copenlu/druid huggingface dataset:
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Azerbaijan (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-10-23): In September 2023, Azerbaijan seized control of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, yet governed by ethnic Armenians since 1994. Over 100,000 ethnic Armenian residents fled the region after the lightning military campaign. Armenians and Western officials increasingly fear that Baku's offensive is not over; Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly stated that opening the Zangezur Corridor is a top objective for his state. The Azeri government considers the Zangezur corridor to be of strategic economic significance. Azerbaijan and Turkey have been advocating for the creation of the corridor since 2020. If realized, the initiative would establish a connection from Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan and link Turkey to China and Central Asia by traversing Armenia's Syunik Province. For Armenia, such an arrangement would constitute occupation of its territory. Azerbaijan's desire to establish the land route and Armenia's wish to protect its territorial integrity and assert its sovereignty would trigger a greater regional conflict. [...] Despite a statement from a senior Azerbaijani official expressing a preference for a land route through Iran instead of Armenia, Azerbaijan's actions raise doubts about its true intentions. The display of military strength through joint drills, persistent rhetoric claiming Southern Armenia as Azeri territory, and President Aliyev's withdrawal from a meeting with Armenia in Brussels contradict the stated commitment to abandon the Zangezur Corridor objective.
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Azerbaijan (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-10-11): Azerbaijan calls Meghri, and the rest of Armenia’s Syunik province, the Zangezur corridor. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and other officials have described opening this corridor as a top objective — one that is now in direct focus following Baku’s recapture of the long-disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. [...] Yerevan pledged to open transport routes to Baku as part of a 2020 cease-fire after a brief war in Nagorno-Karabakh. But since then, Armenian officials have balked, saying that any such arrangement would effectively be the occupation of Armenian territory. [...] But in 1992, with Armenia and Azerbaijan at war over Nagorno-Karabakh, revenge attacks escalated. A group of Azerbaijanis hijacked the train running from Yerevan to Kapan as it passed through Nakhchivan and took 12 wagons full of mostly Armenian passengers hostage for a week.
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Azerbaijan (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-05-03): Since Azerbaijan invaded the territory of the Republic of Artsakh in September 2023 and emptied it of its Armenian citizens, who comprised 99 percent of the population, the Azerbaijani government has increasingly referred to Armenia’s Syunik Province as "Western Azerbaijan." This geographic designation invalidates and ignores Armenian national identity, internationally recognized territory, and indigenous historical presence in the region. References to "Western Azerbaijan" are particularly alarming in the context of the ideology of Pan-Turkism, which is one of Azerbaijan’s main political commitments. Pan-Turkism promotes the idea of a single Turkic nation — and an eventual Turkic state — stretching from the Balkans to Central Asia, encompassing territories inhabited by Turkic-speaking populations. The "Zangezur Corridor" holds strategic importance as it represents a potential land bridge connecting the other Turkic-majority nations with Nakhichevan and the rest of Azerbaijan. As we pointed out in November 2023, depriving Armenia of its southernmost Syunik Province could render Armenia almost entirely surrounded by powerful historical foes by also cutting it off from its southern neighbor, Iran, with which it has important economic ties. The Lemkin Institute must highlight once again that genocide is also expressed through a denial of indigenous territorial integrity.
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Azerbaijan (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-09-17): The Zangezur corridor would run through the Syunik province of Armenia, but the Azerbaijan government in Baku wants to have full sovereignty along the route. Iran is opposed to this idea, seeing it as something that would change its own borders, which it does not accept. [...] For three decades, this mountainous territory had been under Armenian control before Azerbaijan, with the help of advanced Turkish and Israeli weaponry, seized it. [...] The foreign policy expert said also that its conflict with the West meant that Russia is now reliant on secure routes through the South Caucasus, with its interest in controlling Armenia’s Syunik province adding to the strategic competition with Iran.
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Azerbaijan (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-03-04): That, however, does not mean that Armenia (at least in the near future) will officially leave the Russian–led military bloc, whose other members are Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. If Azerbaijan eventually invades southern Armenia—aiming to capture the strategically important Syunik province and create a land corridor to its Nakhchivan exclave, and further to Turkey—Yerevan will likely ask CSTO to intervene. But given that the military bloc has a history of ignoring Armenia’s calls, and that it never reacted to Ukraine’s frequent attacks on Russian territory, it is not very probable that the CSTO will protect Armenia against an Azerbaijani incursion. Such a development could lead to Yerevan’s formal withdrawal from the bloc. [...] As a clear winner of the Second Karabakh War, Azerbaijan expects Armenia to fully implement the Moscow–brokered 2020 ceasefire agreement and build its section of the Nakhchivan corridor (also known as the Zangezur corridor) through the Syunik province. Baku insists that cargo, citizens and vehicles going from mainland Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan "should pass through the Zangezur corridor freely without undergoing any inspection and customs clearance." Moreover, Azerbaijan expects Armenia to change its own constitution and get rid of the current preamble that "contains direct calls for the unification of Karabakh with Armenia."
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Azerbaijan (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-02-22): Central to this issue is the Zangezur Corridor project, which aims to connect Azerbaijan with its territorial exclave, Nakhchivan, by passing through Armenian territory – specifically the Syunik province. This corridor has been a source of contention for Armenia, which has expressed concerns surrounding territorial integrity. On the other hand, Azerbaijan has frequently expressed its willingness to build the pathway by force if necessary. These recent attacks could be a harbinger of things to come, as Azerbaijani soldiers fired across the border into the same province where the proposed corridor is planned. Baku asserts that its actions were in response to a separate border incident days earlier that injured an Azerbaijani soldier, a claim Yerevan has denied. [...] In the past, Türkiye has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Azerbaijan’s "territorial integrity," a phrase also used to defend Azerbaijan’s claim to the Syunik province.
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Azerbaijan (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-11-21): (Los Angeles)—At the invitation of ANCA Western Region in coordination with the Tatoyan Foundation, a delegation from the Syunik province of Armenia visited California from November 11-16, 2023 to meet with various elected officials and the local Armenian community to provide them with first-hand reports about Azerbaijan’s ongoing threats against Armenia and particularly the border province of Syunik and to outline the conditions on the ground as the region addresses the refugee crisis resulting from the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh. [...] During each meeting, Dr. Tatoyan presented his latest findings on Azerbaijan’s genocidal assault on Artsakh, resulting in the forced deportation of more than 100,000 Armenians from Artsakh into the Republic of Armenia. Furthermore, Dr. Tatoyan shed light on Azerbaijan’s continued aggression against the sovereign territory of Armenia, especially in the regions of Syunik, Vayots Dzor, and Gegharkunik. Mayor Parsyan and Mayor Arushanyan reported about Syunik’s security concerns, especially amidst the influx of over 5,000 Armenian refugees from Artsakh into the towns of Kapan and Goris, as well as the impact and threat of the potential establishment of a so-called "Zangezur Corridor" being advocated by Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Azerbaijan (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-10-17): Britain — which intervened in the region at the end of World War I — sustained that practice when it approved Azerbaijan’s administration of the territory. Armenian forces, however, seized control of the Zangezur region in November 1919, and when Soviet control was asserted over both Azerbaijan and Armenia in 1920, the region was formally transferred to Armenian sovereignty as the Syunik Province.The First and Second Nagorno-Karabakh Wars between Armenia and Azerbaijan, fought in 1993-94 and 2020, respectively, resulted in turmoil that saw the political map of the region drastically changed. A decisive Armenian victory in the first war resulted in the loss of significant territory by Azerbaijan, as Armenia created a land bridge between Armenia proper and the Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. A similarly decisive Azerbaijani victory in 2020 erased these Armenian gains, and Azerbaijan won control over part of Nagorno-Karabakh. After renewed fighting in September 2023, Azerbaijan gained control over the rest of the break-away region, resulting in an exodus of Armenians, and raising the specter of Azerbaijan trying to seize control of the nearby Syunik/Zangezur region as well.Pan-Turkic DreamsThe importance of the Syunik/Zangezur region goes beyond the assertion of historic territorial claims.
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Azerbaijan (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-10-04): Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Armenia. If you decide to travel to Armenia: [...] There is the potential for armed conflict near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. U.S. citizens should avoid the area. Exercise caution on roads near Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan. Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice. Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice. The U.S. embassy has prohibited embassy employees and their families from non-essential travel to the border region, as well as other areas of Armenia listed above.
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Azerbaijan (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-10-01): "Now, since they have Karabakh under control, they don’t need any agreement with the Armenian government. They might just move forward and say: ‘OK, we have some territory and we take some more. Or just take the whole Syunik region." [...] But the Azerbaijani parliament has also held recent hearings on western Azerbaijan, an irredentist term that the country’s president, Ilham Aliyev, has also started to use in public and which in particular refers to the Syunik province, where Tegh is located. Every local understands they are in harm’s way. Samvel, a shepherd, takes his long stick and draws a map in a muddy path – here is Azerbaijan and here is Turkey, he says, and only Armenia’s Syunik region, where we are, sits between them.
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Azerbaijan (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-10-20): Armenia, with Syunik province, which Azerbaijan plans to invade. © 2023 worldatlas.com [...] For over 2000 years, Armenians have inhabited Syunik in southern Armenia. Now, Azerbaijan is claiming this region as its historical land. Azerbaijan delegitimized the Armenian historical and legal claim to Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh). It is now using the same tactics on Armenia proper. In recent years, the irredentist political concept of "Western Azerbaijan" has emerged, which is now turning into calculated military action. [...] Syunik is home to the Zangezur corridor in Armenia, through which Azerbaijan seeks to build an oil pipeline to Turkey. Azerbaijan and Turkey will reap the economic benefits from controlling Syunik. But their true intention is to "connect the Turkic world," according to the Azerbaijani ambassador to Turkey, Rashad Mammadov. Mammadov’s words reek of Pan-Turkism, the ideology behind the Armenian Genocide. As seen in Artsakh, attempts to create a New Ottoman Empire will cost thousands of Armenian lives.
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Armenia (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-10-09): Etymology [edit]Syunik was one of the 15 provinces of the Kingdom of Armenia. The early Armenian historian Movses Khorenatsi connected the name of the province with Sisak, a descendant of the legendary Armenian patriarch Hayk and supposed progenitor of the ancient Siunia (or Syunik) dynasty, which ruled Syunik from the first century CE.[7] However, historian Robert Hewsen considered Sisak to be a later eponym.[8] Historian Armen Petrosyan suggested that Syunik is derived from name of the Urartian sun god Shivini/Siwini (itself a borrowing from the Hittites), noting the similarity between the names and the high number of sun-related placenames in the historical Syunik region.[9] At various times, the region of present-day Syunik was also known by other names such as Syunia, Sisakan and Zangezur (or Zangadzor[10]). The region of Syunik geographically was called Siounia Caucasiana in the 5-6th century by the Ravenna Cosmography.[citation needed] Geography [edit]Syunik is located between the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan from the west, and districts of Lachin, Qubadli and Zangilan of Azerbaijan from the east. It was bordered on the east by Kashatagh Province of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic between 1992 and 2020. The Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia forms its northern border, while Aras River at the south separates Syunik from Iran. Syunik covers an area of 4,506 km2 (1740 sq. mi.) (15% of total area of Armenia), making it the second-largest province in Armenia after Gegharkunik in terms of the total area.
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Armenia (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2021-09-30): So begins the official Syunik Legends Trail guidebook, which has all the information you need to get out there and get hiking in one of Armenia’s most beautiful yet little explored regions, Syunik Province. Officially opened for use on August 24, the 300-km trek was mapped and marked as part of the "EU4Tourism: Outdoor adventures on the historic trails in Syunik" project. Now, in the interest of making this trail more accessible to the hiking community both in and outside of Armenia, we’ve created a trail page for the Legends Trail on our free app and website, complete with GPS map, transportation information, and recommended accommodations and guides. Funded by the European Union and implemented by People in Need Armenia (PIN) with ARK Armenia, this ambitious project was truly a team effort. According to Tom Allen of The Transcaucasian Trail (TCT), the route itself evolved from the previous work of ARK and TCT volunteers to establish a route between Tatev and Kapan in 2016 – 2017, and was further explored, mapped and developed in 2018 – 2019 by local and international volunteers, with additional infrastructure work carried out in 2019 – 2021 by TCT volunteers and professional trail builders from Trails for Change (TFC). The goal was to connect existing and proposed hiking trails in Syunik to form a well-marked long-distance trail that would appeal to the international hiking community.
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Armenia (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-11-05): Syunik is Armenia's most remote province, making up the country's narrow southern tip. Its slim southern edge borders Iran; across its eastern border is Azerbaijan's mainland; and to its west is Azerbaijan's exclave of Naxcivan. The region's strategic location, combined with its prominent place in Armenian history, makes it, in Armenian discourse, the "backbone" of the country. Regional and international attention began to turn to Syunik immediately following the 2020 Second Karabakh War, when Azerbaijan retook most of the territory it had lost to Armenian forces in the first war between the two sides in the 1990s. That territory included the Azerbaijani provinces of Zangilan, Qubadli, and Lachin, all of which border Syunik. [...] Syunik is "vital" and "strategic" for Armenia, the country's deputy prime minister, Mher Grigorian, said at the launch ceremony for Resilient Syunik in January. "So any project aimed at sustainable development of the region is in the center of special attention of the government."
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Armenia (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-08-18): Syunik is one of the most historically rich province of Armenia. There are many churches and monasteries among places to visit in Syunik province. But at the same time there are fortresses, ancient ruins, and cave villages among things to see in Syunik province. The two most popular things to do in Syunik province are hiking & cable car ride. There are amble Syunik tourist attractions for hiking, but only one option for cable car ride: The wings of Tatev is the longest non-stop double track cable car in the world. It is among popular things to do in Syunik province, not because of the record it holds, but because of the incredible view & the destination of the cable car. The cable car runs for Halidzor to the famous Tatev Monastery, which is a prominent Syunik sightseeing spot. Actually, the cable car itself can be considered Syunik sightseeing spot. The Tatev Monastery has been among Syunik tourist attractions since 895 A.D. This Monastery is also home to the Gavazan pillar. This mysterious monument is among top things to see in Syunik province for its ability to detect minor ground moments. [...] Syunik has Vayots Dzor in the north & Azerbaijan on either side. Syunik travel from Azerbaijan is not allowed owing to closed borders. So your only bet to explore things to see in Syunik province is through Vayots Dzor via Vorotan Pass road. This is literally the only road you have to enjoy things to do in Syunik Province.
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Armenia (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-03-28): Armenia, a country with a rich tapestry of history and breathtaking natural beauty, is home to the enchanting Syunik Province. This southern gem beckons travelers with its untold stories, ancient monasteries, and stunning landscapes. Embarking on a journey to Syunik is not merely a trip; it's an exploration of the heart and soul of Armenia. [...] Whether you're an adventurer, a history buff, or a nature lover, Syunik Province has something for everyone. Its captivating scenery, ancient monuments, and welcoming culture make it a must-visit destination on every traveler's list. So why wait? Start planning your trip to Syunik, Armenia, and experience the magic of this ancient land for yourself. In conclusion, Syunik Province is not just a destination; it's a journey into the heart of Armenia's past and present. Its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Embark on a journey to Syunik and discover the enchanting soul of Armenia.
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Armenia (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-05-27): Nestled in the picturesque Syunik Province of Armenia, Goris is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, this charming town has become a favorite destination for both local and foreign travelers. Let's dive into the captivating world of Goris and uncover its unique attractions. [...] Just a short distance from Goris lies the village of Khndzoresk, home to a network of ancient caves. These caves were once used as dwellings by the locals, and some of them are still inhabited today. Embark on an adventure and explore the underground tunnels, marveling at the ingenuity of the people who carved them out of the rock. Don't forget to visit the swinging bridge that connects the two sides of the village, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs. [...] Goris, the hidden gem of Syunik Province, is a destination that will captivate your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories. From its rich history and architectural marvels to its stunning natural landscapes, this charming town has something for every traveler. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of Armenia, Goris is a must-visit destination. Plan your trip and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery in this enchanting town.
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Armenia (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-07-24): The Syunik province is apparently one of the most diverse provinces in Armenia due to its wide range of tourist attractions, nature and, of course, historical heritage. It is located in the South of Armenia. The capital of the province and largest city is the town of Kapan. Syunik is a mountainous province, mainly covered with thick green forests. One of the most stunning mountains in Armenia, the Zangezur mountain range occupies most of the territory of Syunik. The highest peaks of the province are the Mt. Kaputjugh (3905m) and Mt. Gazanasar (3829m) mostly covered with lush green forests. Noteworthy to say that the Syunik province is one of the fewest in Armenia that has wide range of national parks and protected areas, and for this exact reason, many of the forests are protected by the government, including the Arevik National Park, the Shikahogh State Reserve, the Boghakar Sanctuary, the Goris Sanctuary, the Plane Grove Sanctuary, the Sev Lake Sanctuary, and the Zangezur Sanctuary. [...] Needless to say, that the Syunik province is a home to one of the most iconic mountains in Armenia – Mt. Khustup, which is a part of the Bargushat Mountain range. It is a dream destination for hikers, rock climbers, campers, and lovers of rich and wild nature. Mt. Khustup is 3201 meters high and is covered with alpine meadows and forests and is located near the city of Kapan.
Claim: Syunik Province is a territory of Armenia (Syunik Province, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-01-30): While in Armenia on business, I took up the opportunity to travel to the southern part of the country, the Syunik province. I heard a lot of good things about this historically Armenian region, its natural beauty and its monuments. So I drove the so called "North – South" road from Yerevan all the way to Meghri near the Iranian border. [...] At the town of Areni, 100 kilometers from Yerevan, the road joins the Arpa river and continues through the Arpa Canyon, a beautiful and gracious canyon that is a pleasure to drive. The area is rich of vineyards and wineries which are all signposted along the road. Unfortunately my self-imposed schedule didn’t allow for a stop. Near Getik the road follows the Darb river upstream through a canyon when the climb to the first serious mountain pass begins. The 2344 meter high Vorotan Pass is also the border of Syunik province and provides a great view over de Syunik Volcanic Highland. South from the pass, in the volcanic highland, the Spandarian Reservoir is the largest in the country and is located at an elevation of 2050 metres above sea level. [...] By five o’clock in the afternoon I was back in Yerevan for my last obligations before flying back home in the early morning hours. The Syunik province is certainly an area that deserves a longer visit.