Spotlight Features

Shusha, Azerbaijan: 20 Years of Occupation

Twenty years ago, Azeri and Armenian forces were locked in battle over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. One decisive battle of that war was fought over the town of Shusha, located just over 3 miles away from the NK capital of Stepanakert. Though Shusha was historically Azerbaijani territory and has a long, rich history of Azerbaijani culture, Armenian forces siezed the town and claimed it for Armenia. Thousands of Azeris were killed, wounded, or displaced from their homes, and thousands of years of history and culture has been held hostage ever since.

At dawn on May 8, 1992, Armenian forces stormed the strategically important town of Shusha.  They attacked from three sides, trapping Azeri military units and civilians on their hilltop. For hours the Armenians shelled the town, killing and wounding thousands of men, women, and children.  After capturing the town, many Armenians came to loot the city. Marauders and vandals burnt much of the city to the ground.  Many Azeris were in a state of affliction and disbelief due to the loss: the town had been the birthplace for dozens of famous Azeri composers, poets and musicians. Armenian troops have occupied the town ever since.

The U.S. Congress has not yet recognized the atrocities of Shusha. Use the occasion of the 20th anniversary to inform your Congressional Representatives of what happened on May 8, 1992 and the continuing injustice of the occupation of Shusha.

Click here to learn more about the occupation of Shusha

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