Abstract
POLISH TATARS IN THE STATE ADMINSTATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIYAN (1918-1920). OLGIERD KRICHINSKY
The article covers the participation of Eastern Europe Turks – the Polish Tatars in the governance and sociopolitical life of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), existing between 1918 and 1920. During that period more than 20 Polish Tatars served in the army, various ministries, and the education system of ADR.
They were brilliant examples of selfless service to the first Turkic Republic. Among them was Olgerd Nayman Mirza Krichinsky (1884-1942), the Deputy Minister of Justice in 1919-1920, who was involved in the formation of the new state legislation system. After his return to historical motherland due to the collapse of the Republic, Mr. Krichinsky did not cut off the relations with Azerbaijan. He used to meet and communicate with political emigrants in Istanbul and Warsaw.
In the 1930s he published a number of articles about the short-term period of the Republic in the emigrant publications in Warsaw. Known as one of the distinguished representatives of the Polish Tatars, O.Krichinsky together with his younger brother, Leon Krichinsky, contributed to the collection of the tangible and spiritual heritage of his people, protection of national and religious values among the Polish Tatars as well as to the establishment of relations between Poland and the Islamic world.
Keywords
Republic of Azerbaijan. Polish Tatars, Krichinsky brothers, Crimean government, Polish Moslems, emig