Oil production in Azerbaijan (1920-1945)

Azerbaijan, especially its capital Baku, located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, has been among the regions that attracted the attention of international powers with its rich oil resources since the oldest periods of history. Historical writings and works of former travelers who visited the region provides the first information about Baku's oil and natural gas resources to today's readers. All the foreign forces that occupied the region were primarily concerned with the oil wealth of Baku and the region witnessed tense wars in order to have oil resources. Especially during the I. and II. World Wars, the oil of Azerbaijan was among the goals of the great powers, such as Germany, France, England, Russia, USA et al. However, for a long time, Russia, then the Soviets managed the production and export policies of Azerbaijani oil. Azerbaijan, which gained independence only after the dissolution of the USSR at the end of the 20th century, was able to develop its own independent oil policy. This study carries a historical research character based on the information and data regarding Azerbaijani oil resources available from the ancient period to the present days. This research, which is conducted within the framework of international struggles, especially for the sake of energy resources, is important for a better understanding of the importance of oil resources of Azerbaijan.