The Organization of the Azerbaijan National Army and Its Role in the Liberation of Baku from Enemy Occupation alongside the Caucasian Islamic Army

Abstract

The Islamic Army of the Caucasus (Kafkas İslam Ordusu) was an Ottoman-led military formation established in 1918 to seize and secure Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, amid the rapidly changing conditions on the Caucasus Front toward the end of the First World War. Following the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917, escalating violence by Armenian armed groups and the growing influence of Bolshevik forces placed the local population under severe pressure, while the newly proclaimed Azerbaijani authorities sought to consolidate independence against multiple external actors. Commanded by Nuri Pasha and composed of Ottoman and Azerbaijani troops, the army advanced toward Baku on 26 July 1918. Although overcoming the defenses of Armenian units and Bolshevik forces proved difficult, local support contributed substantially to the campaign. On 15 September 1918, the Islamic Army of the Caucasus entered Baku and captured the city. This outcome marked a critical turning point in Azerbaijan’s struggle for political independence and territorial control.