Azerbaijan factor in Caucasus policy of Turkey and Russia (1917-1921)

The Caucasus that has always attracted the attention of great states thanks to its geopolitical position, especially Azerbaijan the oil source still retains its importance in the international politics. Azerbaijan playing the role of bridge between the East and the West has become one of the greatest energy, trade and industrial cities of the Caucasus with its natural gas and oil pipes laid at the beginning of XX century. Throughout history, Azerbaijan was of vital importance not only for Russia and Turkey, but also for neighbouring and western states. The main goals of the research are to investigate the interests of both countries, the relations among Azerbaijan, Russia and Ottoman states by specifying the place and role of Azerbaijan in the Caucasus policy of Turkey and Russia in 1917-1921 years when Azerbaijan nation became independent going through great hardships. This research consisting of 5 chapters covers the, political processes in the Caucasus after the February and October revolutions along with the First World War, Brest-Litovsk, Arzinjan, Trabzon and Batum contracts, the establishment and fall of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, Azerbaijan movement of Caucasus İslamic Army, the German-Russian-Ottoman struggle for Baku oil, re-occupation of Azerbaijan by Russia and Sovietization process of Azerbaijan, and the contracts of Moscow and Gars as a last chapter. Azerbaijani, Ottoman, Russian and Georgian sources have been researched using the method of document analysis of qualitative research and the methods of analysis, source search, classification, criticism, synthesis of historical studies. My purpose in this study is to create a basis for new researches by lighting up the dark periods of our history along with study the role of Azerbaijan in Caucasus policy of Turkey and Russia. Keywords: Caucasus, Azerbaijan, Russia, Ottoman, Caucasus Islamic Army