In November 1918, the diplomatic representation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic - a consulate - was established in Batum, a city located in the Black Sea basin and under Ottoman control at that time. The necessity for establishing the consulate arose from the strategic importance of the Batum region in the South Caucasus and Azerbaijan’s economic and trade relations, primarily conducted through the port city with the Ottoman Empire and Western countries.

Makhmud Bek Efendiyev (Efendizade), who was the chief quarantine doctor of Batum, was appointed as the consul of Azerbaijan in Batum. The consulate officially commenced its operations on January 1, 1919, after the region came under British control.

On May 30, 1919, the status of the consulate in Batum was elevated to that of a consulate general, and consul Makhmud Bek Efendiyev was accordingly appointed as the consul general.

Dr. Makhmud Bek Efendiyev continued to head the Azerbaijani diplomatic mission in Batum until July 8, 1920, even after the establishment of Soviet power in Azerbaijan, until the city fell under the control of the Georgian Democratic Republic (GDR). Following the establishment of GDR authority in Batum, Makhmud Bek was arrested by Georgian law enforcement agencies, and the activities of the consulate general were suspended. 

This article investigates the life and political-diplomatic activities of Dr. Makhmud Bek Efendiyev, referencing primary sources.

Dr. Makhmud Bek Efendiyev (Efendizade), Mahmut Şefket Atalkın, Batumi Consulate of Azerbaijan Demokratic Republic, 1918-1920