World War One resulted in the dissolution of the Ottoman and Russian Empires and birth of many new states.
The democratic republic of Azerbaijan was proclaimed 28 May 1918. It was progressive, secular, and nationalist. It fought briefly with Armenia, the Bolsheviks, and the British, and in Spring 1920 was invaded by Soviet Russia and made into a constituent part of the USSR. Later in 1920 Russian and Turkish forces divided Armenia between themselves. Over the next few years Mustafa Kemal Ataturk* The democratic republic of Turkey was proclaimed October 29, 1923. It was progressive, secular, and nationalist. It immediately established itself as a western looking nation and a barrier to the USSR.
If the Russians had taken longer to pull themselves together, or for some other reason were delayed in invading the south Caucasus, and perhaps the republic of Turkey was established slightly earlier, might we see a Azerbaijan as an integral part? Their languages and cultures were very similar, and they had common enemies in the Russians and the Armenians. Being part of Turkey would be beneficial to Azerbaijanis who would enjoy the protection market of the USA. Azerbaijan would be a valuable part of Turkey for its mineral wealth, and to increase her legitimacy as the nation state of Turks.
A union of today's Turkey and Azerbaijan would have a population of 90 millions, a land mass of 870 000 square kms, and a gdp over 1.8 Trillion USD. If this Turkey also annexed Armenia, and Azerbaijan's access to the first world market resulted in development and GDP closer to western Europe; we would have a contiguous nation from the Balkans to the Caspian, with population exceeding 100 million, and GDP of 2 - 4 Trillion USD. This Turkey would be around the fifth greatest power on the planet.
The main obstacles I see are:
*Among the most interesting historical figures in my opinion. His names; granted throughout his life, translate roughly to: The Chosen One, Perfection, Father of Turks.
The democratic republic of Azerbaijan was proclaimed 28 May 1918. It was progressive, secular, and nationalist. It fought briefly with Armenia, the Bolsheviks, and the British, and in Spring 1920 was invaded by Soviet Russia and made into a constituent part of the USSR. Later in 1920 Russian and Turkish forces divided Armenia between themselves. Over the next few years Mustafa Kemal Ataturk* The democratic republic of Turkey was proclaimed October 29, 1923. It was progressive, secular, and nationalist. It immediately established itself as a western looking nation and a barrier to the USSR.
If the Russians had taken longer to pull themselves together, or for some other reason were delayed in invading the south Caucasus, and perhaps the republic of Turkey was established slightly earlier, might we see a Azerbaijan as an integral part? Their languages and cultures were very similar, and they had common enemies in the Russians and the Armenians. Being part of Turkey would be beneficial to Azerbaijanis who would enjoy the protection market of the USA. Azerbaijan would be a valuable part of Turkey for its mineral wealth, and to increase her legitimacy as the nation state of Turks.
A union of today's Turkey and Azerbaijan would have a population of 90 millions, a land mass of 870 000 square kms, and a gdp over 1.8 Trillion USD. If this Turkey also annexed Armenia, and Azerbaijan's access to the first world market resulted in development and GDP closer to western Europe; we would have a contiguous nation from the Balkans to the Caspian, with population exceeding 100 million, and GDP of 2 - 4 Trillion USD. This Turkey would be around the fifth greatest power on the planet.
The main obstacles I see are:
- Azerbaijanis possibly preferring a federation to preserve some of their newfound freedoms, while Ataturk would much prefer a unitary state.
- Other powers preferring the union doesn't happen. Iran has historical claim to Azerbaijan, many powers did not want a stronger Turkey, and even the British and USA might get involved due to the oil.
- The Armenians and other minorities in the way. Unfortunately they haven't stopped Turks before.
*Among the most interesting historical figures in my opinion. His names; granted throughout his life, translate roughly to: The Chosen One, Perfection, Father of Turks.