pogrom?
They reacted slowly, allowing violence to continue before finally sending troops to restore order.
How was the Baku Pogrom different from the Sumgait Pogrom?
It lasted longer (a full week), was more violent, and led to the complete expulsion of Armenians.
How many people were killed in the Kirovabad Pogrom?
Around 30,000 people were killed
How did the First Nagorno-Karabakh War impact the region?
After years of fighting, Armenians gained control of most of Nagorno-Karabakh, leading to a ceasefire in 1994.
Why is the Sumgait Pogrom considered the start of ethnic cleansing in Azerbaijan?
It was the first large-scale attack against Armenians, leading to more pogroms in other cities.
What was the fate of most Armenians in Baku after the pogrom?
They were either killed, forced to flee, or went into hiding before escaping the city.
What was the codename for the Battle of Shusha in 1992?
"Harsaniq Lernerum" (Wedding in the Mountains).
What role did Russia play in the First Nagorno-Karabakh War?
Russia brokered the 1994 ceasefire but also supplied weapons to both Armenia and Azerbaijan, making its role controversial.
How did the Sumgait Pogrom impact the Soviet Union’s control over its republics?
It showed the Soviet Union was losing control, as it failed to stop ethnic violence.
How did the Baku Pogrom contribute to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
It increased tensions, making war between Armenia and Azerbaijan more likely.
How is Kirovabad known today, and why was its name changed?
It is now called Ganja, renamed to erase Soviet connections and strengthen Azerbaijani identity.
How did the capture of Shushi impact the First Nagorno-Karabakh War?
The capture of Shushi in 1992 gave Armenians a major strategic advantage, allowing them to protect Stepanakert and gain control over key areas.