The relations between Nagorno-Karabakh and Erzurum backs to 16th century.

The relations between Nagorno-Karabakh, which is currently under Armenian occupation, and Turkish province Erzurum backs to 16th century. Azerbaijan’s Nagorno-Karabakh region and Erzurum had been in close relationship since 16th century.

KARABAKH: THE COMMON POINT

It is reported that Erzurum had been the first direction of Azerbaijani refugees. The most important relationship between Karabakh and Erzurum backs to 16th century when sunni Azerbaijanis had to leave Karabakh during the rule of Shah Ismail. It is possible to see similar grave stones and animal statues both in Erzurum and Nagorno-Karabakh.

History Department Lecturer in Ataturk University Faculty of Literature, Professor Doctor Enver Konukcu said that well known religious scholar who became shaykh al-islam in Istanbul, Vani Efendi isoriginally from Karabakh. Konukcu said that another religious scholar, Feyzullah Efendi was also from Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Konukcu said, “Erzurum was the only shelter for sunni Azerbaijanis who had to leave Nagorno-Karabakh during the rule of Shah Ismail.”

Stressing that historians should handle the relations between Erzurum and Karabakh, Konukcu said, “The shadow of Nagorno-Karabakh on Erzurum and the shadow of Erzurum on Nagorno-Karabakh are still alive. The sensivity of people of Erzurum on the dispute of Nagorno-Karabakh laysunder this historical relation. Karabakh should be national problem of people of Erzurum as it is for Azerbaijani people.”