The Topic of Azerbaijan and the Karabakh War in the Literature of Ahiska Turks

Abstract

The article analyzes the content, literary features, and historical context of the theme of Azerbaijan and Karabakh in the literature of Ahiska Turks. It reviews the Ahiska Turks’ participation in cultural, economic, and public spheres in Azerbaijan after their immigration to the country starting from 1958 (the Ahiska Turks were exiled from their homelands in 1944). Information is given about the literary works of the Ahiska Turks and their writers living in Azerbaijan, including the activities of the Union of Ahiska Turkish Writers Living in Azerbaijan. Commentary is given on the topic of Azerbaijan in the works of Ahiska Turkish writers, including literary depictions and expressions of the occupation of Karabakh and the Khojaly genocide. Examples are given of praise in the works of Ahiska Turkish poets directed toward martyrs and victims who fought heroically to free Azerbaijani lands from occupation or who lived and died for the “One nationality-- one state” ideal. The article analyzes and summarizes the works of Ahiska Turks on the themes of Azerbaijan and Karabakh, laying a foundation for further research on this topic.