BURCU TEMÜR
Khazar University, Ph.D. Student
NATIONAL IDENTITY AND GENOCIDE: THE EXAMPLE OF KHOJALY
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2708-065X/109/152-157
Nations, nationalism, and nation-states emerged with modernity. The notion of nationalism is an ideology that unites people and links them to one another. The shared history, language, experiences, and culture of nations are the reasons why they stay united and form their national identity. Azerbaijan is a very important country due to its natural resources and strategic location. The country regained its independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Yet, due to the settlement policy implemented both during the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union periods, its lands were occupied by Armenians. After gaining independence, Armenians committed a massacre in Khojaly, located in Nagorno-Karabakh. The people in Khojaly were subjected to various tortures. This situation led to an increase in the national consciousness of Azerbaijanis became one of the key factors in shaping their national identity. It helped increase social consciousness regarding the notions of “homeland” and “nation”.
Keywords: Nation, National Identity, Nagorno-Karabakh, Khojaly Genocide.