1 September 1920

Slogans for the Peoples of the East

In April 1920 the Soviet Red Army occupied Azerbaijan. The Communist International decided to hold a 'Congress of the Peoples of the East' in Baku to support the revolution in Central Asia. On 1 September the first session is opened by Azeri communist leader Nariman Narimanov. After a tumultuous applause and singing of the International Zinoviev holds an introduction on behalf of the Comintern. Besides Zinoviev, also Karl Radek, Bela Kun and John Reed attended the conference at Baku. The highlights of the congress were recorded on film, of which a copy is available at the IISH. On this photo Azeri communists are shown painting slogans for the conference.

See also:

•  Middle East & Central Asia Department

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