Zangezur

Zangezur is a historical and geographical region located in the southern part of Armenia and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. It is characterized by its mountainous terrain, including the Zangezur Mountains, which form a natural barrier. The region has been historically significant due to its strategic location and its role as a transit route.

Historically, Zangezur has been inhabited by Armenian and Turkic-speaking populations for centuries. Its borders and political affiliations have shifted throughout history, often being a point of contention between various empires and states. During the Russian Empire, it was part of the Elizavetpol Governorate. After the collapse of the Russian Empire, Zangezur became a contested territory, with parts of it incorporated into Soviet Armenia and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.

The Zangezur corridor, a proposed transportation link connecting mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave of Nakhchivan through Armenia, has been a subject of discussion and international attention, particularly following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. This corridor's potential establishment and implications are a significant geopolitical issue in the South Caucasus. The region's natural resources and its cultural heritage are also important aspects of its identity.