Lawazan Agreement Turkey

Lawazan Agreement Turkey: What You Need to Know

The Lawazan Agreement, also known as the Kars Treaty, is a historic agreement signed between Turkey and Armenia in 1921. This treaty was the result of the Turkish-Armenian War that lasted from 1918 to 1920 and aimed to settle territorial disputes between the two countries.

The Lawazan Agreement was signed on October 13, 1921, in the city of Kars, which is located in the northeast part of modern-day Turkey. The treaty defined the borders between Turkey and Armenia, which included the transfer of several regions, including the cities of Kars and Ardahan, from Armenia to Turkey. Furthermore, the Lawazan Agreement also granted the newly-formed Soviet Union the rights to the towns of Batumi and Adjara, which were formerly under Turkish control.

The signing of the Lawazan Agreement brought an end to the Turkish-Armenian War, which had resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people on both sides. The agreement also established a framework for the repatriation of refugees and the protection of minorities, which was a significant issue at that time due to the large number of displaced people in the region.

Despite its significance, the Lawazan Agreement has been a subject of controversy and debate, particularly in Armenia. Many Armenians view the agreement as an unjust treaty that resulted in the loss of their ancestral lands and the displacement of their people. Furthermore, the treaty has been criticized for its lack of acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide, which occurred during World War I and claimed the lives of over a million Armenians.

In recent years, there have been efforts to amend the Lawazan Agreement, particularly regarding the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. In 2015, both the Turkish and Armenian governments issued statements acknowledging the events of 1915 as a “tragedy,” although there has been no formal recognition of the genocide by the Turkish government.

In conclusion, the Lawazan Agreement remains a significant event in the history of Turkey and Armenia. While it brought an end to a devastating conflict, its legacy continues to be debated and contested. Understanding the complexities of the Lawazan Agreement and its impact on the region is essential in comprehending the current geopolitical landscape in these countries.