Turkish TV channel highlights Caucasian Islamic Army's heroic role in Baku’s 1918 liberation VIDEO

Turkish news channel TRT Haber has aired a special report commemorating the anniversary of Baku’s liberation from Bolshevik and Dashnak forces. 

The program highlighted the heroic struggle of the Azerbaijani people for statehood and independence, Caliber.Az reports.

According to the report, in response to Azerbaijan’s call for assistance, Ottoman War Minister Enver Pasha issued an order to form the Caucasian Islamic Army under the command of his brother, Nuri Pasha.

Enver Paşa, hem Azerbaycan’ı yalnız bırakmamak hem de Turan idealini hayata geçirmek için özel bir ordu kurdu.

🇹🇷🇦🇿Nuri Paşa komutasındaki kahraman #KafkasİslamOrdusu 15 Eylül 1918’de Bakü’yü İngiliz, Ermeni ve Bolşevik çetelerinin işgalinden kurtardı.https://t.co/jM8YSdB0gX pic.twitter.com/MS75uHyItz

— TRT HABER (@trthaber) September 15, 2025

Turkish historian and Associate Professor Güzin Çayıkran Bilgi explained the tragic events that unfolded in the South Caucasus in 1918, including the March 31 genocide of Azerbaijanis. He noted that Germany, an ally of the Ottoman Empire at the time, opposed the Caucasian Islamic Army’s mission due to its desire to control Baku’s oil.

“Despite Germany’s opposition, the Ottoman authorities ordered the Caucasian Islamic Army to continue its advance, closely coordinating with the Azerbaijani government. On September 15, 1918, after a 30-hour battle, Baku was liberated,” Bilgi said. “A total of 1,130 soldiers of the Caucasian Islamic Army were martyred in the fight for Azerbaijan’s capital.”

Bilgi added that the Azerbaijani people regard Nuri Pasha’s soldiers as their liberators. He also emphasised that units of the Caucasian Islamic Army participated in the Turkish national liberation struggle beginning in 1919, contributing significantly to the defence of Türkiye’s interests.

By Khagan Isayev