Institute for Development and Diplomacy Hosts Roundtable on Armenian Ethnic Cleansing of Azerbaijanis
A compelling roundtable discussion titled "Killing and Expelling: The Practice of Ethnic Cleansing by Armenia (1918-1921; 1987-1991)" unfolded on February 14, 2024, at ADA University hosted by Institute for Development and Diplomacy. The event, led by Research Fellow Maxime Gauin, delved into the historical dimensions of Armenian actions against Azerbaijani ethnics.
Moderator Maxime Gauin commenced the discussion with a comprehensive overview, offering insights into the ethnic cleansing and expulsion of Azerbaijanis from the territories that constitute the present-day Armenian Republic. The session saw active participation from the Western Azerbaijan Community, media representatives, university professors, and students.
Head structure of the Western Community, Qalib Qasimov, shared his personal account, reflecting on his experiences during the period spent in Western Azerbaijan (current Republic of Armenia).
Speaker Aliyeva Zivar emotionally shared her ordeal of living among Armenians, recounting her work while pregnant and her subsequent relocation to Zengilan. She detailed the challenging journey in cold weather and narrated the heart-wrenching experience of giving birth to her son during the deportation period. Speaker Muradov Namiq added another layer to the narrative, explaining how his grandfather fell victim to the deportation period in 1905-1910.
The highlight of the discussion came when an international historian posed a crucial question about the availability of materials, pictures, and videos covering the entire history of deportation from Western Azerbaijan. In response, an IEPF representative Akbar Novruz referred to the organization's project for the Western Azerbaijani website, emphasizing their efforts to document and preserve this significant historical chapter.
