On Remembrance Day, Azerbaijan Honours Sacrifice and Triumph - IOL

REMEMBRANCE DAY: President Ilham Aliyev honouring the memory of Patriotic War martyrs with a minute's silence.

September 27 marks a solemn yet triumphant occasion for Azerbaijanis: Remembrance Day. Established by presidential decree on December 2, 2020, the day commemorates the sacrifices of Azerbaijani soldiers martyred in the Patriotic War of 2020, while celebrating the nation’s victory in restoring its territorial integrity.

On September 27, 2020, the Armenian Armed Forces launched a large‑scale attack on civilian settlements and military positions along the front line. Azerbaijan responded with a swift counter‑offensive to protect its people and reclaim its lands. Over 44 days, Azerbaijani forces liberated territories that had been under Armenian occupation for nearly three decades. The victory reaffirmed sovereignty, justice, and stability in the region.

The martyrs of the Patriotic War displayed extraordinary resilience and unity. Their sacrifice embodies the spirit and invincibility of the Azerbaijani people. For citizens, Remembrance Day is not only about mourning but also about honouring the bravery that made independence on liberated soil possible. 

Every Azerbaijani bows their head to the memory of the fallen, affirming that their blood was not shed in vain. The liberation was more than a military triumph; it was a victory for justice and international law. It reaffirmed the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty, vital for peace in the Caucasus and beyond.

Immediately after liberation, Azerbaijan began transforming the war‑scarred lands. Smart cities and villages, new airports, highways, and agricultural projects are reshaping Karabakh into a hub of sustainable development.  

The government’s “Great Return” programme has already enabled displaced families to resettle in Zangilan, Lachin, and Fuzuli provinces. Infrastructure projects, including the Fuzuli‑Shusha highway and Fuzuli International Airport, signal a new era of connectivity and prosperity.

REMEMBRANCE DAY: The foundation stone for the Victory Museum in Baku was laid by President Ilham Aliyev on September 27, 2021 (Remembrance Day), following an initial decree signed on December 3, 2020.

President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership has been central to this transformation. His strategic vision not only secured victory but also set the foundation for modernising liberated territories. 

Plans for green energy zones, digital solutions, and smart settlements reflect a commitment to innovation while preserving historical heritage. Aliyev’s foresight has guided Azerbaijan toward resilience and progress. 

By prioritising reconstruction and sustainable development, he has ensured that returning citizens can build secure, prosperous lives. His emphasis on internationalism and peace underscores Azerbaijan’s role as a contributor to regional stability and global cooperation.

The government’s dedication to restoring historical monuments and cultural treasures also highlights a balance between modernisation and heritage. This dual focus aims to transform Karabakh into both an economic and tourism hub, while honouring its authentic identity. 

Remembrance Day is a testament to the nation’s resilience and unity. It honours the martyrs whose courage paved the way for a brighter future. By rebuilding lives on liberated lands, Azerbaijanis both commemorate their heroes and create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

The day serves as a reminder that peace and progress are built on sacrifice. It is a moment for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to national development. For Azerbaijan, September 27 is not only a day of remembrance but also a celebration of triumph, resilience, and hope.

* Mkhuma is a veteran journalist, former editor of the Pretoria News, and Editor: Higher Education Media Services.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of IOL or National Media Group.

REMEMBRANCE DAY: President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, led a march of 3,000 soldiers in Baku to commemorate the dead.

Observed annually on 27 September, Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day honours soldiers killed in the 2020 war and reflects the country’s continuing reconstruction and resettlement efforts in territories it now controls.