RUSSIA-CHECHNYA
Tsarist Period
Ivan IV, also known as Ivan the Terrible, holds a significant place in Russian history. His reign marked a period of Russian aggression, during which he abolished the Kingdom of Moscow and established the Russian Tsardom, which lasted until the October Revolution. During this time, Chechnya was experiencing internal difficulties and sought help from Ivan the Terrible. Seizing this opportunity, the Tsar formed an alliance through marriage and used it as a means to interfere in Chechnya’s internal affairs. As a result, the Chechens launched a struggle against Russian rule that continues to this day. Sheikh Mansour led the first organized rebellion, igniting a war against the Russians under the banner of “jihad”. This movement, known as Muridism, was led by Imams and left a lasting impact on history. Sheikh Mansour’s fight lasted five months, during which Russian forces faced significant challenges. He was eventually captured and imprisoned in St. Petersburg, where he died in 1794. This period was characterized by brutalities and massacres as various peoples across Russia fought for their freedom. The Russian government particularly targeted the Chechens, who had resisted their attempts to “educate” them for many years. This period also saw the Circassian Genocide, where close to 1 million people from the Caucasian region were killed.
Soviet Period
The establishment of Soviet power was a painful and chaotic process for both the Russian people and those living in the surrounding regions. The uprising led by the Soviets resulted in a politically fractured society, widespread economic hardship, and brutal repression. Taking advantage of this unrest, the Chechens and their neighboring peoples formed the North Caucasus Republic in 1917. This state, represented by its flag, continues to serve as a symbol for activists fighting for regional autonomy today. The North Caucasus Republic gained recognition from many influential countries at the time. Tapa Chermoyev became its first prime minister, although the capital was moved to Dagestan instead of Chechnya. Despite this, a Chechen leader was in power. In 1921, once the Russians had resolved their internal issues, the administration was handed over to the Bolsheviks, who were part of the Soviet government. Their first action was to swiftly and forcefully dismantle the North Caucasus Republic, incorporating it into the Soviet Union. Following the occupation, the Soviets implemented their typical policies and established the Chechen-Ingush Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, which combined the territories of Chechnya and Ingushetia.
The First Chechen War
Due to Gorbachev’s new policies and the aftermath of the Soviet defeat in Afghanistan, the Soviet Union began disintegrating in the 1990s. In 1991, as numerous countries broke away from the Soviets, Chechnya, long engaged in resistance against Russian occupation in the North Caucasus, seized the opportunity and declared independence after elections. Russian troops initially withdrew, and Jawher Dudayev, a former General in the Russian army, assumed the presidency. The Republic of Ichkeria, Chechnya’s independent entity, faced further changes as Ingushetia separated from Chechnya in February 1992 and aligned itself with Russia. Despite a policy of ignoring Chechnya from 1991 to 1994, aimed at eradicating local government groups and suppressing proindependence forces, Russia’s efforts failed. Consequently, in December 1994, under Boris Yeltsin’s leadership, Russian forces entered Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, igniting a tragic conflict marked by violent clashes between well-equipped Russian armies and Chechen militia forces. President Jawher Dudayev led the Chechen resistance in the defense of Grozny, supported by prominent commanders such as Zelimkhan Yandarbiev, Aslan Mashadov, and Shamil Basayev. Following Dudayev’s death in 1996, Yandarbiev took over the presidency, and the Chechens achieved a significant victory over the Russians. The Khasavyurt Treaty, signed in 1996, promised the Chechens gradual independence. Despite the triumph, Chechnya paid a high price. The country lay in ruins, many lost their lives, and numerous became refugees, particularly in devastated cities like Grozny. The Russian Federation, as the losing side, suffered a decline in both domestic and international prestige due to the brutal and unsuccessful nature of the conflict.
The Second Chechen War
Following Putin’s ascent to the position of Prime Minister in Russia in 1999, a series of bomb attacks, allegedly orchestrated by KGB agents, occurred in various parts of Russia. The blame was attributed to Chechens, setting the stage for a new conflict. Shamil Basayev, a leader associated with radical elements, led a group of militia forces into Dagestan, bordering Chechnya, declaring a liberated zone. This move provided Russia with a pretext for a second invasion of Chechnya. The discord between the pro-peace Chechen President Aslan Mashadov and the forces led by Shamil Basayev facilitated Russia’s justification for the second invasion in 1999. The conflict continued for around 10 years, despite the capture of Grozny in February 2000. While the Russian narrative portrayed the war as a mission to civilize Chechnya, viewed as harboring fanaticism and radical ideologies, Western countries condemned Russia for human rights violations and disproportionate use of force. Numerous organizations documented Russia’s human rights abuses during this period. The conclusive outcome of the Second Chechen-Russian War in 2009 was the rise of the Kadyrov family to power in Chechnya. The conflict resulted in a pro-Russian and collaborative Republic of Chechnya. Ahmet Kadyrov, with Russian support, assumed leadership, and his son Ramazan Kadyrov later became the Head of State. This establishment of a pro-Russian administration allowed Russia to maintain influence and achieve foreign policy objectives. Despite the victory, the international community, especially Western countries, did not recognize Russia’s intervention as legitimate due to concerns over human rights abuses.
