 "National Islamic Councils" formed in the main population centers of Kars provinceOltu, Kagizman, Igdir, Sarikamis, Ardahan and Kars itselfas well as in settlements in adjoining territories where there were Turkish-speaking or Muslim populations (including Akhalkalaki, Akhaltzikhe and Batumi).The most significant council, the "Kars Islamic Council", dated from 5 November 1918.In December it changed its name to the "National Council", and in January 1919 to the "Kars National Council", before finally settling on the "Provisional National Government of South-West Caucasia" in March 1919.