Abstract
The Socio-Cultural Self-Return of Azerbaijan in the First Years of Independence and the Role of Turkey
Azerbaijan first fell under the rule of the Russian Tsardom, and after a short period of independence, the country became part of the Soviet Russia. During the years of captivity, the culture of Azerbaijani Turks were under the pressure from all sides. Especially during the Sovet Union (USSR), systematic and programmed policy of preventing and even destroying Turkish culture were carried out. This policy against Turkish culture was not only limited to Azerbaijan, but also other Turkic Republics within the Soviet Union experienced the same processes. Despite long years of oppression and obstruction, we witness that Azerbaijani Turks have undergone the great cultural memory transformation during and after the independence struggle. The re-influence of Turkish culture and the return of the Azerbaijani people to their cultural essence has become a systematic process with the support of Turkey. Agreements signed, opening of diplomatic missions, organization of organizations, mutual visits, visa facilitation, opening of border gates, exchange of students, etc. between the two countries served this purpose. It is difficult to say that Turkey very quickly developed the policy suitable for the new post-Soviet era. At that time, it was impossible to imagine that this great empire could disintegrate so quickly. For this reason, it can be said that it took time to determine the foreign policy in accordance with the new period. However, over time, Turkey's mission and vision have turned into cooperation, partnership and even alliance between Turkey and the Turkic Republics in cultural, political, economic, military and many other fields. In addition, Turkey's relations with Azerbaijan were more comprehensive than those of other Turkic republics.
Keywords
Turkish, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Culture, Education
