Beginning in the late twentieth century, Armenia began to openly make territorial claims against Azerbaijani lands. At that time, 20% of our lands were occupied and as a result of the policy of ethnic cleansing pursued by Armenia, more than 1 million of our compatriots were forcibly expelled from their native lands.
None of the 30 years of negotiations to prevent this military aggression against Azerbaijan, as well as the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions adopted for this purpose, have yielded results due to Armenia’s indifference to this issue.
Already from 2019, the Armenian leadership’s consistent provocative statements and steps have made it clear what its main goal is.Thus, Armenia has demonstrated that its real goal is to strengthen its power in the occupied territories and re-occupy some territories of Azerbaijan.Armenia’s illegal settlement in the occupied territories, its call for a new war to occupy new territories against its citizens, its readiness for military operations near the frontline, and the general escalation of tensions between the two countries indicated that Armenia was preparing for an attack.On July 12, 2020, as a result of provocation by Armenia in the direction of Tovuz, many of our soldiers were killed.
In response to this military aggression and provocations committed by Armenia, Azerbaijan launched the Patriotic War on September 27, 2020 to liberate its lands from occupation. As a result of the 44-day war, the people of Azerbaijan have won, restored their territorial integrity and put an end to Armenia’s nearly 30-year policy of aggression.
In these days of the war, the people of Azerbaijan, united by their courage and bravery around the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, showed the strength of our state to the whole world. A number of countries around the world have seen how the Azerbaijani people have a victorious commander – the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Along with his successful policy on the battlefield, President Ilham Aliyev also had a say in the diplomatic sphere.Because he was the true voice of our people in the information struggle, he fought fearlessly against all the pressures. In the war between Azerbaijan and Armenia, everyone saw that victory could be won not only with tanks and artillery, but also with the highest human intelligence.
The Battle of Shusha was one of the battles that will serve as an example for the military world in this war waged by Azerbaijan to liberate its ancient lands from enemy occupation. The Battle of Shusha in the 44-day Patriotic War will always maintain its significance. On the day of the liberation of Shusha, President Ilham Aliyev addressed the nation and said:
“- The liberation of Shusha has shown our strength. He showed the professionalism of our army, the courage and heroism of our servicemen. The capture of Shusha was an operation that required great professionalism and courage. I am confident that this operation will have a special place in world military history. Because our heroic slodiers crossed the mountains, forests and paths and liberated this operation only with light weapons. The liberation of Shusha is our glorious victory. ”
Mr. President always said in his speeches: “We will return to Karabakh because the Karabakh is the historically land of Azerbaijan.” Ilham Aliyev fulfilled the will of our great leader Heydar Aliyev, he kept his word to the people of Azerbaijan. It was not easy to fulfill the will of the Father, to win by believing. President Ilham Aliyev, who always tried to resolve this issue peacefully, also showed his courage on the battlefield. During the war, other countries tried to put pressure on Azerbaijan and impose several sanctions but failed to achieve their goals, and at the end of the war, they were forced to accept the victory of Azerbaijan.
Great Leader Heydar Aliyev’s dream of Karabakh has always been great. He always said: “There is no Karabakh without Shusha, no Azerbaijan without Karabakh.” It should be noted that President Ilham Aliyev addressed the nation after the liberation of Shusha: “Today I visited the grave of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev and bowed to his soul. I said in my heart, I am happy to have fulfilled my father’s will. We liberated Shusha! This is a great victory! Today, the souls of our martyrs, the Great Leader, are happy! Let your eyes be clear, Azerbaijan! Let your eyes be clear, Azerbaijanis of the world! ”
During the 44-day war, Jabrayil was liberated on October 4, 2020, Fizuli on October 17, Zangilan on October 20, Gubadli on October 25, and Shusha on November 8. According to the agreement signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the complete cessation of all operations in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone on November 10, 2020, the withdrawal of Armenian troops from Armenian-controlled Azerbaijani territories around Nagorno-Karabakh and the construction of new transport links between the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and the western regions of Azerbaijan. provision has been announced. After that, Aghdam region was liberated on November 20, Kalbajar region on November 25, and Lachin region on December 1.
According to the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev dated December 2, 2020 “On the establishment of Victory Day in the Republic of Azerbaijan”, it was decided to celebrate November 10 as Victory Day in Azerbaijan in the name of our victory in the 44-day war.
November 10 is also the day of remembrance of the founder of the Turkish Republic, the great figure Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, whose name is written in golden letters in history. Great leader Heydar Aliyev said: “Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is as dear and respected to you as he is to Azerbaijanis.” At the same time, we do not forget the words of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk for Azerbaijan: “Azerbaijan’s joy is our joy, our sorrow is our sorrow.” The memory of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is always remembered with great respect in our country.
Taking into account that November 10 is the day of remembrance of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in Turkey, on December 3, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev decided to change the date of Victory Day. Thus, taking into account the importance of the liberation of Shusha, it was decided to celebrate the historic victory – Victory Day on November 8, not November 10 each year. This victory, which has become a symbol of the fighting courage and strength of our people, is of great importance for the future development and prestige of our country.
The greatest cause of victory in the war is our martyrs. President Ilham Aliyev also signed an order to commemorate the martyrs of the war. According to this order, on December 4, the memory of our martyrs who died for the liberation of our lands was commemorated with a minute of silence. According to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, 2,914military serviceman were killed in the Nagorno-Karabakh war.
According to the decree signed by Ilham Aliyev on December 2, 2020, September 27 is celebrated as Remembrance Day every year. Remembrance Day is an expression of respect for our soldiers, officers and martyrs who showed great courage in the 44-day Patriotic War and gave their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Remembrance Day was also celebrated on September 27 this year. President Ilham Aliyev has always paid great respect to the memory of our war martyrs, and at the same time has always focused on restoring the health of our veterans. He addressed the nation in connection with the end of the war:
“- The martyrs of the First Karabakh and the Second Karabakh Wars will live forever in our hearts. May God have mercy on all our martyrs. As a result of their heroism and self-sacrifice, we return to our lands. May God heal all our wounded soldiers, may they soon recover and return to normal life. We do and will do our best for their recovery. Even our wounded soldiers and officers, who are in the most difficult situation, should know that we will do our best to bring him back to normal life. We are indebted to them for this victory. ”
First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva also expressed her respect and esteem for our martyrs in these words: “The brave sons of the Azerbaijani people gave their lives for the sake of Victory. Each of them is an example of true heroism, courage and fearlessness. The blood of our martyrs was not shed for no reason. We have restored historical justice and won a holy victory. This victory is forever engraved in the history of our people. Each of us is obliged to remember at what cost this Victory was won. We will never forget the martyrs of the Great Patriotic War. They will always live in our hearts. ” Thus, on the Day of Remembrance, the memory of our martyrs was honored in religious temples, and many prayers were said for their souls. At the same time, as a sign of respect for our martyrs who died in the Great Patriotic War, three volleys were fired from the artillery of ships belonging to the Navy in Baku Bay on September 27. Later in the evening, the Azerbaijani flag was displayed in some buildings of the city, as well as on the building of the Heydar Aliyev Center and the “Towers of Flame”. Commemorative events were also held by the “Regional Development” Public Union of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation on September 27.
On November 1-10, 2021, the Ministry of Culture will hold events dedicated to the first anniversary of our historic victory in the Great Patriotic War. Within the framework of these events, concerts with the participation of leading groups will be organized in theaters and concert halls of our country. The list of this program includes “Karabakh is Azerbaijan!”, Dedicated to the victory of Azerbaijani composers with the participation of the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra, Azerbaijan State Choir Capella and soloists at the Heydar Aliyev Palace. Symphonic concert, “Karabakh Tragedy” Oratorio, “4.4” Festival of Short Performances, “Let the Khan’s Voice Be Aired!” at the International Mugam Center national music evening, jazz evening “Jazz says Victory”, Victory concert performed by young talents at the State Children’s Philharmonic, ballet “Javad khan” at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, concert with the participation of young talents in the Chamber and Organ Music Hall, patriotism in theaters performances were included. One of the important events these days is that the winners of the composition contest dedicated to our victory in the Great Patriotic War, organized with the support of the ministry, will be announced on the eve of the Victory Days. Families of martyrs and veterans, as well as war veterans will be invited to these events.
In short, November 8 was written in golden letters in the glorious history of our people. President Ilham Aliyev, who always said “Karabakh is Azerbaijan and a sign of exclamation”, proved to the whole world that Azerbaijan does not give even an inch of land to anyone. The 44-day Patriotic War is our glorious source of pride. Karabakh is Azerbaijan!
Karabakh is Azerbaijan! 8 November – Victory Day
