The change of power of the Popular Front of Azerbaijan (APR) in 1992 is considered one of the first democratization efforts in Azerbaijan after the Soviet Union. However, many circles have described this process as a "coup" or "revolution". Here are the details of this momentous event:

1. Background: The Fall of Communist Rule

• Post-Independence Turmoil: In 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan declared its independence. However, during this period, the country faced significant challenges, including economic crises, political instability, and the war with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Ayaz Mutallibov's Management: The first president of Azerbaijan, Ayaz Mutallibov, was a leader who came from the Soviet system. The continuation of its communist tendencies after independence and the failures in the Nagorno-Karabakh war led to serious reactions among the people.
• Khojaly Massacre (February 1992): The massacre carried out by Armenia in Khojaly caused great indignation among the Azerbaijani people. Mutallibov's indifference to these events led to the weakening of his administration.

2. The Rise of the Popular Front of Azerbaijan

• Ebulfez ElçibeyLeadership of the Popular Front: The Popular Front of Azerbaijan played an active role in the struggle for independence from the Soviet Union. Its leaders, especially Abulfaz Elchibey, advocated pursuing a policy based on democratization and cooperation with the West in Azerbaijan.
• Protests and Popular Movements:
  • In early 1992, large-scale popular protests began demanding the resignation of Ayaz Mutallibov.
  • The AHC took the lead in these protests and publicly criticized the government's inadequacies.

3. Mutallibov's Resignation and Efforts to Return

• First Resignation (March 1992): Mutallibov resigned under increasing popular pressure and at the parliament's request.
• Brief Comeback (May 1992): Mutallibov tried to come back to power with a coup attempt shortly after. However, the Popular Front blocked this initiative and took over the government.

4. The Coming to Power of the Popular Front

• Abulfaz Elchibey became president: In the elections held after the complete dismissal of Mutallibov in May 1992, Abulfaz Elchibey was elected the second president of Azerbaijan. This went down in history as the first post-independence democratic election in the country.
• Policies of the Popular Front:
  • Democratic Reforms: Elchibey took important steps towards democratization.
  • Distance with Russia: The Popular Front aimed to pursue a foreign policy independent of Russia and tried to increase cooperation with the Turkic world.
  • Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: Although the Elchibey government tried to resolve the war in Nagorno-Karabakh, it was ineffective militarily and diplomatically.

5. Coup or Revolution?

• Coup Charges:
  • It has been claimed by some circles that the Popular Front overthrew the Mutallibov government through violence and repression. For this reason, the event was described as a "coup d'état".
• Democratic Transition View:
  • This event was seen by many as a "democratic revolution", as the Popular Front took over power with popular support and the approval of parliament.

6. Conclusion and Effects

• Elchibey's Poor Management: The government of Abulfaz Elchibey was soon weakened by internal turmoil and failures in the Nagorno-Karabakh war.
• 1993 Coup and Heydar Aliyev Era: Due to another political crisis in 1993, the Elchibey government was overthrown, and Heydar Aliyev ushered in a long period of stability in Azerbaijan.

Result

The overthrow of the communist-leaning Mutallibov administration by the Popular Front of Azerbaijan in 1992 is one of the most important turning points in Azerbaijan's post-independence political history. However, this process could not turn into a long-term success due to the Nagorno-Karabakh war and economic problems. After the failure of the Popular Front, Azerbaijan moved to a more stable period under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev.

Lesson Summary

The change of power of the Popular Front of Azerbaijan (APR) in 1992 marked a significant democratization effort after the Soviet Union's collapse. The event has been labeled both as a "coup" and a "revolution." Here is a detailed overview of the key points:

• Background:
  • Post-independence turmoil ensued in 1991 following Azerbaijan's independence declaration amid economic crises, political instability, and the Nagorno-Karabakh war.
  • Ayaz Mutallibov's leadership style, influenced by the Soviet era, faced criticism due to his communist tendencies and handling of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
  • The Khojaly Massacre by Armenia in February 1992 further weakened Mutallibov's administration.
• The Rise of the Popular Front of Azerbaijan:
  • The Popular Front, led by Abulfaz Elchibey, championed democratization and Western cooperation.
  • Large protests in early 1992 demanded Mutallibov's resignation, with the AHC playing a prominent role.
• Mutallibov's Resignation and Efforts to Return:
  • Mutallibov resigned in March 1992 but attempted a comeback through a coup in May, which was thwarted by the Popular Front.
• The Coming to Power of the Popular Front:
  • Abulfaz Elchibey was elected president in May 1992, marking the first post-independence democratic election in Azerbaijan.
  • Elchibey initiated democratic reforms, distanced Azerbaijan from Russia, and addressed the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, albeit with limited success.
• Coup or Revolution?:
  • Some viewed the Popular Front's takeover as a coup due to the forceful nature of the transition, while others saw it as a democratic revolution based on popular support.
• Conclusion and Effects:
  • Elchibey's tenure was fraught with challenges, leading to his government's downfall in 1993 and Heydar Aliyev assuming power for a period of stability.
  • The event in 1992 was a crucial turning point in Azerbaijan's post-independence political history, despite not resulting in long-term success due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and economic issues.