Historians of Russia, Turkey and South Caucasus discuss Caucasian War

Ankara will host an international conference attended by experts from Turkish Universities, Azerbaijan and Georgia in spring to discuss the Caucasian War (1817-1864). It was initiated by the MSU History Faculty and the North-South Center for Political Analysis.

 

Ismail Agakishiyev, a docent of the MSU History Faculty, said that descriptions of past events are often an object of many falsifications in the process of analysis of the North Caucasus’ merging with Russia. He added that many topics, such as the Circassian problem, were often used for personal political benefits of some people.

Agakishiyev noted that views of the Caucasian War differed depending on the government, but the scientific approach had always remained the same and being part of the Russian Empire played a very positive role for the region.
The MSU docent admitted that the territories had indeed been conquered, but Caucasian nobles had status equal to that of Russian nobles. Moreover, there was no serfdom imposed in the North Caucasus. Russian teachers played a great role in educating the local residents. The North Caucasus brought up writers, scientists, political figures.
Agakishiyev believes that it was not “an exterminative war”, but was part of the policy of the Russian and Ottoman Empires and non-regional powers, such as the UK.
The international conference “Caucasian War of the 19th century: Realpolitik” and the “memory wars” will be held in late October.