After the fall of the Arshakuniner, Byzantium and Persia divided Armenia into two parts and separated from it the strategical important peripheral provinces. In particular Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) was under Persian domination, but the cultural identity and ethnic composition has permanently been preserved. In the 5th century the Armenian scholar and priest Mesrop Mashtots coordinated and set up the Armenian alphabet. The first school for teaching armenian alphabet was founded in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).Since 7th century till the beginning of the 9th century Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) became a stage for multiple battles between Armenian rebels and the Arabs. In 821 was founded the ruling Khachen dynasty in Khachen castle, Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh).
This dynasty restored the kingdom of Artsakh in 1000, which was the last sovereign state in Eastern Armenia after the fall of the Kingdom of Bagratid. In 16th century Artsakh fell under Persian rule. After this, during the absence of the Armenian state (1045-1918), Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) had maintained a homogeneous population of armenians, which was ruled by the Khachen dynasty, who had called "Melik" since 15th century. During this historical period Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) was divided into five armenian melikutyunner. Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) was the only armenian region, which preserved its armenian sovereignty and had an internationally recognized sovereign status after Turkish-Persian secular power.Although Russia had recognised the sovereignity of the melikutyunner of Artsakh by the edict of king Pavel A in June 2, 1799, but then, in 1813, Artsakh was joined to Tsarist Russia by the contract of Gyulistan.
In 1918 the population of Artsakh was about 350.000, from which 95 percent were armenians, 3 persent were azerbaijanis, 2 persent were russians, kurdish and other minorities.
Present Nagorno Karabakh conflict is based on the decision in 1921 made by Stalin and the Communist Party of the Caucasian Bureau for satisfying the Turks, in which they say:
"... emanating the necessity of peace between Muslims and Armenians.... leave (Nagorno Karabakh) in the state of Azerbaijan SSR awarding him with wide regional autonomy and the administrative center in Shushy.."
Truth Historical map of Armenia
