III. Armenia’s Economic and Ideological Diversion against Azerbaijan

• Obscure pages of Azerbaijan oil-extracting industry (Bahramov J.A., candidate of history)

• Ideological diversion of Armenia against Azeri people (Musayeva T.S., doctor of history, professor).

• Azerbaijan libraries as objects of Armenian ideological diversion (Rustamova A.S., ANASCNL reader service department chief)

Obscure pages of Azerbaijan sea oil – extraction industry’s
Formation history (1949-1960 yy.)

Azerbaijan is considered to be initial in the world country in view of oil extraction both onshore and offshore. For the first time in the world practice as a result of long-time scientific-experimental researches conducted by Azerbaijan scientists and engineers oil-well №1 daily yielding 100 tonnes gushed in «Neft dashlary” region of Caspian sea in November 7, 1949. After such a major achievement due to degree “on improvement of activities concerning development and exploitation of sea oil – fields in Azerbaijan SSR «one adopted in December 11, 1949 by USSR Ministers Council there were established Sea Oil – Field Exploration Headquarters and Azerbaijan Sea Oilers Union within USSR Oil Industry Council. Exploitation of oil fields in Azerbaijan’s Caspian region was commissioned right the above – mentioned institutions. However activity in this direction failed to be conducted fluently. Administrative system of soviet empire and its obedient servitors dashnak armenian leaders by all hooks and crooks obstacled forming powerful economic potential in moslem turkic republics and first of all in Azerbaijan.

It’s known that in post – war years a major crisis had been observed in providing USSR industrial and military defence systems with oil products. Although Great Patriotic War was won owing to Baku oil, restoration of regions ruined in result of the war and institution of new economic fields in some soviet republics including Azerbaijan required supplementary energetical resources. It should be emphasized that till middle 50-th years Azerbaijan was oil-extraction centre in former USSR. Nevertheless it had already failed to meet completely demand in oil products of the whole country. Due to some objective and subjective reasons in the war cource Azerbaijan provided battle – front with all products 85 – 90 per cent and in this view main blow of the war fell on it.2 At the period operation and prospect drilling almost stopped, one part of specialists left for battle – front and another was sent to eastern oil regions of USSR together with numerous oil industrial techniques. At the early postwar period except of Azerbaijan’s off-shore oil fields no major on shore field had been developed. Exploration of Caspian oil fields, on the one hand, followed purpose of meeting energetic demands formed in the country after the war, and on another hand, staving off gradual decrease of onshore oil extraction rate. We should stress that there was objective need in conquering Caspian oil and therefore creating new field of republic’s oil industry. But the process met with opposition of armenian jingo – separatists, inveterate feuds of Azerbaijan nation who disguised under communism slogan and their and patrons, holders of high posts in Central Committee. Within 1920-1953 those of them who headed repressions Against Azerbaijan nation also worked over dealing blow forward its economic field. Having neglected prognoses of Azerbaijan oil engineers and scientist’s that the Caspian oil recovery will be prospective economic sfere of the republic oil industry Armenians did their best to present from its development. In July 29, 1954 in Baku there was held the conference of oil industry leaders with participation of the ex – minister of USSR oil industry N.K.Baybakov, whose roots were from Baku. The conference was devoited to the discussion of the decree «about the oil industry development activities «adopted by USSR Ministers Council dated July 9, 1954.3 In report about the industry the chief geologist of “Azerneft” production Union B.Babazade informed about the obstacles which had been purposely created in the course of operating Caspian oil fields: As early as 1948, on the one of Caspian Off-shore oil fields operation Deputy Minister of USSR oil industry Helkvist the had been chief geologist «Azerneft «Union till 1948 – J.B. Advised Babazade during their meeting to give up the idea of developing sea oil fields. He alleged the next: «there is nothing in the sea and I have been telling it for a long time», and offored Babazade write to Baybakov that it was necessary to stop works in the sea because there was nothing. Certainly B.Babazade who was aware of major oil fields in the Caspian sea flatly refused the Helkvist’s suggestion and he informed in his speech: «Caspian oil, reserves don’t yild to those ones in peninsula Absheron and even exceed the onshore reserves to some degree. «He indicated that Helkvist tried to persuade the first secretary of Azerbaijan Communist Party and Central Committee. M.J.Bagirov that the major oil fields were in Ganja region and in Shamakhy, and he failed to achieve this obyect. But later when he was working as USSR oil Industry Deputy Minister, in Moscow he succeeded in convincing of this Minister N.K.Bay­bakov.

Helkvist and Armenians who supported him were hying to prove the alleged fait that, Azerbaijani offshore oil production after 1951 gradually decreased snd there were developed new oil fields in the western regions of the country. To their mind the crisis of oil – extraction industry in Azerbaijan was paid very dearly for the republic’s economy and therefore it was becoming unprobitable sphere. At the conference N.K.Bay­bakov tried to prove that 102 ben manats having been allotted within 1948-1953 for fundamental reganization of Azerbaijan’s petroindustry were unnecessary and he pointed that allocation of the finances. Was a result of the friendship of M.J.Bagirov, long-time rulers of the Soviet Azerbaijan with I.V. Stalin. As if M.J.Bagirov had been appealing to I.V.Stalin many times only for gaining his own careerist purposes to increase rates of the oil production and with his view he had obtained suitable summed finances. To N.K.Baybakov’s mind, M.J.Bagirov’s activity in this direction coused serious damage to the republic. The lalter’s activity in Azerbaijan date from 1930-1950 years and this period remained as a bloody and conficting one in the memory of our people. But it is absolutely illogical to consider the former leader’s knack of obtaining subsidies for development of the republic’s oil industry from the Central Government as attempt to damage the state.

The analysis of that period’s archieves prove groundlessness of the above – mentioned accusations. The documents confirm that creation of new spheres in Azerbaijan’s post – war economy and its development problems seriously worried mess of Armenian dashnaks who were deeply rooted into Central Committee under A.Mikoyan’s patronage and covered themselves by Communist veil. The ungrateful neighbours (armenians) who failed to prevent from operating major oil fields of Caspian in 1948 – 1949 years tried to persuade the high – ranked workers of Central Government that the Azerbaijan petroleum industry, especially its off-shore oil – extracting branch was unprobitable for USSR economy, and thus to achieve their dirty purposes. One of their «arguments «was about expensiveness of prime cost of Caspian oil extraction, another – about cheaper operation of the oil fields in the eastern regions of farmer USSR in the Caspian. But there was no scientific ground for these «arguments». The oil extracted in Azerbaijan and its Caspian sector sharply differ for quality and value from that one recovered in Tataristan, Bashkirtostan, Volga and other regions of USSR. For comparison it should be noted that sulphur content in Azerbaijan oil mounted to about 0,1–0,3 per cent vhile in oil of the above – mentioned regions it provided about 2 – 5,0 percent. On the other hand till the late 50 ths pure oils and fuels producted solely from Azerbaijan oil had been used in all fields of metallurgy. Thus only in 1956 about 2177 thousand tons of low – surphurized fuel oil were consigned to metallurgical plants of USSR from Azerbaijan.5 Another advantage of Azerbaijan oil proving its high quality and profitability was the cheapness of gasoline grades produced from it. In 1950 this 95 1130 graded air gasoline in Baku costed about 820 manats, in Novo – Ufitmsk – 1 158 manats, 91/115 graded air gasoline costed 520 manats in Baku, and 890 manats in Grozny.6 But in spite of all these advantages enemies of the Azeri people continied their efforts to cause damage to it in economic sphere, too. At the conference of Republic oil industrialists held in July 29, 1954 in spite on the well – grounded evidences of Azeri oil – workers Baybakov declares the diminition of capital investments into Azerbaijan oil industry provided for 1955 by resolution on «measures for intensifying development of oil Industry «dated July 9, 1954 about 2,2 times against previous year till 700 million manats, and inclusion of Azerbaijan to non – prospective from costeffectiveness standpoint oil regions group the adoption of this resolution caused decrease of oil – extracting and exploratory drilling rates correspondingly at 2,2 and 4,4 times in 1955 comparing with the previous year.7

In spite of such substantial diminution of the capital investments oil-production target in Republic remained at the same level in 1955. It was sharp blow to oil industry, as well as whole economy of Azerbaijan Republic. The Soviet empire’s leaders who always treated Azerbaijan as colony thus partically met wishes their obedient “servitors”. Inspired with their dirty activities’ results and patrons’ care the armenian dashnak rabbles did their best to prove unprobitability of Azerbaijan oil industry and to abolish it by the center’s means. With this aim in 1956 USSR State. Target Committee vice-chairman Mkrtchiyan addresses in missive to the chairman of Party Central Committee N.Shvernik and tries to assure him that Azerbaijan oil industry and first of all local off-shore oil-extracting sphere is ostensibly unprobitable and it requires a lot of financial resources.8 Therefore there is no need to allocate subsides for this sphere. Shvernik realizing that the problem is serious and had economic provocation character contacts with Azerbaijan’s leader - I.D.Mus­tafayev and begins comprehending the real core of the issue in February, 1957 Mustafayev compiles 13 paged letter addressed to Invernik proving cost – effective perspectiveness of Azerbaijan’s oil industry as well as Caspian oil fields and takes it to Moscow. A copy of that letter is kept in the Azerbaijan Political Parties and Social Movements Central State Archieves. The late academician Mustafayev I.D. recalling this event recounted he visited N.S.Khrushov. With that letter, informed him about working out of economic plat in USSR State Target Committee against Azerbaijan and addressed to Party Central Committee on the issue.

The well – informed republic leader undertook urgent measures and the provacation was prevented.

Thus the timely intervention of the leadership of Azerbaijan partly protected oil industry, as well as whole industry of the Republic from the new strike. But Armenian hangmen still achieved their goals: in 1957 Azerbaijan oil industry was deprived of all ocations to Republic budget for oil extraction and explanatory drilling that made up 10 manats per each ton of the recoverred oil. As it is seen dashnak Armenian rabbles always felt care of imperial leader ship and remained unpunished for committed crimes. But in spite of obstacles and deprivations oil industry workers of Azerbaijan Republic for the first time in history of world oil-extracting industry achieved development of rich oil fields under the waters of Caspian Sea. The president of Azerbaijan H.Aliyev has stated in this view at the meeting with shareholders of consortium founded in accordance with “Century’s contract” in January 25, 1955 the following: Owing to intensive labour and activity of Azerbaijan scientists, engineers, geologists, oilers and petroleum foremen oil has been recovered from Caspian sea for more than 45 years.9 It was so indeed. In result of intensive works there were developed and put into operation such oil fields as «Gurgan daniz» of «Darvin chokakliyi», “Neft Dashlary”, “Re­nos Zhiloy-daniz”, “Gum adasy”, “Palchygly tapa” and “Gharadagh-daniz”.10 Within 1949-1960 yy. there had been extracted 45 million tons of petroleum from the oil fields “area” which became famous in the world for “Neft Dashlary” name situated 110 km from Baku and during past 48 years here were recovered 422 million tons of oil.11

It is interesting why they wanted to impede foundation of this branch off-shore oil – extraction which has been playing first fiddle in statisfying energy demands of former empire USSR for 42 years, though its was calculated for 25 years. What was the purpose? Of course, presently it is easier to answer this question than in previous years. First of all because Azeri people are already masters oe their own lives and citizens of Azerbaijan H. Aliyev has declared at the meeting with consortium share holders in January 25, 1995 the next Azerbaijan citizens, Azerbaijan state had become full owners of Azerbaijani riches and all this afforded Azerbaijan state an opportunity to use its oil resoures at their free. The talks having been conducted for over three years with the world’s major oil companies on oil fields operation were in constant attention focus of Azeri and almost whole international society… There were some foreign organizations which had negative and jealous attitude to this cause, and some very infuential forces has been laying every possible obstacles to elaboration and conclusion of this agreement. But our constructive cooperation with foreign petroleum companies and will be Sovereign Azerbaijan Republic state had formed background for removing these obstacles…12 If we consider profoundly these lines, the answer to the above – mentioned question will become much easier: because hence it appears that like those years (1949-1960) presently as well there exist some powers hindering from use of the riches of Azerbaijan people and building of its high economic potential. Their main purpose always was to present Azerbaijan from its future economic development and deprive it of the gained state independence. But in result of far – signted policy of the president of Azerbaijan republic H. Aliyev all these efforts were braught to nothing. In September 20, 1994 SOCAR (state oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic) has signed oil contract with the major oil companies of USA, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, England and Yapan 9 complementary agreements extending, “Century’s Contract” envisioning operation of petrofields in Azerbaijan division of Caspian, and currently all of the companies conduct the operation activities. But the servitors of former empire and their protectors being antagonists of the independence of Azerbaijan State Still Continue Activities for hampering our nation to be the owner of its resources.

Nuykins, Bartsegovs, Migronyans, Surikovs, Sta­rovoytovas, Stupishins and other successors of Mikoyars, Mkrtchiyans Kalankarovs and Helkvists who took up different posts in the state structure actively participated in this affair. They gave interviews in different radio and to channels, magazins, newspapers in chauvinist and aggressor spirit for discrediting and blemishing internal and external policy of Azerbaijan state in oil sphere before the international public. The articles of J.Bartsegov «about place making potential of USA in Armenia – Azerbaijan conflict “(USA 1995, №2), about the two-faced Handards indepent newspaper and others articles were of this kind.14 During some centuries imperial plunderers who always lived at the expense of alien lands and resources and they still can’t accept the fact of lasing these resources and areas. After conclusion of “Contract of century” in 1994, the Russian Ministry for Foreign Affairs made special statement about its non-recognation… Some representatives of Russian ruling circles first of all aiming at impeding definition of the status of Caspian sea reported that in case of implementing the agreement they would even apply to force if necessary. From this point of view the notable is document named as “Conceptual rules of the resistance strategy against the major foreign menaces to the national security of Russian federation” which was developed at the Defence. Researches Institute founded within Russian defence Ministry. There was openely reported in this document that “paramount task”- to hamper realisation of “the contract of Caspian oil” in its present form. For this there was considered as expedient conduction of some complex measures such as: Official nullification of areas belonging to Azerbaijan sector of Caspian Sea: In case of other means uneffectiveness application to force with view of hampering the foreign companies a activities at the former soviet sector of Caspian till determination of its status: Hindering from opening commor frontier between the main part of Azerbaijan (i.e. expect of Nakhchivan) territory and Turkey; exertion of pressure upon regime in Baku by intensifying Armenian military attack in Ganja and Yevlakh directions…15 As it is seen the followers of I Peter, I Aleksandr, N.Khrushov and M.Gorbachov, who well-known for “special love” to Turks don’t want to forget anytime their grandfather legacy. These militarist and aggressor representatives transferred weapon munitions graits costeing about one million dollars to the possession of Armenia with in 1993-1996 for realization of their dirty purpses. Certainly there is no need to explain aim of this action.

 The consistent and single-minded policy which the president of Azerbaijan H. Aliyev has been pursuring for the last four years over presenting Azerbaijan to the world (in all spheres) indicate that the intentions of the aggressive groups will not come to reality. The result of his official visit to USA since July 27 till August 7, 1997 confirm this again.

Casting about one million dollars the possession of Armenia in 1993-1996 for realization of their dirty purposes. Certainly there is no need to explain aim of this action.

The consistent and single-minded policy which the president of Azerbaijan H.Aliyev has been pursuing for the last four years over present Azerbaijan to the world (in all spheres) dicate that the intentions of these aggressive groups will not come to reality.

The results of his official visit to USA since July 27 till August 7, 1997 confirm this again.

____________

1.    “Azerbaijan oil industry” (in Azeri) (jour.). 1979, №5.

2.    Azerbaijan Republic Political Parties and Social Movements Central Archieves. Fund 1, cat. 282, sym. 21, sheets 95-108.

3.    Ibid.

4.    Ibid, sym. 11, sheets 125-126.

5.    Ibid.

6.    Ibid.

7.    Ibid, sh.125.

8.    Ibid, sym. 21, sh.95.

9.    “Azerbaijan” (newspaper) (in Azeri), January 26, 1995.

10.  Amirov A. “Off-shore Oilers-Lenin Prize Winners” (in Azeri), Baku, 1961, pages 11-13.

11.  Caspian Oil-Gas-97. The international exhibistion proceedings. Baku, 1997.

12.  “Azerbaijan” (newsp.) (in Azeri), January 26, 1995.

13.   Ibid, September 24, 1994.

14.  “Independent newspaper” (in Russian), March 15, 1997.

15.  “Capital” (jour.), 1997, №3, p.17.

Jabi Bahramov,
Candidate of history.

Ideological diversion of Armenia against Azerbaijani people

“History of library science in Highland Garabagh Autonomous Region of Azerbaijan Republic (1923-1990)” book after Najafov Alizade Shamil oglu (Baku, 2000) is devoted to an important point of Azerbaijan historiography.

We consider selection of the topic as research object very urgent because library science is a key field of social policy where programme and result of state’s economic, political and cultural activity are realized. Topical is selection of the region-Highland Garabagh, autonomy under jurisdiction of Azerbaijan Republic. We should stress that the article’s author comes from the region and had worked at Pedagogical Technical school of Shusha town till beginning of Armenia-Azerbaijan, Highland Garabagh war crisis.

The period researched by author is a complicated one in domestic history in view of the fact that in Azerbaijan there had been establishing new state management system, taking place considerable progress in economic and social realms. That republic made appreciable achievements in all fields of economic, social-political and spiritual life. On the base of numerous documentary materials, their objective and profound research and interpretation author reveals true history of library science development in Highland Garabagh. It should be kept in mind that the history hadn’t been subject of particular scientific consideration. In these terms we can assert that A.Najafov’s monograph under review is among first attempts of studying the problem, characterizing and appraising processes in the region.

Documentary data occupy major place in the monograph. Among them – documents and materials of funds №30, 242 from Highland Garabagh archives presently inaccessible for azerbaijani researchers. During 1984-1988 the materials (over 3000) had been studied and analyzed by the author. Besides he brought out documents of Azerbaijan Republic State Archives funds №12 and 57 and also fund №13 of Central Librarian Inspection Board Archives within Azerbaijan Republic Ministry of Culture. We can definitely say that most materials of the funds cited by Najafov are put into scientific use for the first time. Undoubtedly it’s author’s merit, freshness and novelty of his research.

Chronology of library science history in Highland Garabagh is divided into three basic stages to which correspond certain parts. Materials of the first chapter comprising 1923-late 40-ies take up a lot of room in the work. Within the period being highly complicated and full of many events and facts author scrutinizes wide range of interrelated points. He endeavors to trace back history of establishing the first libraries, village reading-rooms, Red Corners in the region by azerbaijani government, intense activity of People’s Education Commissariat on cultural serving Highland Garabagh population, abolishing its illiteracy, arranging book expositions, discussing new publications. Despite on hardships-books, logistics and human resources shortage republic government realized important measures on overtaking the difficulties. Already in 1924 in Shusha and Khankendi were instituted Central libraries with fund of 2000 books. The libraries building in Highland Garabagh always provided focus of Azerbaijan’s party and government. The fact is proved by concrete numerous party documents presented in the above-mentioned work. Its author highlights librarian excursions and expositions in the region which favoured establishment and activity of mass, village, collective-farm and club libraries. Citing the concrete documentary materials Najafov comes to theoretically grounded conclusion that here at this period building of armenian libraries apparently prevailed over azerbaijani ones and confirms the facts by concrete figures.

The second part comprises times of second Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). Author stresses that at this period libraries building activities haven’t ceased. Although war put some obstacles for libraries functioning on which he dwells at length their activity for cultural serving the region’s inhabitants has never stopped. It acquired more extensive character in post-war years at national economy restoration and development period (1946-1988). Author also elucidates work of cultural – educational department established within Executive Committee of the autonomous region, activities on strengthening logistics of libraries, building new ones. Figures about number of libraries opened in Highland Garabagh and Nakhchivan ASSR represent special interest. The latter being numerous due to residents quantity and vast in territorial terms highly yielded to Highland Garabagh in number of libraries built at the period. Besides Najafov adduces archive data about stocking of local librarian funds chiefly by books on Armenian. In this respect the following fact mentioned in the work is typical: in Muganly village resided by Azerbaijanis among 249 books available in local library in 1950, 200 were written in Armenian, 27- Russian and just 22- in Azerbaijan.

Establishment of Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture, Cultural Department within Highland Garabagh region’s Executive Committee and travelling libraries played rather important role in library activity expansion. Being founded on concrete materials author traces back how gradually consciousness of Highland Garabagh’s armenian population had been poisoneg by books received as exchange from library named after Myasnikyants (Armenia Republic) in which there was forged Garabagh history, spread thesis of Armenians’ alleged social discrimination, cultivated separatist sentiments, sowed nationalism seeds. The publications portended treacherous ideological diversion further conducted by Armenian government in Highland Garabagh against Azerbaijan people, their state. All this pursued definite aim-acquitting subsequent activities of Armenians on separating Highland Garabagh from Azerbaijan. On the basis of analyzing fund of the local libraries Najafov succeeded in revealing unseemly deeds of armenian leaders who in advance prepared their compatriots living in Garabagh for annexation of the province to Armenia, their purposeful subversive activity against azerbaijani state.

The important should be considered materials about specific allocations having been granted that years by our government for expanding library activity around the region: 186000 roubles for strengthening logistics of regional library named after Gorki. There provide interest comparative data of breakthroughs in library building field in 1960 against 1940-50-ies and of almost every family’s (living in Highland Garabagh) cultural serving what rather considerable was favored by numerous activities realized by republic government, book expositions, institution of bibliophiles society, organization of depositarial funds.

At the period of 1975-1988 library activity in Highland Garabagh gained in especially wide scope. Within this stage there had been taking place appreciable qualitative and quantitative changes, process of centralizing state libraries activity. This part of monograph provides for us the greatest interest by documentary materials cited in the work. The materials fully convince reader that both by number of libraries and residents whom library services are rendered figures for Highland Garabagh had been much higher than all republic ones. This concerned not only libraries but also cultural – enlightenment institutions. The interesting statistical materials (all-union and republic) point to the fact that by all indices Armenians of Garabagh lived much better than inhabitants of most other provinces not only of Azerbaijan but also other soviet republics including Armenia.

Najafov copped to prove that different libraries (mass, school, club, child, trade union) established that years in the region, considerable allocations granted by Azerbaijan government for their building, favored involving region’s population into libraries, giving it access to cultural values, enlightenment, they highly increased general educational level of the local inhabitants. In the monograph author adduces numerous tables that splendidly ground his inferences.

Merit of the book under review is the fact that Najafov made attempt of revealing armenian separatists who gradually brought to nothing, sapped activities of republic government on strengthening peace, well-being in Garabagh land.

Armenia’s ideological diversion against Azerbaijan bore its venomous fruits.

Articles and books of armenian “researchers” published in 70-80-ies presented Highland Garabagh history as if the point was about independent state. For example, in “CPSU history problems” journal (1973, №5) cultural reforms in the region are mentioned beyond the light of all-azerbaijani events. This concerns also “Highland Garabagh, historical reference” book (Yerevan, 1988). The research’s value is that basing himself up on numerous documents and facts author exposed armenian falsifiers, proves absolute unfoundness of their statements about social infringement of Garabagh Armenians, stresses their high cultural standard gained owing to policy conducted by azerbaijani government in respect of national minorities.

We believe that the book of Najafov should be translated into Russian and English. It can render great help to members of Azerbaijan delegation to European Council in their activities on revealing armenian separatists.

Tamilla Musayeva,
Doctor of history, professor.

Azerbaijan libraries as objects of ideological diversion for Armenians

Preservation of cultural heritage is everyone’s duty. The cultural legacy of every nation is wealth that had been created by mankind in general for long centuries and will be over and over again augmented.

As a result of Armenia’s aggression to Azerbaijan over 20 per cent of the most abundant and fecund lands have been occupied and simultaneously enormous damage coused to our culture. the cultural monuments reflecting history of Azerbaijan are systematically destroyed at the occupied areas and taken abroad.

At these territories particular damage was caused to libraries much contributing to cultural heritage’s handing down to the future descendants. 927 libraries having 4,6 million books and manuscripts stock were demolished in the above-mentioned lands (Alakbarova N. Culture and policy. Baku, Azernashr, 2000, p.53).

Damaging of Azerbaijan libraries by Armenia has begun as early as 20-30 yy. of the past century. Change of Arabic script by Latin one was hard shock for Upper Garabagh libraries. All published works compiled in Arabian alphabete had been withdrawn as “panislamism” literature by Armenians from the librarian stocks and burnt down. But being dissatisfied with this they “buried” foregoing books under ground. Within period of 1920-30th over 30000 book copies on different fields of science and culture written in Arabic were collected from public and private libraries of Upper Garabagh (including library within mosque in Shusha town) and obliterated. (Najafov A. Library science history in Upper Garabagh Autonomous Region of Azerbaijan “Republic (1923-1990). Baku, “Sada” publ. House, 2000, p.207). The same fate overtook libraries in 40th years when in Azerbaijan Latin alphabete was substituted for Cyrillic one. Armenians obtained ample chance to withdraw books compiled in Azeri from Upper Garabagh libraries.

Simultaneously Armenians withdrew works of the prominent writers, cultural figures and scientists who were pinned on by labels of “nationalist”, “pan-Turkist”, “pan-Islamist”. These activities provided constituent of longevous ideological diversion against Azerbaijan. Armenian Nazis have been keeping on exercising the diversion at the following periods. Getting a job in the local libraries, museums and archives they tried to withdraw, misappropriate or generally take away literature and archives documents for history, ethnography and culture of Azerbaijan. This mostly concerns manuscripts, published editions and other documents proving Upper Garabagh and Zangazur to be inseparable, integral territories of Azerbaijan.

Central Scientific Library within ANAS (Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences). In the course of events in 1988 Lida Agajanova, head of ANAS CSL international book-exchange department, furious jingoist had been mailing copies of “Kommunist” and “Sovetakan Garabagh” newspapers published in Armenia and leaflets of “Miazum” nationalistic organization to Armenian diaspores in France, USA, Great Britain and other countries so that inform them on events in Upper Garabagh Autonomous Region. It’s a great pity that such activity had been appraised by Soviet government as disorder and hushed up. Another woman Valya Sarkisyan, Armenian by nationality, head of inter-library book-exchange department also circulated the materials among libraries and organizations of Soviet Union.

In 1989-90th Armenians selling their dwellings and leaving Azerbaijan had been taking away thousands valuable books. In 1989 dozens Armenian visitors of CSL withdrew several hundreds books. The scientific importance of these books was much higher than their real value determined at that period. Thus Raisa Andreyevna Grigoryan, “KASPI” centre’s worker took away from the library (i.e. CSL) 8 books including “Kosmos”, “Kosmos. Okean” etc. Another reader Nana Yuryevna Simonyan, History Institute collaborator took without restitution “Azerbaijan in 19th century” book. Alla Antonovna Arzumanyan, foregoing institute’s laboratory assistant did the same with “Economic development of Azerbaijan” book.

A worker of Philosophy and Law Science Institute withdrew from libraries practically all manuals of pedagogy and jurisprudence.

The collaborators of Baku State University, Zoya Gurgenovna Alizayan and Anzhela Grigoryevna Akopyan didn’t reinstitute to library “Azerbaijan petroleum” and “Pyrites deposits of Major Caucasus” correspondingly. Voroshil Levonovich Gukasyan, Linguistics institute worker withdrew from library stocks books concerning history of Transcaucasus ethnocities (including Chazars, and Zaroastrianism thus having caused great damage to the fund of ANAS CSL.

We can nowise hold back another shocking fact. Formerly in our library’s stock there was kept the complete set of “Collected Materials for Caucasian localities and ethnocities” in 46 volumes (published within 1881-1929). The entire volumes and some pages in several volumes concerning history, culture of our people, statistical data for Azerbaijan population etc. were withdrawn from stocks of the republic scientific libraries. Thus, pages 161-181 of “Baku province” article were cut out off 11th volume (Collected materials for Caucasian localities and ethnocities. Tiflis, published by Caucasian Education Circuit Office, 1891); pages 16-63 of “Arabic writers’ data about Caucasus Armenia, Azerbaijan” article from 32-th volume (foregoing work, 1903); pages 182-217 of “Zangazur district, Yelizavetpol province” article from 34th volume* (above work, 1904) etc.

The foregoing indicates that Armenians exploited libraries of Azerbaijan as major objects of ideological diversion against our people.

[In the present work the documents of ANAS CSL readers service department were used]

Aypara RUSTAMOVA,
ANAS CSL Readers Service Department Head

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