Abstract
A GENERAL EVALUATION OF TREATIES OF ALEXANDROPOL AND KARS
Abstract
Following the war between the Ottoman Empire and Russia in 1877-1878, Kars-Ardahan-Batumi region, known as Elviye-i Selase [Three Flags] and an important geography in the east of Anatolia, was left to Russia. Until 3rd of March in 1918, which was the date when Treaty of Brest Litovsk was signed, the region was under the control of Russia. The region was excluded from the Ottoman lands once again after signing Armistice of Mudros which marked the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I. From Armistice of Mudros until Treaty of Alexandropol signed on the 2nd and 3rd of December in 1920, which was during National War of Independence, the region was not dominated. With Treaty of Alexandropol and Treaty of Kars, signed on 13th of October in 1921, the region was included in Turkish lands once again.
Treaty of Alexandropol was signed following Eastern Operation II that took place in the Eastern Front of National War of Independence. Armenians accepted Misak-ı Milli [National Pact] via Treaty of Alexandropol. However, the treaty was a still-born treaty as Bolsheviks did not recognize this it. Treaty of Kars, signed on 13th of October in 1921, is still effective. Treaty of Kars symbolizes the agreement between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia on Misak-ı Milli. In addition, Treaty of Kars is almost identical to Treaty of Moscow, which was signed between TBMM and Russia, except for a few articles.
This study seeks to make a general evaluation of Treaties of Alexandropol and Kars. The sources that are relevant to the subject were reviewed and evaluated.
Keywords
Alexandropol, Moscow, Kars, Evaluation, Elviye-i Selase [Three Flags]
