The actvities of Stepan Shaumyan in Bakü (1917-1918)

Azerbaijan at the beginning of the 19th century became a colony of Russia as a result of entering Russian Empire to the Caucasus. In the ongoing historical process, the political turmoil of the Revolutions that broke out in Russia in 1917, changed the political situation in the South Caucasus and intensified the attempts to control the Caucasus. A Soviet was established in Baku by the Bolsheviks and the Baku Council of People's Comissars was formed and Stepan Shaumyan was appointed as a head. Shaumyan who implemented the expropriation policy tried to ensure the smooth flow of Baku oil to Russia. Leading representatives of Azerbaijan started to fight for real political goals and acted together with the South Caucasus government against Shaumyan. Shaumyan acted together with the Dashnaks in order not to lose the power and carried out massacres against the Muslims. The Ottoman state upon calls for help from Azerbaijani Turks established the Caucasian Islamic Army. The Turkish army, fighting against the Bolshevik-Armenian armed forces led by Shaumyan, liberated Baku from the Bolsheviks and ensured the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. This thesis aimed to evaluate the role of Stephan Shaumyan in the revolutionary movement and his activities under the leadership of the BCPC between 1917-1918, Bolshevik policy and its effect on the political life of Azerbaijan in the light of main sources. Key Words: Baku, Russia, Stepan Shaumyan, South Caucasus, Islamic Army of the Caucasus