Sixth anniversary of Azerbaijan’s historic Victory celebrated in Ankara with great fanfare – EXCLUSIVE

The sixth anniversary of Azerbaijan’s historic Victory in the 44-day Patriotic War was celebrated in Türkiye’s capital, Ankara.

TodayPress TV’s Türkiye bureau reports that the event was organised by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Türkiye, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and SOCAR.

The ceremony was attended by Turkish officials and politicians, diplomats, public figures, academics, artists and representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora. Participants paid tribute to the memory of the martyrs who gave their lives for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Addressing the event, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Rashad Aslanov, spoke about the historical significance of the victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War. He said Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity had been restored thanks to the determination of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the heroism of those who took part in the war and the will of the Azerbaijani people.

Recalling National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s famous phrase, “One nation, two states”, the ambassador emphasised that relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye were built on unbreakable friendship and brotherhood. He described the Shusha Declaration, signed by the two countries, as a clear example of their strategic cooperation and alliance.

Türkiye’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Ibrahim Yumakli, who attended as a special guest, said Azerbaijan’s historic victory in the 44-day war had created new opportunities for ensuring long-term peace and stability in the region.

The ceremony was also attended by Azerbaijani-origin members of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, including Shamil Ayrim, chairman of the Türkiye-Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Friendship Group, and group member Canturk Alagoz.

During the event, TodayPress TV journalists spoke with prominent public figures, academics, artists and media representatives to hear their views on Victory Day.

Abdullah Ağar, an expert on terrorism and security policies, said he had written a book about the 44-day Patriotic War, meeting with war veterans, families of martyrs and veterans who had been wounded while preparing the work. He stressed that he had heard first-hand accounts of the heroism and determination displayed by Azerbaijani soldiers on the battlefield.

“I wrote a book about the 44-day war. I prepared it by speaking with the families of our martyrs, veterans and heroes who took part in the war. I heard directly from them about the tremendous struggle waged by Azerbaijani heroes, how they stood up to the Armenian army and crossed ravines considered impassable. I hope their victory will be remembered with honour and pride both in this world and in the hereafter. May God accept the sacrifices of our veterans and the martyrdom of our fallen heroes. Happy Victory Day!”

Israfil Kishla, chief adviser to the Turkish Presidency and a former AK Party MP for Artvin, also extended his congratulations to the Azerbaijani people on Victory Day. He said the historic occasion was a source of joy and pride for the entire Turkic world.

“As a Turk, I congratulate all of Azerbaijan on Victory Day. I wish the entire Turkic people happiness and good health. Happy Victory Day to Azerbaijan!”

Zafer Aydin, representative of the Western Azerbaijan Community in Ankara, said Azerbaijan’s liberation of Karabakh from occupation had been welcomed with great joy and satisfaction in Türkiye. Emphasising that Karabakh was Azerbaijani land, he expressed his wish for the region to remain part of Azerbaijan forever. The professor also remembered his student Baxish Rahimov, who was martyred in Shusha.

“We were extremely happy that Azerbaijan liberated our Karabakh as a result of the 44-day war. God willing, these lands will remain Azerbaijani territory until the Day of Judgment. Karabakh was already Azerbaijani land; it had simply been occupied and was liberated from occupation. We would sacrifice our lives, our hearts and everything we have for Azerbaijan. One of my students, Baxish Rahimov, was also martyred in Shusha. I pray for all our martyrs. I wish Azerbaijan eternal life and lasting strength. May our Victory bring joy to our entire nation!”

Azerbaijani-born Turkish pianist and educator Ahad Alasgarov said the liberation of Karabakh held special personal and emotional significance for him.

“I am happy. I have lived in Türkiye for 45 years. Whenever cultural agreements between Azerbaijan and Türkiye were implemented and wonderful works were staged, I had a part in those efforts. But my Karabakh – the homeland of Uzeyir bey and my mother – is free today! Happy holiday to us all. I wish Türkiye and Azerbaijan better days ahead. I pray to God to grant my Commander-in-Chief, Ilham Aliyev, good health. May God never leave the Azerbaijani people without inspiration. As an Azerbaijani artist, it has been a great happiness for me to come to Türkiye and present Azerbaijani culture and music. Long live my Azerbaijan, long live my state, long live the Azerbaijani people!”

Composer Ilyas Mirzoyev also congratulated the Azerbaijani and Turkish peoples on Victory Day, expressing his hope that the two nations would achieve even greater success together in the future.

“I would like to congratulate the entire Azerbaijani and Turkish peoples on this great Victory Day. God willing, we will continue to achieve even greater successes, remain united and live happily together.”

A documentary dedicated to Azerbaijan’s Victory Day was screened during the event. The ceremony concluded with a concert programme featuring a performance by People’s Artist Azer Zeynalov and appearances by the Zangazur dance group.

Erkin Ali