LEARN ABOUT ARTSAKH (ԱՐՑԱԽ)
Artsakh, also know as Nagorno-karabakh is Armenian and has been Armenian for thousands of years.
Name: Lernayin Gharabaghi Hanrapetutyun / Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR), also known as Mountainous Karabakh, or Artsakh in Armenian
Size: 4457 sq. miles (11500 sq. km)Population: 145,000 (2002 est.)
Language: Հայերէն Hayeren / Armenian (Indo-European language family)
Ethnic Composition: Over 95% Armenian, 5% minorities
Religion: Armenian Apostolic Christian, with some Orthodox, Evangelicals and Jews Minorities: Assyrians, Kurds, Greeks
Neighboring States: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran.
Capital: Stepanakert
Flag: Tricolor, equal stripes of red, blue and orange with white squares.
National Currency: Dram (abbr. AMD)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ARTSAKH
Why did the war start?
Grievances between Armenia and Azerbaijan date back to the genocide , when Azerbaijan – assisted by the Ottoman Empire and later the Republic of Turkey, massacred 30,000 Armenians in Baku. In the early 1920s, Stalin – then Commissar for Nationalities – separated the region of Artsakh (known as Nagorno-Karabakh) from Armenia to appease Turkey by placing it under the control of the Azerbaijani SSR. For 70 years under Soviet Azeri occupation, the cultural, political, religious rights of the indigenous Armenian community of the region were systematically violated. In the late 1980s, Armenians gathered in the hundreds of thousands to demand Artsakh’s unification with Armenia. Azerbaijan, in response, initiated a wave of pogroms that resulted in the forced displacement of over 400,000 Armenians living throughout Azerbaijan . In response, the Armenians of Artsakh declared their independence following a referendum. Azerbaijan responded by waging a full-scale war during which the government engaged in human rights violations including wholesale massacres, the targeting of civilians and blocking the provision of humanitarian assistance to besieged populations. Armenian forces were successful in fending off the onslaught, and a ceasefire was signed in 1994. In the years since the war, Azerbaijan has routinely violated the ceasefire and sought the capture of Artsakh by force, repeatedly obstructing the OSCE peace efforts.
What is the main problem?
One main problem cannot be pinpointed. Aliyev’s internal political ambitions fueled with Erdogan’s support lead to this war which aims to remove Armenia and Artsakh to accomplish their plan of expansionism, which is the Pan-turkic ideology.
Why is the Azerbaijani Government calling Armenians the aggressor?
By portraying Armenia as the aggressor, they can portray themselves as the victim and get the international community’s sympathy. They also need to fabricate lies to convince their own people and to justify the war.
Who is the aggressor and why?
Azerbaijan violated the International Humanitarian Law of ceasefire and attacked Armenia on September 27th , 2020 with Jihadist mercenaries and Turkish military personnel. Azerbaijan is using sophisticated and heavy warfare to target civilians with cluster bombs, and drones. They are also shelling neighborhoods, schools, hospitals ans churches where civilians are taking shelter.
According to the Genocide Watch, Azerbaijan is at Stage 8: Extermination and Stage 9: Denial of genocide that it’s committing against Armenians.
Are civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh affected? and if so how?
Yes, civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh are very much affected by the war. Most of their homes have been destroyed, their churches and schools have been bombed, more than 90000 Armenians have been displaced. Most civilians do not have a normal life to return to.
Why we need to help?
Fighting an existential war in a global pandemic, Armenia and Artsakh are faced with a huge humanitarian crisis. The displaced population is in need of shelter, food, and clothes that is being provided by the Armenian government which we need to support financially. There is also a need for medical supplies to take care of the big number of wounded in the hospitals, as well as Covid19 patients. We also have to keep in mind that post-war, a lot of humanitarian aid will be needed to re-build the war-torn areas in Artsakh.
What is the international community’s view regarding the conflict (status quo)?
The international community views the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as follows: Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognized as an integral part of Azerbaijan and also that Nagorno-Karabakh has the right to self-determination. That is why it is imperative to bring awareness to the international community about the population of Artsakh being always Armenian for thousands of years and their right for self-determination.
Are children affected by this conflict and how?
Yes, many children from Artsakh have lost their homes. Their fathers, uncles, and brothers have left to fight in the war. These children had to leave their childhoods behind and experience war—which is something no child should go through.
How can we help?
Donate
Follow Action Alerts on ANCA
Spread awareness on social media (Facebook, Instagram, twitter…) and various news outlets
