Armenia–Uzbekistan relations

Armenia and Uzbekistan enjoy relatively strong relations, which is sometimes viewed to be among the wealthiest relationships between Armenia and a Turkic state. Both two embassies of two nations are accredited in Moscow.

Armenia–Uzbekistan relations

Armenia
Uzbekistan

History

Armenians have long presence in Central Asia since antiquity, in which Armenians, mostly traders, established trade and economic links with the Turks of Central Asia.[1] It would have continued with little interruption, despite Armenia went to the hand of Byzantine Empire, Safavid dynasty[2] to the later Russian Empire, although it went declined at 19th century.

Armenian immigrants moved in large number to the Central Asian region, especially during the World War I which occurred the Armenian Genocide. As part of Tsarist Russia and later Soviet Union, ethnic Armenians were trusted to ongoing immigration to the region, and Armenian immigration also met with little resistance from local Uzbeks.[3] Uzbeks and Armenians were able to get along well until the rise of ethnic nationalism at 1990s that saw clashes between Armenians and Muslim peoples, mainly Tajiks but also a minority of Uzbeks, which ended deadly.[4]

However, with the erupt of Tajikistani Civil War, newly independent Uzbekistan tolerated and encouraged Armenians fighting against Tajik-backed forces in the war, mostly Islamists. Consequently, Uzbekistan had its own Armenian militias fighting on the side of Tashkent, and for its efforts, soon became recognized among Uzbek citizens.[5] On the other hand, Uzbekistan was thought to have unofficially acknowledged the Armenian Genocide, though not proven.

Uzbekistan served as transit for Armenians to transport weapons, ammunitions, and aids to Armenian forces fighting against Azerbaijani Armed Forces throughout the Nagorno-Karabakh War at 1990s.[6]

Today

Owned by this closeness, Armenia and Uzbekistan established official tie following the fall of USSR. This close relations was followed by Uzbekistan's embracing Armenian ethnic minority within the country, with its Armenian minority holds annual festivals in the country.[7] There are several Armenian Churches in Uzbekistan, both are well-perceived by the host nation.[8][9]

Azerbaijan, a fellow Turkic nation close to Uzbekistan, has expressed its concern over Armenian activities in Uzbekistan which was believed to helping spread anti-Azerbaijani propaganda in Uzbekistan.[10]

Nagorno-Karabakh

Uzbekistan has taken side on Azerbaijan over the ongoing cold war in Karabakh,[11] but has refrained from criticisms against Armenia; instead urging Armenia and Azerbaijan to find the way to solve the problems.[12]

See also

References
  1. "ARMENIANS IN CENTRAL ASIA Uzbekistan". Agbu.org. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  2. Studies, Cambridge Journal of Eurasian. "Cambridge Journal of Eurasian Studies". Cambridge Journal of Eurasian Studies. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  3. Weeks, Theodore R. (24 June 2011). "Across the Revolutionary Divide: Russia and the USSR, 1861-1945". John Wiley & Sons. Retrieved 28 March 2019 – via Google Books.
  4. "MOSLEMS, ETHNIC ARMENIANS CLASH IN SOVIET CENTRAL ASIA". DeseretNews.com. 17 February 1990. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  5. Epkenhans, Tim (26 October 2016). "The Origins of the Civil War in Tajikistan: Nationalism, Islamism, and Violent Conflict in Post-Soviet Space". Lexington Books. Retrieved 28 March 2019 – via Google Books.
  6. "История Нагорного Карабаха". Gandzasar.ru. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  7. "Daily activities of the Armenian community of Uzbekistan". Hayern Aysor. 8 April 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  8. Saakov, Georgiy (8 April 2013). "Armenian Church in Uzbekistan Celebrates Annunciation, Easter (Photos)". The Armenian Weekly. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  9. "Armenian community of Uzbekistan celebrates Armenians' victories in May". Hayern Aysor. 20 May 2017. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  10. "Azerbaijan against Armenian propaganda in Uzbekistan". News.az. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  11. "Uzbekistan supports Azerbaijan's position on Karabakh conflict: envoy". AzerNews.az. 14 June 2018. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  12. "Узбекистан обозначил позицию по Нагорному Карабаху". Uz.sputniknews.ru. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
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