The Tumultuous "March Days" of 1918 in Baku

The dawn of spring in 1918 brought a period of intense inter-ethnic conflict and severe clashes to the city of Baku and its surrounding areas within the Baku Governorate of the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic. Known as the March Days or March Events (Azerbaijani: Mart hadisələri), this tragic episode, unfolding between March 30 and April 2, 1918, resulted in the death of an estimated 12,000 Azerbaijani and other Muslim civilians. These events were tragically fueled by a complex political power struggle, pitting the Bolsheviks, supported by the formidable Armenian Revolutionary Federation (also known as Dashnaktsutyun), against the Azerbaijani Musavat Party. Amidst this volatile environment, rumors of a potential Muslim revolt began to circulate among Bolshevik and Dashnak forces, culminating in the establishment of the short-lived Baku Commune in April 1918. While most historical accounts interpret the March events within the broader context of civil war unrest, contemporary Azerbaijani sources officially refer to the March Days as a genocide (soyqırım). The tragic cycle of violence continued later that year with the "September Days," when approximately 10,000 ethnic Armenians were massacred by the Army of Islam and their local Azerbaijani allies upon their capture of Baku.

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF/Dashnaktsutyun): A Century of Activism

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), often referred to by its Armenian name Dashnaktsutyun (or simply Dashnaks), stands as a powerful and enduring force in Armenian political life. This nationalist and socialist political party was established in 1890 in Tiflis, then part of the Russian Empire (and now Tbilisi, Georgia), by its visionary founders Christapor Mikaelian, Stepan Zorian, and Simon Zavarian. Over its long history, the ARF has expanded its reach far beyond its origins, operating today in Armenia, Artsakh, Lebanon, Iran, and in numerous countries with significant Armenian diaspora populations.

While the ARF has historically maintained its status as the most influential political party within the Armenian diaspora, its presence in modern-day Armenia is comparatively smaller. Nevertheless, as of October 2021, the party was still represented in three national parliaments: with ten seats in the National Assembly of Armenia, three seats in the National Assembly of Artsakh, and three seats in the Parliament of Lebanon, where it participates as part of the March 8 Alliance.

Ideology and Core Principles

At its heart, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation has consistently advocated for socialist democracy, aligning itself with Marxist principles. This commitment is evident in its long-standing membership in the Socialist International, which it first joined in 1907 and rejoined as a full member in 2003. The ARF Program explicitly promotes a materialist conception of history, asserting that "human beings and human societies, peoples and nations have aspired to freedom and equality and have struggled to attain them." It further articulates that the "natural and conscious struggle for the development of both individuals and societies has progressed through the interaction of the subjective and objective factors of life," situating this historical context within both "national liberation struggles and human societies' evolutionary and revolutionary progress."

Among diasporan Armenian parties, the ARF distinguishes itself as the most politically oriented, often contrasting with other groups that primarily focus on educational or humanitarian initiatives. It boasts the largest membership among Armenian political parties in the diaspora, with affiliates established in over 20 countries worldwide. The party remains a staunch proponent of Armenian nationalism and is a leading voice in campaigns for the global recognition of the Armenian genocide and the right to reparations. A cornerstone of its vision is the advocacy for a United Armenia, a concept partially rooted in the historic Treaty of Sèvres of 1920.

Historical Trajectory and Modern Political Engagement

The ARF emerged from the unification of various Armenian political groups, predominantly from the Russian Empire, driven by the ambition to achieve "the political and economic freedom of Turkish Armenia" through armed rebellion. In the 1890s, the party actively sought to consolidate smaller groups within the Ottoman Empire, all striving for reform and the defense of Armenian villages against the widespread massacres and banditry prevalent in Armenian-populated regions. Members formed courageous fedayi groups, providing armed resistance to protect Armenian civilians.

Initially, the ARF refrained from revolutionary activities within the Russian Empire until the provocative decision by Russian authorities in 1903 to confiscate Armenian Church property. While its early demands centered on autonomy and democratic rights for Armenians in both empires, by 1919, the party had boldly incorporated the vision of an independent and United Armenia into its program. In 1918, the ARF played a pivotal role in the establishment of the First Republic of Armenia, though this independent state tragically fell to Soviet communists in 1920.

Following the exile of its leadership by the communists, the ARF firmly established itself within Armenian diaspora communities, where it became instrumental in helping Armenians preserve their cultural identity across generations. With the collapse of the USSR, the party successfully re-established its presence within Armenia itself. In the period preceding and briefly following Serzh Sargsyan's election as president, the ARF participated in the governing coalition, even while nominating its own candidate in presidential elections. In February 2016, the ARF re-entered Sargsyan's cabinet, signifying a "long-term political cooperation" agreement with the Republican Party, designed to share responsibility for all government policies. However, the political landscape shifted dramatically when the ARF approved Sargsyan's nomination as Prime Minister, only for him to resign six days later amid widespread protests that would become known as the Velvet Revolution. By April 25, 2018, ARF-Dashnaktsutyun had withdrawn from the coalition.

In the aftermath of the Velvet Revolution, the party experienced a significant decline in public support within Armenia, with polls indicating around 12%. This loss of momentum led to the party losing its parliamentary representation in the 2018 Armenian parliamentary election, having secured only 3.89% of the votes, falling short of the 5% minimum threshold required. During the 2020-2021 Armenian protests, the ARF confirmed its participation in the 2021 Armenian parliamentary election as part of a political alliance with Reborn Armenia. In that election, the Armenia Alliance, led by former President Robert Kocharyan, achieved 21% of the popular vote, securing 29 seats in the National Assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions about the March Days and ARF

What were the March Days?

The March Days, or March Events, were a period of intense inter-ethnic strife and clashes that resulted in the deaths of approximately 12,000 Azerbaijani and other Muslim civilians in Baku and surrounding areas in 1918.

When did the March Days occur?

The tragic events took place between March 30 and April 2, 1918.

Who were the main parties involved in the March Days?

The conflict involved Bolsheviks, supported by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun), on one side, and the Azerbaijani Musavat Party on the other.

How are the March Days interpreted historically?

Most historical sources view the March Days in the context of civil war unrest, while contemporary Azerbaijani sources officially classify them as a genocide (soyqırım).

What is the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF)?

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), also known as Dashnaktsutyun, is an Armenian nationalist and socialist political party founded in 1890.

When and where was the ARF founded?

The ARF was founded in 1890 in Tiflis, Russian Empire (present-day Tbilisi, Georgia), by Christapor Mikaelian, Stepan Zorian, and Simon Zavarian.

What are the core ideologies of the ARF?

The ARF advocates for socialist democracy, aligns with Marxist socialism, champions Armenian nationalism, and strongly supports the concept of a United Armenia.

What are the ARF's main political campaigns?

The party prominently campaigns for the global recognition of the Armenian genocide, the right to reparations, and the establishment of a United Armenia.

What was the ARF's role in the First Republic of Armenia?

The ARF was instrumental in the creation of the First Republic of Armenia in 1918, which later fell to Soviet communists in 1920.

What is the ARF's current political status in Armenia?

After losing parliamentary representation in the 2018 Armenian parliamentary election following the Velvet Revolution, the ARF participated in the 2021 election as part of the Armenia Alliance, which secured 29 seats in the National Assembly.