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South Caucasus

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The South Caucasus is a significant geographical region located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and West Asia.

Caucasus regions map2
Caucasus regions map2

It straddles the southern portion of the Caucasus Mountains. This region acts as a divider between the continents of Eurasia. Geographically, the area extends from the Black Sea in the west to the Caspian Sea coast of Iran in the east. It also stretches from the southern part of the Main Caucasian Range in Russia down to the borders of Turkey and Armenia. Today, the region corresponds roughly to the modern nations of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

The landscape of the South Caucasus is diverse and complex. It includes the southern parts of the Greater Caucasus mountain range. The entire Lesser Caucasus mountain range is also located here. The region contains several distinct lowlands, such as the Colchis Lowlands and the Kura-Aras Lowlands. Other notable features include the Talysh Mountains, the Lankaran Lowland, and the Javakheti area. Parts of the eastern Armenian Highlands are also included within these borders.

Caucasus region 1994
Caucasus region 1994

These varied terrains support the production of many valuable goods. The region produces oil, manganese ore, tea, citrus fruits, and wine.

Historically, the South Caucasus has been a site of intense cultural and religious convergence. Ancient kingdoms like Colchis, Urartu, Iberia, Armenia, and Albania once existed here. Over many centuries, various empires competed for control of this territory. These included the Achaemenid, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. Many Iranian-based empires, such as the Parthian, Sassanid, Safavid, and Qajar, also ruled the region. These empires often introduced new faiths and cultures to the local populations. For example, Zoroastrianism was once a dominant religion before the rise of Christianity. Later, the spread of Islam occurred following the capture of Derbend by Umayyad armies in the 8th century.

The 19th century brought major political shifts through military conflict. Two significant Russo-Persian Wars changed the map of the region. The first war took place from 1804 to 1813 and resulted in the Treaty of Gulistan. Through this treaty, Iran ceded Eastern Georgia and much of what is now Azerbaijan to the Russian Empire. The second war occurred from 1826 to 1828 and led to the Treaty of Turkmenchay. This second treaty forced Iran to cede all of modern-day Armenia and the rest of the Azerbaijani Republic. These conflicts severed long-standing regional ties between the South Caucasus and Iran.

During the era of Russian rule, the administration of the region changed several times. In 1844, the territories of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan were combined into one government-general. This unit was later called a vice-royalty. After the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78, Russia annexed more land, including the Kars Oblast. In the 20th century, the region saw brief attempts at unification. The Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic existed for only a few weeks in 1918. Later, the Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic was formed in 1922. Eventually, the three countries became separate Soviet Socialist Republics within the Soviet Union.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan became sovereign states.

Life expectancy in the South Caucasus
Life expectancy in the South Caucasus

The modern era has brought both new opportunities and continued instability. The region remains politically tense and contains two heavily disputed areas: Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Since 1989, transit through the region has been difficult due to the Turkish–Azeri blockade of Armenia. The 2008 Russo-Georgian War also contributed to local instability. Despite these challenges, the countries are navigating different paths in global politics. Georgia has sought to integrate into European society through NATO and the European Union.

European Union Eastern Partnership
European Union Eastern Partnership

Armenia maintains ties with Russia while developing connections with the EU. Azerbaijan focuses on a strategic partnership with Turkey.

Today, the South Caucasus is deeply connected to international political systems. All three nations are members of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. They also participate in the EU's Eastern Partnership and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. Recent developments show a growing link to Europe. In late 2023, Georgia was granted EU candidate status. In early 2024, the European Parliament passed a resolution regarding Armenia's potential for EU membership.

Gruzinskaja SSR (1944-1955)
Gruzinskaja SSR (1944-1955)

These movements highlight how the region continues to evolve within the global community.

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🖼️ Images & Media (6)
File:Caucasus region 1994.jpg
Caucasus region 1994.jpg
File:Caucasus regions map2.svg
Caucasus regions map2.svg
File:Gruzinskaja SSR (1944-1955).jpg
Gruzinskaja SSR (1944-1955).jpg
File:European Union Eastern Partnership.svg
European Union Eastern Partnership.svg
File:Life expectancy in the South Caucasus.png
Life expectancy in the South Caucasus.png
File:Life expectancy in the South Caucasus and its neighbours.png
Life expectancy in the South Caucasus and...
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