A video of the last days of the Armenian population in Karabakh sparked a conflict among Facebook users*
The publication of three amateur films about the final period of the Armenian population's stay in Karabakh has sparked debate about the region's territorial affiliation and the perpetrators of the conflict.
As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," in February, the Nagorno-Karabakh parliament announced its intention to continue the struggle for the realization of the Karabakh people's right to return and self-determination. Karabakh movement activists believe that a return may be possible after Armenia is strengthened.
The author of the blog "Mountain Turns. Karabakh" on the "Caucasian Knot" published on February 28 three collections of video footage about the hardships of the region's Armenian population during the military conflict that preceded their exodus from the region. A discussion under the post on the "Caucasian Knot" Facebook page* as of 11:40 a.m. Moscow time had garnered 460 comments and went beyond a discussion of the content of the films to become a heated debate between Armenian and Azerbaijani users about the territorial affiliation of Karabakh, using hate speech.
On September 19-20, 2023, Azerbaijan conducted large-scale military operations and took control of the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, after which a mass exodus of the Armenian population began. By October 7, 2023, 100,632 internally displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh arrived in Armenia. By the beginning of September 2024, only 14 Armenians remained in the region; one of the last Armenian residents of Karabakh, 70-year-old Vera Aghasyan, died in late October 2024. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report "The Beginning and End of the Unrecognized Republic of Artsakh".
Some Azerbaijani Facebook users* insist that Karabakh has always been part of Azerbaijan and consider any claims to the contrary an attempt to rewrite history. In response, Armenian commentators claim that the region historically belonged to Armenians and that the current situation is temporary.
"Karabakh was and will always be Azerbaijan," wrote a user with the nickname L-şad Mehmet. "Artsakh was and will always be Armenian," believes Yuliana Sargsyan.
Another point of contention concerns the interpretation of historical events. Participants in the discussion actively cite different versions of the region's history and accuse each other of falsifications. The discussion often recalls decisions made during the Soviet period and the events of the late 20th century.
"Never say never, remember who handed over Karabakh to you," said Magda Baghdasaryan. "The Caucasus Bureau resolution says to leave these lands within Azerbaijan," responded Maryam Bidari.
Users also debated who bears responsibility for the outbreak of the conflict and its consequences. Azerbaijani participants in the discussion claim that it is about the return of territories, while Armenians call the outcome of the conflict the loss of their historical homeland.
"Azerbaijan liberated its territory," wrote user Bəxtiyar Əliyev. "What exactly did the residents of the region violate that led to a war being waged against them?" - stated Gaik Stefanyan.
"For now, rejoice in your pseudo-victory," stated Tosha Tash. "Karabakh is closed to you forever," asserts Kamil Rzayev.
Some Facebook users* criticized the very fact of the "Caucasian Knot" blogger's publication and the work in general, considering the materials on Karabakh biased.
"The first provocateurs here are you," wrote, in particular, a user with the nickname Deli Kur.