Kirovabad pogrom facts for kids
The Kirovabad pogrom was a sad event that happened in November 1988 in a city then called Kirovabad. Today, this city in Azerbaijan is known as Ganja. During this time, many Armenians who lived in Kirovabad were targeted by Azeris. This event is sometimes called an ethnic cleansing, which means a group of people tried to force another group out of an area.
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What is a Pogrom?
A pogrom is a violent attack on a group of people, often targeting a specific ethnic or religious group. These attacks are usually carried out by a large crowd and can involve destroying homes and businesses. The Kirovabad pogrom was an attack on the Armenian community living in the city.
Why Did This Happen?
The events in Kirovabad were part of a bigger conflict between Armenians and Azerbaijanis. This conflict was mainly about a region called Nagorno-Karabakh. Both Armenians and Azerbaijanis claimed this area. In the late 1980s, tensions grew very high. This led to protests and violence in different places, including Kirovabad.
Rising Tensions
Before 1988, there were already disagreements and problems between the two groups. Many Armenians wanted Nagorno-Karabakh to join Armenia. Azerbaijan wanted it to stay part of Azerbaijan. These strong feelings led to many arguments and sometimes violence.
The Events of November 1988
In November 1988, the situation in Kirovabad became very dangerous. Groups of people attacked Armenian homes and businesses. Armenians living in the city faced violence and threats. Many were forced to leave their homes and flee the city to find safety.
People Flee for Safety
Because of the violence, thousands of Armenians had to leave Kirovabad. They left behind their homes and belongings. Many found new homes in Armenia or other parts of the Soviet Union. This event caused a lot of fear and sadness for the people involved.
After the Events
The Kirovabad pogrom was a difficult moment in the history of the region. It showed how serious the conflict between Armenians and Azerbaijanis had become. These events were a part of the larger First Nagorno-Karabakh War that started soon after.
