KNYAZ M. A. NAKASHIDZE: MASTERMIND OF ARMENIANAZERBAIJANI SLAUGHTER IN 1905 OR A VICTIM OF SLANDER?

Abstract

1905 is marked as the first year in a history of Armenian-Azerbaijani ethnic conflict affecting a number of cities in the South Caucasus. It should be noted, that only in 1905 in the city of Baku bloody clashes erupted three times, in February, August and October. Thousands of people were killed during this year. In the historical literature long-standing concept has prevailed that ruling political elites of the Russian Empire had trigged the violent clashes of Armenian-Azerbaijani population in 1905, in order to distract attention of the masses from revolutionary struggle. Governor of Baku, M. A. Nakashidze was charged as being the main organizer of inter-ethnic conflict. First of all, due to introduction into scientific usage a wide range of archival and documentary sources, their reinterpretation, and critical analysis made possible a new approach to the problem of ethnic conflicts between Azerbaijanis and Armenians in the early 20th century. The documents and material contained in current publication are associated with Nakashidze’s activities during Armenian-Azerbaijani massacre in February, 1905. In particular, the paper examines the participation of M. A. Nakashidze in prevention of massacre and demonstrates the absurdity of accusations against him. The article shows that measures had been taken to prevent further clashes including the reconciliation of conflicting parties. Special attention is given to the use of particular measures and political methods for the prevention of further conflict. Some of published documents deal with the assassination of Baku governor by terrorists, which was one of the most tragic pages in the history of 1905.