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Qabil Ashirov

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The blockade of Nakhchivan during the late 1980s and early 1990s remains one of the most significant and defining chapters in Azerbaijan’s modern history. The region, which has long been a key part of Azerbaijan’s historical, cultural, and political fabric, found itself isolated, surrounded by hostile forces, and subjected to severe hardships. The blockade, enforced by Armenia, cut off Nakhchivan from the rest of Azerbaijan, severely affecting its economy, society, and everyday life. Despite the dire conditions, the people of Nakhchivan demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination to preserve their homeland.

The importance of Nakhchivan to Azerbaijan is not merely geographical but deeply rooted in its history and strategic significance. Nakhchivan is one of the most culturally rich and historically significant regions of Azerbaijan, housing many important cultural sites, traditions, and symbols of Azerbaijani identity. Furthermore, its location is strategically crucial for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, as it acts as a bridge between Azerbaijan and Turkiye. It serves as a natural corridor, connecting the Republic of Azerbaijan to its ally, Turkiye, and maintaining a geographical link to the outside world.

The blockade imposed by Armenia sought to isolate Nakhchivan and extend Armenian territorial ambitions beyond Garabagh, an area that had already been the centre of tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia. In the early 1990s, Armenia was not only engaged in territorial aggression in Garabagh but had set its sights on Nakhchivan as well, a move that would sever Azerbaijan’s territorial unity and further encroach on its sovereignty. As President Ilham Aliyev has stated, "Armenians' plan was to occupy Nakhchivan as well." This reflected a broader geopolitical strategy by Armenia to weaken Azerbaijan by isolating its enclave region, which also happened to be a vital lifeline for the country’s connections to the world.

The blockade created a crisis in Nakhchivan, leaving the region without essential supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel. The people of Nakhchivan faced immense hardship as they struggled to survive under these conditions. They were cut off from the rest of Azerbaijan, making the situation even more perilous. Despite these difficulties, the people of Nakhchivan refused to succumb to despair. Instead, they demonstrated remarkable resilience, holding onto their Azerbaijani identity and resisting any form of occupation.

The turning point came in 1990 when Heydar Aliyev, then the leader of Nakhchivan, arrived to take charge of the situation. His leadership was a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. Heydar Aliyev’s presence in Nakhchivan not only provided vital leadership during the blockade but also galvanized the population to defend their homeland. As President Ilham Aliyev put it, “Heydar Aliyev, then the leader of Nakhchivan, did not allow this to happen, and all the people of Nakhchivan mobilized their efforts to defend Nakhchivan, protect their native lands, and push the occupiers back.” Under Heydar Aliyev’s direction, the people of Nakhchivan were able to unite, resist the blockade, and successfully defend their land from any potential invasion.

Heydar Aliyev’s role during this time went beyond mere leadership; he also focused on organizing the local population and using every available resource to mount a successful defense. Recognizing that military strength alone could not guarantee the survival of Nakhchivan, Heydar Aliyev encouraged the local people to contribute their skills and resources to the collective defense effort. His leadership fostered a sense of unity, with the people of Nakhchivan joining forces to defend their land against a common enemy.

The strength of the people of Nakhchivan, combined with Heydar Aliyev’s strategic vision, created a formidable defence against Armenian attempts to occupy the region. The blockade did not break the spirit of the Nakhchivani people; instead, it forged a sense of unity and purpose. The people of Nakhchivan were driven by the desire to protect their land, preserve their cultural heritage, and maintain their sovereignty within Azerbaijan. This shared determination, alongside Heydar Aliyev’s strategic leadership, ensured that Nakhchivan remained firmly under Azerbaijani control.

The legacy of Heydar Aliyev’s leadership in Nakhchivan is not just one of military and political success, but also one of inspiration. His actions during the blockade demonstrated the power of resilience in the face of adversity. His efforts, alongside the bravery of the people of Nakhchivan, ensured that Azerbaijan was able to maintain its territorial integrity during one of the most difficult periods in its history. Nakhchivan's survival and the preservation of its ties to Azerbaijan stand as a testament to the unwavering determination of its people and the visionary leadership of Heydar Aliyev.