The Importance of New Research on The History of The South Caucasus
The Caucasus is one of the world’s most intriguing regions. A significant portion of the Caucasus, divided into two main parts based on its natural and geographical orientation, is the South Caucasus. Recent research into the history of the South Caucasus has produced a variety of important works, highlighting the region’s significance. The South Caucasus is notable not only for its natural-geographical and geopolitical features but also for its diverse population, consisting of many peoples and ethnic groups. These characteristics necessitate a thorough, concrete, and objective examination of its history. Regrettably, the history of this region, particularly its ancient period, has been obscured and distorted by researchers who have used fabricated information to misrepresent the ethnic composition, origins, and cultural roles of the South Caucasus peoples. With the dissolution of the USSR and the emergence of independent states, a process of increased transparency began, providing an opportunity to correct the distortions and frauds in historical narratives. Greater attention must be given to addressing these inaccuracies, which are reflected in various sources, maps, and historiography. The primary aim here is to emphasize the importance of studying the general history of the South Caucasus states and peoples from ancient to modern times and to address critical issues. This effort seeks to rectify historical distortions and negative interpretations and to highlight the need for new, objective research to enrich the region’s historical understanding.
Güney Kafkasya Tarihine Yeni Bir Bakış: Tarihi Gerçekler ve Sahtelikler
Kafkasya dünyanın ilginç bölgelerinden biridir. Doğal ve coğrafi yönüne göre iki kısma ayrılan Kafkasya’nın büyük bir kısmı Güney Kafkasya’dır. Son dönemde Güney Kafkasya tarihi üzerine çok sayıda çalışma yapılmış, çeşitli eserler ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu, Güney Kafkasya tarihinin incelenmesi açısından büyük önem taşımaktadır. Güney Kafkasya, doğal-coğrafi ve jeopolitik açıdan ilgi çekici, nüfus açısından zengin, çok sayıda halkın ve etnik grubun yaşadığı bir bölge olarak biliniyor. Güney Kafkasya’nın bu özellikleri, tarihinin kapsamlı, somut ve objektif olarak incelenmesini gerekli kılmaktadır. Bu bölgenin tarihinin, özellikle de antik döneminin yakın zamana kadar karıştırılması ve bu tarihin bir takım araştırmacılar tarafından Güney Kafkasya halklarının tarihi rolü, kültürü, etnik kompozisyon ve etnik köken hakkında uydurma bilgilerle karmaşıklaştırılması, yani tahrif edilmesi üzücüdür. SSCB’nin çöküşü ve bağımsız devletlerin oluşmasıyla birlikte tüm süreçlerde şeffaflığın başladığı, devletlerin ve halkların tarihinin yazılmasında meydana gelen sahtekarlıkların devletlerden kontrol edilerek ortadan kaldırılmasına yönelik koşulların yaratıldığı bilinmektedir. Kaynaklara, haritalara ve tarih yazımına da yansıyan bu sahtekarlıklara daha fazla dikkat edilmelidir. Burada asıl amaç, eski çağlardan modern zamanlara kadar Güney Kafkasya devletleri ve halklarının genel tarihinin çalışılma düzeyine dikkat çekmek, gerekli konuların çözümüne yardımcı olmaktır. Bununla Güney Kafkasya tarihine ilişkin tahrifatların ve olumsuz tezahürlerin ortadan kaldırılması, bölge tarihinin yeni, objektif araştırmalarla zenginleştirilmesi gerektiğine dikkat çekilmesi amaçlanıyor.
The Caucasus is one of the most fascinating regions in the world. A significant portion of this region, which is divided into two areas based on natural and geographical orientation, includes the Southern Caucasus. Recent studies on the history of the Southern Caucasus have led to numerous works, marking important steps toward understanding the region. However, it remains challenging to claim that the region’s history is fully understood. The scarcity of written sources, limited information on historical and auxiliary disciplines, and the influence of imperial interests have hindered an objective narration of Southern Caucasian history. Additionally, the politicization of the histories of various states and efforts by some groups to downplay it have further complicated the situation.
The Southern Caucasus is densely populated with numerous peoples and ethnic groups, both in terms of its natural-geographical landscape and geopolitical significance. Unfortunately, until recently, the history of this region, especially its ancient period, has been marked by confusion and distortion. Researchers have frequently complicated the region’s history, leading to the creation of stereotypes and fabricated narratives about its ethnic cultures and civilizations.
The Southern Caucasus is home to a dense and diverse array of peoples and ethnic groups, both in natural-geographical and geopolitical terms. Unfortunately, until recently, the history of this region, particularly its ancient period, has been subject to confusion and distortion. Researchers have often complicated the history, contributing to stereotypes and fabricated narratives about the area’s ethnic cultures and civilizations.
With the dissolution of the USSR and the emergence of independent states, greater transparency across various fields has made it possible to address and correct historical distortions. Such cursory investigations, which classified information primarily through selective written sources and maps, have been increasingly challenged by historical scholarship. To establish a reliable history of the Southern Caucasus, it is essential to adopt new methods, especially those emphasizing critical analysis and realism.
There is ancient source material regarding the ethnos, peoples, and states of the Southern Caucasus, encompassing details about mutual relations, land disputes, border determinations, conflicts, incidents of terrorism, deportations, and genocides. However, these processes have often been presented in a non-objective manner, lacking serious investigation into the underlying political and ideological issues. The arrival of non-native Armenians in the Southern Caucasus in the early 19th century contributed to this distortion.
Despite the establishment of a state in the Southern Caucasus in the early 20th century, unfounded land claims were made against Azerbaijan to assert an “ancient tradition of statehood” in the region. These claims persisted and proliferated, aiming to maintain a narrative of ancient history and civilization. Distortions introduced by the Mekhitarists in the mid-19th century were further developed from the late 19th to early 20th centuries and gained widespread acceptance during the Soviet era, resulting in the creation of a fabricated history, including the notion of an “ancient Armenian warrior tradition.”
The unfounded land claims made by Armenia and the Armenian community against Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and other regional states have created significant problems. It is crucial to counter these fraudulent and harmful activities to ensure a safe environment. Our investigations suggest that the current narrative, driven by false ideologies and baseless land claims, has led to conflicts and tragedies in the Southern Caucasus region. Our aim is to draw attention to these issues and address them appropriately.
One critical issue that requires objective clarification is the history and geography of the Southern Caucasus and its historical reflections. Ancient states in the region include Urartu, Media, Colchis, Iberia, Atropatena, and Albania. Understanding the formation, history, development, political and socio-economic conditions, civilization, ethnic composition, and relations among these states and their neighboring peoples is essential. Additionally, there is fascinating information regarding the early human ancestors of the Southern Caucasus peoples.
Objective writing about Southern Caucasian history is essential. Armenian authors have often transformed years of research into ideology by fabricating histories, compiling historical sources and maps, and constructing material monuments that claim to represent civilization. These classifications complicate the understanding of the true history of the Southern Caucasus, leading to a distorted perception perpetuated by certain researchers. Countering these efforts is crucial for improving the quality of historical information.
This situation arises from separatist policies imposed by powerful empires that have influenced the former USSR states. The spread of false narratives regarding the region’s ancient economic history and fabrications like “Great Armenia” persisted until the end of this era. To address these issues, it is necessary to consult historical facts and arguments while providing objective historical interpretations.
In conclusion, analyzing the sabotage of the Southern Caucasus’ ancient history necessitates consulting original sources and engaging with historical scholarship regarding hoaxes. These issues must be brought to light and thoroughly annotated. This approach will help preserve the reliable and positive traditions of Southern Caucasus history while effectively addressing classifications and fabrications.
