Azerbaijanis are a young nation, author of an article published in Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper, Daria Aslamova wrote, citing Azerbaijani politicians.

“We are a young nation. If only a century ago a Baku-based person was asked about his nationality, the answer would be: Muslim, later Tatar. The identity of “Azerbaijanis” was thought up in the Soviet Union,” Azeri political analyst Ilgar Mammadov said.

Another political expert Zardusht Alizadeh, in turn, noted, “There is a common myth in our country about a powerful Azerbaijan, which was allegedly divided between Russia and Persia. However, according to every encyclopedia, small vassal khanates of Qajar dynasty (of Turkic origin) resided in the territory. With an internal strife breaking out in Iran, our khans resolved to grab the chance and declare independence. However, after acknowledging the futility of waging a struggle against the Persian shah, they addressed Empress Catherine II with a letter, expressing willingness to go under her control. As a result of our khans’ rebels and Russo-Persian wars, Turkmanchai treaty was signed in 1828, leaving the territories of present-day Azerbaijan and Armenia under Russia’s control. Thus, no Azeri state existed before the Soviet power was shaped in 1918.”