From emergence to evanescence: repression, migration, and the transformation of identity in Azerbaijan under soviet occupation

Dr. Vazeh ASGAROV
Doctor of the University of Strasbourg
Vice-Rector of the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU)
Email: vazeh.askarov@asoiu.edu.az

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Keywords:

emigration, national identity, russification policy, soviet Azerbaijan, cultural resistance

Abstract

This article analyzes the impact of Soviet occupation on Azerbaijani national identity, examining processes of repression, forced migration, and cultural transformation. Russification policies, the elimination of elites, and the modification of names and cultural practices contributed to a partial loss of identity, while inciting significant cultural resistance. The resilience of the Azerbaijani people, especially after independence in 1991, underscores the persistence of a national spirit. The study offers a nuanced understanding of identity mutation within the Soviet context.

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Introduction

Contemporary Azerbaijani history is deeply shaped by the Soviet period, marked by radical transformations of national identity. Since the Bolshevik regime’s establishment in 1920, Azerbaijan has undergone repression, forced migrations, and cultural homogenization driven by russification policies. This complex context raises questions about the society’s capacity to resist and preserve its cultural specificities amid these assimilation efforts. Such policies have left lasting effects on both society and the very perception of Azerbaijani identity. This study explores how repression, forced migration, and cultural change contributed to both the emergence and loss of Azerbaijani identity, highlighting cultural resistance by the people facing adversity.

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1. Historical and political context of soviet occupation

Soviet occupation of Azerbaijan in 1920 initiated a tragic period involving emigration, repression, and profound shifts in national identity. Many Azerbaijanis fled abroad to escape terror and persecution, while those remaining fought against an oppressive regime aiming to eradicate dissent. Despite the pain, this history embodies resilience, demonstrating the Azerbaijani people's determination to preserve their culture and identity. This era continues to inspire contemporary generations seeking freedom and recognition.

The Soviet invasion led to the fall of the Democratic Azerbaijan, the first in the Muslim East. On April 27, 1920, Soviet rule began, and a new wave of elite emigration ensued—researchers term this “elite emigration.” Intellectuals, embodying the spirit of freedom, became initial victims, exemplified by the first massive international deportation in Soviet history in 1922.

Following Bolshevik power’s arrival, lists of enemies were prepared under Ponkratov’s responsibility, aimed at eliminating perceived enemies—politicians, clergy, aristocrats, and scholars educated in Europe, as well as active former communists involved in building Soviet power. Led by Lenin and Trotsky, the Soviet authorities created colonies for prisoners, becoming the earliest form of mass exile. Thousands of revolution opponents and prominent figures were sent to these colonies.

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2. Forced migration and the exodus of elites

Mass arrests occurred across Azerbaijan hundreds of members of the Musavat Party accused of resisting Soviet power were sentenced to death. Ten Azerbaijani generals were executed without trial. Notably, through figures like Narimanov, Generals Shikhlinski and Mehmandarov escaped such atrocities.

Contrary to some beliefs that deportations started in the 1930s, these events began during the early Bolshevik governance, amidst Russia’s civil war, with roots tracing back to Tsar Peter the Great. Azerbaijan experienced several repression phases, starting in the early 1920s—targeting peasants, politicians, religious figures, and landowners—and later extending to nationalists, Musavatists, and Pan-Turkist leaders until the 1930s. The most brutal period was during the Stalinist “Great Purges,” especially 1936–1939, where approximately 70,000–80,000 prominent Azerbaijanis—scientists, writers, military, religious figures—were massacred, disappeared, or exiled, with the execution machine operating relentlessly for mere minutes per victim.

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3. Resistance and rebuilding of national identity

Given their Muslim and Turkic ties, Azerbaijanis were seen as a potential threat by the Soviet regime in the South Caucasus. For instance, while Georgians and Armenians kept their alphabets, Azerbaijanis’ scripts were altered twice—first from Arabic to Latin, then to Cyrillic following Turkey’s adoption of Latin script under Kemalist influence. Similar discrimination extended to surnames: Georgian and Armenian surnames retained their suffixes (-ian, -yan, -dze, etc.), whereas Azerbaijani surnames often saw suffixes like -khan or -bey removed or replaced with Russian-style endings (-ov, -ev).

During Soviet period, names were modified—sometimes with names of historical figures replaced by absurd ones related to collectivization (e.g., Tractor, Revolution, Council, October, Marlen). After independence in 1991, traditional Azerbaijani names and suffixes—such as -li, -zade, -oğlu—began to reemerge, signifying geographical origins, aristocratic ties, and kinship. Currently, simplifying name endings has become common, a reflection of continuing Russian/Soviet influence, similar to patterns seen in other Turkic-speaking nations like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.

In Uzbekistan, for example, Russian suffixes are still retained. Crimean Tatars are increasingly shunning Russian suffixes, preferring simpler forms. In Latvia, the authorities mandated removing Russian suffixes like -ov, -ev, adding an -s at the end of names to “Latvianize” them.

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Conclusion

Ultimately, Soviet occupation left an indelible mark on Azerbaijan’s demographic, cultural, and identity landscape. Through relentless repression, mass migrations, and assimilation policies aimed at erasing national distinctiveness, the Azerbaijani people endured profound suffering and transformation. Nonetheless, the spirit of resistance and cultural preservation persisted, enabling the rebirth of national identity with independence in 1991. This journey—marked by loss but fueled by resilience—demonstrates the capacity of peoples to defend their roots amid oppressive histories. Today, Azerbaijan continues to forge its path, reconnecting with traditions and asserting sovereignty amid a process of reconstruction and cultural renaissance.

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