Black gold to battlefield: Baku’s WWII sacrifice

As the world marks 80 years since the defeat of fascism in World War II, Azerbaijan's pivotal contribution—on both the battlefield and the home front—stands as a testament to national unity, resilience, and enduring sacrifice.

Today marks 80 years since the defeat of fascism in World War II, a conflict that reshaped nations and left a lasting impact on global history. In this special report, we explore Azerbaijan’s critical role in that war—from the oil fields to the battlefield—and how its contributions became part of a larger struggle for freedom and survival.

One of the bloodiest chapters in human history, the Second World War claimed the lives of millions across the globe. It was not merely a military confrontation but a struggle for the very survival of humanity. Azerbaijan’s contribution to this struggle stood prominently.

More than 640,000 Azerbaijanis were mobilised to the front lines in the war against Nazi Germany. Of these, 300,000 never returned—they fell in battle. Yet, what they left behind was courage, determination, and a profound love for their homeland. Azerbaijan’s national divisions—the 77th, 223rd, 336th, 402nd, and 416th rifle divisions—carved a path from the Caucasus to Berlin, writing their place into history.

In April 1945, the 416th Division was among the first units to enter Berlin. Under the command of Colonel Rashid Majidov, they raised the Victory Banner over the Brandenburg Gate—a powerful symbol of Azerbaijan’s role in defeating fascism.

This victory was forged not only on the battlefield but also in the factories. During the war years, Baku became the Soviet Union’s fuel lifeline. In 1941 alone, Azerbaijani oil workers extracted a record 23.5 million tons of oil. Throughout the war, Azerbaijan supplied 75 million tons of oil, 22 million tons of petrol, and 11 million units of ammunition—figures representing more than just numbers; they reflect the heartbeat of an invisible front.

Four out of every five Soviet tanks, planes, and vehicles ran on fuel from Baku. Nazi Germany’s push into the Caucasus, known as "Operation Edelweiss", aimed squarely at capturing this strategic resource, the "black gold" of Azerbaijan. But Baku resisted. Azerbaijan resisted. Their steadfast determination ultimately overturned the invaders' plans.

Baku fought not only with oil but with iron, steel, and unyielding will. Sixty-three new industrial plants were launched, over 300 inventions implemented, and 130 types of weapons and military equipment produced. Factories switched to 12-hour shifts. Women and children worked tirelessly on production lines. While battles raged at the front, victory was being forged in the heart of Baku.

Azerbaijani soldiers fought not only within Soviet borders but also contributed to the liberation of countries such as Poland, France, Yugoslavia, and Italy. Among them, Mehdi Huseynzadeh—known by his codename "Mikaylo"—became legendary in Yugoslavia and Italy for his bravery, sabotaging enemy operations, neutralising more than 1,000 enemy officers, and becoming a hero of the resistance.

In France, Ahmadiyya Jabrayilov became celebrated as a hero after joining the French Resistance. Known affectionately as "Kharko", Jabrayilov participated in daring operations, risking his life repeatedly to rescue approximately 500 children from Nazi captivity, ensuring their safe return home.

During the war, Azerbaijani railway workers transported 1.6 million wagons of supplies to the front. From the Caspian Sea region, 434,000 troops and civilians, hundreds of vehicles, and tons of munitions were delivered. Some 149,000 citizens volunteered as blood donors, sending over 41,000 litres of blood and thousands of medical supplies to the front.

The Azerbaijani people mobilised as one nation. Women in factories, children in workshops, and men at the front all shared the burden of war. The public contributed personal resources to the defence fund, including 15 kilograms of gold, 320 million rubles, and 125 wagons of winter clothing. The entire nation carried the weight of the war on its shoulders.

Eighty years have passed, yet the echoes of victory over fascism still resonate through the free streets of the world. Azerbaijan did not participate in this war solely as a Soviet republic—it fought and sacrificed as a people united for the future of humanity.

Victory in World War II was achieved not only by arms but through the unity and sacrifice of millions. Azerbaijan’s role in this struggle spanned from its vital oil production to the courageous frontline operations that helped bring the war in Europe to an end.