The ‘Zangezur Corridor’: Who benefits from this route and what political ambitions do neighboring countries have regarding Nakhijevan?
14.01
2025
Part One: Azerbaijan’s Policy in Nakhijevan
Although the Nakhijevan Autonomous Republic is part of Azerbaijan, it holds unique strategic and political significance in the South Caucasus. It is an enclave situated between Armenia, Turkey, and Iran, making it a distinct element in the region’s geopolitical dynamics. Consequently, Azerbaijan has exerted strict control over Nakhijevan, despite its autonomy.
Baku’s influence is particularly significant in state governance, security, and military sectors, while Azerbaijan’s economic involvement is severely limited, or nonexistent at all. In fact, Nakhijevan’s minimum living standards are maintained without Azerbaijan’s participation. This means that Azerbaijan’s involvement in the economic affairs of the Autonomous Republic is highly restricted. To rectify this and extend its influence over Nakhijevan’s economy, Azerbaijan focuses primarily on establishing communication links with Nakhijevan, with particular attention to the land connection now referred to as the “Zangezur Corridor”.
Nakhijevan is viewed as a relatively poor and isolated region of Azerbaijan. Although some investments have been made in recent years, particularly in improving transportation infrastructure, the population remains limited, and emigration is a serious issue.
According to the Azerbaijani opposition, the demographic picture of emigrants and immigrants from Nakhijevan is as follows: emigrants to Turkey range from 40,000 to 45,000, to Iran 12,000, and to Russia more than 125,000. There is also a noticeable influx of population from the East of Turkey into Nakhijevan—the majority of whom are Kurds, with their numbers reaching around 10,000—which is concerning for the Azerbaijani government from a demographic standpoint.
It should also be noted that Azerbaijan clearly uses Nakhijevan as a military platform due to its border position with Armenia. In recent years, Azerbaijan, with Turkey’s assistance, has increased its military capabilities in Nakhijevan, which was particularly evident during the wars of 2020 and 2023 in Artsakh.
Azerbaijan’s Policy in Nakhijevan From the Perspective of Rights Restrictions
Azerbaijan regularly attempts to restrict the rights of Nakhijevan, as stipulated within the framework of the Autonomous Republic, even as separate reforms are being pursued in Nakhijevan. Azerbaijan’s goal is to weaken and subsequently dissolve Nakhijevan’s status, which also leads to human rights violations. For example, recently, by decision of the government of Azerbaijan, the tax authorities of Nakhijevan were directly subordinated to Baku, which contradicts Nakhijevan’s Constitution. A rigid administrative policy and strong control are implemented in Nakhijevan, as in the rest of Azerbaijan.
Several Key Factors Concerning the Relationship Between Azerbaijan and Nakhijevan
1. Although Nakhijevan is an autonomous republic of Azerbaijan, it is geographically separated from the rest of Azerbaijan. Its borders are relatively alienated from Azerbaijan, as it is only bordered by Armenia, Iran, and Turkey. It is noteworthy that among the autonomous units within the USSR, only Nakhijevan and Nagorno-Karabakh were named geographically rather than ethnically, otherwise they would have been referred to as the Armenian Autonomous Republic and the Armenian Autonomous Region.
2. Military Security: Nakhijevan has a unique strategic position that does not always align with Azerbaijan’s military ambitions.
3. Influence of Turkey and Iran: Turkey’s support for Azerbaijan also impacts the situation in Nakhijevan. Turkey is increasingly trying to strengthen its economic and security control over Nakhijevan. Iran is also attempting to enhance its economic influence there.
4. Tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan: The ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan leads to an increase in armed clashes and a complete freeze on communications. Thus, Nakhijevan becomes a military leverage in Azerbaijan’s hands.
5. Energy Projects: The state of war with Armenia leads to the failure of several energy projects in Nakhijevan.
6. Social Issues: Political and other problems with Azerbaijan lead to social tension.
All these factors create a complicated situation between Azerbaijan and Nakhijevan, where regional interests, security issues, and political visions collectively shape a certain tension that could transform into confrontation in case of any geopolitical change. For instance, today, part of Nakhijevan’s population envisions its future in independence and the creation of a free economic zone.
Let us also remind that on Jan. 19, 1990, the presidency of the Supreme Council of the Nakhijevan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, led by Heydar Aliyev, made a decision stating that “the Nakhijevan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic is withdrawing from the USSR, declaring itself an independent Republic.” For this, the Treaty of Kars and the gross violations of the treaty were cited. It should also be noted that this decision has not been legally revoked to this day.
