Sumgait pogrom facts for kids
The Sumgait pogrom was a terrible event that happened in February 1988 in the city of Sumgait, Azerbaijan. During this time, many local Azerbaijanis attacked the Armenian people who lived there. This event led to the deaths of many people and caused a lot of fear and damage.
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What Was the Sumgait Pogrom?
A pogrom is a violent attack by one group of people against another, often targeting a specific ethnic or religious group. The Sumgait pogrom was a series of attacks against Armenians living in Sumgait. These attacks included violence, destruction of homes, and harm to people.
Where is Sumgait?
Sumgait is a city in Azerbaijan, located near the Caspian Sea. It's about 30 kilometers (or 20 miles) northwest of Azerbaijan's capital city, Baku. At the time of the pogrom, many Armenians lived in Sumgait, alongside Azerbaijanis.
Why Did It Happen?
The Sumgait pogrom happened during a time of increasing tension between Armenians and Azerbaijanis. These tensions were mainly about the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which both Armenians and Azerbaijanis claimed. The violence in Sumgait was a tragic result of these growing disagreements and ethnic conflicts.
The Impact of the Pogrom
The attacks in Sumgait caused a lot of suffering. Many Armenians were forced to leave their homes and flee the city to find safety. The event shocked people around the world and highlighted the serious ethnic problems in the region. It also made the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh even worse.
Aftermath and Memory
The Sumgait pogrom is remembered as a very sad and difficult time in the history of both Armenia and Azerbaijan. It led to more violence and eventually contributed to a larger conflict known as the Nagorno-Karabakh War. Remembering these events helps us understand the importance of peace and understanding between different groups of people.
Images for kids
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Sumgait (Sumqayit) is located about 30 kilometers (approximately 20 miles) northwest of Azerbaijan's capital Baku, near the Caspian Sea.
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A map of Sumgait shows a section of the city's apartment districts, notable landmarks, and main streets.
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Military police escorting Armenian civilians out of the town.
