ABSTRACT
The February revolution of 1917 destroyed tsarist Russia. Different administrative organizations were created in the South Caucasus during the interlude period. Russian Muslims expected a great deal from the February revolution. Immediately after it took place, the Muslim National Council was created in Baku. Topchibashov was one of its leaders. The First Congress of Caucasian Muslims was held in Baku in April 1917, as its chair, Ali Mardan bey, believed that Muslims of the Caucasus had to unite their efforts to be effective in their struggle for national rights. In May 1917 the next Congress of Russian Muslims was held in Moscow, in which Ali Mardan bey played a central role as chair. The report prepared by Mahammad Emin Rasulzade proposing a national-territorial autonomous structure (federation) for the future Russian Empire was adopted. In October another revolution began in Russia’s capital city, worsening conditions in the national provinces. Elections to the Russian Constituent Assembly were held in fall 1917. The Musavat Party won the election. Topchibashov was among the members elected from both the Caucasus and Turkestan. Unfortunately, the Bolsheviks refused to recognize the results of the election.
