Guba, April-May 1918. Documented Pogroms of the Muslims

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squad leader, Amazasp, told some of the Muslims that they were or-

dered to exterminate all Muslims all the way up to the mountains,

however they spared a part of the Muslims. This is all I can say.

Read aloud and signed by Hajji Ismayil Orujev (signed by the

Arabic characters)

Translated by E.Khanbudaghov (certified by a signature)

Signed by A.Novatski, the member of the Commission

Reference:

SARA, f.1061, op.1, d.96, ll.14-16

File No.47

Record of Examination

On this 12

day of December, 1918, in Guba

Novatski, the member of the Ad Hoc Investigation Commission

established by the Government of Azerbaijan, examined the following

person as a witness, pursuant to the Criminal Court Regulations:

Witness: Hajji Hidayat Moussayev, aged 60, a Guba resident,

literate.

In early spring, this year, no exact time available, a Bolshevik squad

arrived in Khachmaz station. We sent our envoys to talk to them and to

figure out the goals of their mission. As the Bolsheviks explained, they

were there to secure the Shollar waterline

Two days later, several persons from the squad visited us led by a

Georgian Ghelovani. The latter one presented us with an ultimatum to

comply with the Bolshevik rule with the deadline of 2 hours. We asked 24

hours to negotiate, however our request was declined. Then we agreed

asking just about one thing, i.e. not to let the Armenians in as we knew

they intended to slaughter and massacre all Muslims. Ghelovani made

a promise but failed to keep his word. Several days after, the Bolshe-

vik squad dominantly manned by Armenians entered the town. Having

killed several persons, the Armenians seized power. About ten days af-

ter that, a three-day exchange of fire with the Lezghins, the squad left

the town for Khachmaz. A week later, the Bolsheviks, mainly Armenians,

numbering up to 3000, returned and took over the town with no resis-

tance whatsoever as the Lezghins had already left. On the very day, the

Armenians slaughtered 1500 civilians, men, women and children.