After the consolidation and expansion of Russia's dominant position in northeastern Europe by Peter the Great, Russia began to expand its rule over what is now Azerbaijan. Beginning in 1737, Russia entered into series of political and military arrangements with the king of Persia and the heads of Central Asian provinces. In 1812, under what became known as the Gulistan Treaty, half of Azerbaijan seceded to Russia.

The occupation of Azerbaijan by the Russians caused a major crisis for the Azeri population. For the first time, Azerbaijan was occupied by a foreign…