Talysh-Mughan Autonomous Republic
The Talysh-Mughan Republic (also known as Talyshstan) was a short-lived self-proclaimed separatist Talysh state in Azerbaijan that lasted from from June to August 1993. It was located in extreme southeastern Azerbaijan, envisaging to consist in the 6 administrative districts of Azerbaijan around the regional capital city Lankaran: Lankaran, Lankaran rayon, Lerik, Astara, Masally and Yardymli. Historically the area had been a khanate, one of 15 historic Azerbaijani khanates.
The republic was proclaimed amid political turmoil in Azerbaijan, with the tacit support from Russia. In June 1993 a military rebellion against president Abulfaz Elchibey broke out under the leadership of Colonel Surat Huseynov. Colonel Alakram Alekper Gumbatov, the leader of the Talysh nationalists proclaimed the new republic in Lankaran, escalating violence. However, as the situation settled and Heydar Aliyev rose to power in Azerbaijan, the Talysh-Mughan Republic was swiftly suppressed and reincorporated into Azerbaijan.
Gumbatov was arrested and initially received death sentence which was subsequently commuted to life imprisonment. In 2004 he was pardoned and released from custody under pressure from the Council of Europe. He was allowed to emigrate to Europe after making a public promise not to engage in politics. A Talysh National Movement is still active, their aspiration being the restructuring of the Talysh-Mughan Republic. [1]
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