Caucasus in Crisis (1870-1923)

Elviye-i Selâse (“Triple Cities”) is the region consisting of Batumi, Ardahan and Kars sanjaks during the Ottoman Period. The fact that the region was taken from the Ottoman Empire after the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878) was a major disadvantage for the Turkish people living in this region. After the Russo-Ottoman War of 1877-1878, this region remained in Russian domination for about 40 years and attempted to withstand every kind of persecution. This region was given to the Ottoman Empire pursuant to the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, which was signed as a result of the collapse of Tsarist Russia due to its internal struggle; however, the joy was short-lived. After the Armistice of Mudros, which was signed after the World War I, the region was taken once more from the Empire. On the other hand, people of Elviye-i Selâse who foreseen the future painful days established national organizations in the hope not to relive the dark days. In order to manage these organizations from a single center, the Provisional National Government of the Southwestern Caucasus was established on January 17-18, 1919.