1990 Freedom Square meetings were an important turning point in which the people rose up against the Soviet regime and defended their national identity and freedom. This process is replete with historical events on the way to independence.

1. The Role of Freedom Square

• Freedom Square: This square in the capital, Baku, symbolizes Azerbaijan's struggle for independence. In 1989-1990, hundreds of thousands of people gathered in this square, where protests were held against Soviet rule.
• People's Movement: The people gathered in the square chanted slogans demanding independence and defended the national identity of Azerbaijan. This was one of the peaceful protests organized under the Popular Front of Azerbaijan (AHF) leadership.

2. Causes of the Protests

• Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: In 1988, the demands of the Armenian separatists in the Nagorno-Karabakh region to break away from Azerbaijan and the Soviet Union's inability to remain neutral on this issue angered the people.
• Ethnic Cleansing and Migration: The attacks and forced deportations of Azerbaijani Turks from Armenia completely shook the confidence of the people in the Soviet administration.
• Soviet Edition: The harsh policies of the Moscow administration aimed at suppressing the national awakening in Azerbaijan were one of the main reasons for the protests.

3. The Events of 1990 and Black January

Demonstrations in Freedom Square:

• January 1990: The square was filled with demonstrators demanding independence. People protested in the square for days with banners openly criticizing the Soviet government and calling for an independent Azerbaijan.
• People's Demands:
  • Independence of Azerbaijan.
  • Withdrawal of Soviet troops from Nagorno-Karabakh.
  • Protection of the Azerbaijani people against Armenian aggression.

Black January (January 20, 1990):

• Soviet Intervention: The Soviet Union sent troops to Baku in an attempt to suppress the protests and intimidate the Azerbaijani people. Hundreds of civilians were killed and wounded in this intervention, which took place on January 20, 1990.
• Massacre in the Square: The protests in Freedom Square were bloodily suppressed. Soviet tanks and soldiers opened fire on peaceful demonstrators.
• Public Reaction: Black January further strengthened the desire of the Azerbaijani people for independence. This event marked an important turning point on the road to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

4. Progress on the Path to Independence

Political Movements:

• Popular Front of Azerbaijan: The AHR, which assumed the independence movement's leadership, fought against Soviet rule with the support of the people.
• National Identity Emphasis: During the protests, Azerbaijani flags were unfurled, and the people's national identity was highlighted. The slogan "One nation, one state" came to the fore.

Declaration of Independence:

• :October 18, 1991: About two years after Black January, Azerbaijan declared its independence with the "Constitutional Act on Independence".
• Dissolution of the Soviet Union: With the collapse of the Soviet Union at the end of 1991, Azerbaijan was internationally recognized as an independent state.

5. The Importance of Freedom Square Today

• Historical Monument: Freedom Square is considered a symbol of the struggle for independence. Today, the Azerbaijani people commemorate important events like Independence Day and Black January.
• Revival of the National Spirit: The protests in 1990 went down in history as a strong demonstration of the Azerbaijani people's national consciousness and desire for freedom.

Result

The 1990 Freedom Square meetings and the Black January events were important turning points in Azerbaijan's struggle for independence. The resistance of the people and their stance against Soviet oppression formed the basis for the continued existence of Azerbaijan as an independent state today. These events are a historical demonstration of the unity of the people and their belief in freedom.

Lesson Summary

***Summary***

The 1990 Freedom Square meetings in Baku, Azerbaijan, were a crucial moment in the country's fight for independence against the Soviet regime. Below are key points from this period:

• The Role of Freedom Square:
  • Freedom Square symbolized Azerbaijan's struggle for independence during 1989-1990.
  • Protests against Soviet rule were held here under the Popular Front of Azerbaijan (AHR) leadership.
• Causes of the Protests:
  • Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict fueled anger with Armenian separatist demands and Soviet interference.
  • Ethnic cleansing in Armenia heightened distrust in the Soviet administration.
• Events of 1990 and Black January:
  • Demands in the square included independence, withdrawal of troops from Nagorno-Karabakh, and protection against Armenian aggression.
  • Black January saw a violent Soviet intervention in Baku, leading to civilian fatalities.
• Progress to Independence:
  • The Popular Front of Azerbaijan spearheaded the movement for independence.
  • Azerbaijan declared independence in October 1991.
• Importance of Freedom Square Today:
  • Freedom Square is a historical monument representing the struggle for independence.
  • The events of 1990 are commemorated annually in Azerbaijan, reflecting national unity and desire for freedom.

The 1990 Freedom Square meetings and the subsequent Black January events were transformative in shaping Azerbaijan's path to independence, solidifying national unity and demonstrating a strong desire for freedom.