This military victory is the most glorious achievement in Azerbaijani history. At the same time, it is a key indicator determining regional leadership, global authority, and Azerbaijan’s growing role as an important political and economic actor on the international stage, given the new realities created by our country.
Azerbaijani soldiers entered Karabakh
The Karabakh victory divided our history into “before” and “after” periods. Even now, we can confidently say that centuries from now, our future generations will analyze the millennia-long history of Azerbaijan, taking into account the date of November 2020. This military victory marked a new beginning in our history.
The historical significance of the military victory in Karabakh places it on par with the strategically significant restoration of independence. Two key factors in the fate of the Azerbaijani state and people—Independence and Victory—complement each other and form the solid foundation of the newly proclaimed presidential doctrine of goals and development.
But who is the author of the Karabakh victory, and what are the reasons behind it? A quote from President Ilham Aliyev’s speech is apt here: “The author of Victory is our glorious army, our brave soldiers, our heroic people… We achieved this Victory thanks to both professionalism and heroism, as well as national spirit.”
That is, the president declares that the authors of the Victory are the army and the people. However, the citizens of Azerbaijan do not fully agree with their leader on this single issue; they do not completely share his conclusion. Looking back at the crushing defeats of 1991-1993, the loss of our lands, and analyzing even superficially the history of individual countries, it becomes clear that the main thing is not an independent state and an army. The main thing is to have a leader who will turn this state and army into a single, powerful force, direct their resources in the right direction, and protect the country and the people from threats.
Despite the modesty of our president (we will return to this topic), the Azerbaijani people—from young to old—know and, centuries later, everyone will know that it was the mission of Ilham Aliyev as a brilliant commander and victorious leader that turned the defeated army into powerful Armed Forces and the weak republic into a mighty state.
The main, or rather, the only factor that led to the Victory, our citizens see as the logical result of continuing the course of Heydar Aliyev by Ilham Aliyev.
The skillful continuation by President Ilham Aliyev of the process of building an independent state, the foundation of which was laid by the great leader Heydar Aliyev, his high political and diplomatic skill, perfect governance, and other unique abilities ensured the successful implementation of the concept of a strong state. Significant contributions to this process were made by Azerbaijan’s effective domestic and foreign policies, achievements in social, economic, legal, cultural, and other areas, as well as in building a democratic state and civil society. These components not only made Azerbaijan a regional leader but also helped it gain significant international authority.
Among these achievements, special importance was given to the historic successes in army building and the development of the national defense industry, high development indicators, continuous modernization of the Armed Forces and military arsenal, and the adoption of the most advanced innovations. We would not be mistaken if we said that this area was the top priority in the national development priorities of President Ilham Aliyev. As a result, the Republic of Azerbaijan, in strong alliance with its citizens and with powerful political, economic, and military potential, was able to independently fulfill the historic tasks before it.
And under the brilliant command of Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijani soldiers, with a victorious march from September 27 to November 9, 2020, liberated our lands from 30 years of occupation. And a one-day anti-terrorist operation in September 2023 ensured the complete restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, forever ending separatism on our territories.
Azerbaijani soldiers, under the victorious command of Ilham Aliyev, entered Aghdam, Fizuli, Lachin, Jabrayil, Zangilan, Gubadly, Kalbajar, Shusha, Hadrut, Khojaly, Aghdara, Askeran, and Khankendi.
Storm in a Teacup
Immediately after the Victory, the global Armenian community launched a new slander campaign. Those who, relying on the support of the Armenian lobby from all four corners of the world, on the financial, military, and political help of powerful nations, invaded Azerbaijani lands and turned Karabakh into hell for the next 30 years, now tried to cast a shadow on Azerbaijan’s just war. They spoke of some foreign troops, some foreign mercenaries…
Foreign media repeatedly asked President Ilham Aliyev about this. The president always had one specific answer: “Let them provide at least one fact proving these claims.” That is, it’s simple: provide a fact and prove it. If there isn’t even one fact, then you are lying, slandering, and biased. And indeed, there is no fact. They couldn’t come up with anything even with the help of artificial intelligence technologies…
Unfortunately, sometimes people from friendly countries join this campaign of lies. For example, a statement made during the war by Ünal Çeviköz, who was Turkey’s ambassador to Azerbaijan from 2001 to 2004, disappointed each of us. From a person who shamelessly lied that “Azerbaijan liberated Karabakh with the help of Turkish armed forces and Turkish mercenaries,” nothing else could actually be expected. This person, one of the main executors of the process of normalizing relations with Armenia in 2009, which became the darkest and most stained page in Turkey’s diplomatic history, did not change his position even when he joined the opposition Republican People’s Party.
Claims about the participation of other countries in liberating Azerbaijani lands from occupation are also heard in some public circles and some media in Turkey. Unfortunately, Turkish media, forgetting about the pressing issues of society, artificially create a new agenda. The incorrect interpretation of the famous statement about military intervention in the State of Israel, the words “We will enter Jerusalem just as we did in Karabakh,” takes on a biased direction, with an obvious pro-Armenian stance. We understand when Armenians lie; let’s say, we understand when Ünal Çeviköz lies and slanders—their intention and goal are known. But when this slander is repeated by people we consider friends, it is very bitter.
The intelligentsia, politicians, media representatives, and public activists of both countries should strive for even greater rapprochement between our peoples, for the immediate elimination of even the slightest misunderstanding between them. This should become a moral duty, a civic obligation. There are no contradictions on this issue in Azerbaijan and among our citizens. However, in the brotherly country, sometimes we see the opposite. We see how reliable cooperation and brotherhood, tested over time, are undermined. These “initiatives,” which have no basis and are built on lies with the aim of causing a storm in a teacup, cause the greatest harm to the interests of the two brotherly peoples.
The strength of Azerbaijan and Turkey lies in unity, in a common position, in unified political thinking and action. Those who try to cast a shadow on the aforementioned ultimately undermine the power and position of their own state.
Brotherhood must be sincere and mutual
There have been moments that we have repeatedly not focused on to not overshadow the relations between the two states. But ignoring this moment would be wrong. Let’s once again search for the answer to the question, “What help did Turkey provide to Azerbaijan in the Patriotic War?” which is actually rhetorical!
Azerbaijani-Turkish relations are undoubtedly a rare format of cooperation in the world and are based on the time-tested brotherhood of Azerbaijanis and Turks, who share common roots. Our people sacrificed thousands of martyrs in Çanakkale, and Azerbaijanis, even from the most remote villages, sent their last means to help. In the early days of the Soviet Azerbaijan, under the support of N. Narimanov, we were the only ones sending aid to Turkey in the form of money, gold, and fuel. In recent years, the Azerbaijani state and people have always been by Turkey’s side, providing all kinds of help during fires and earthquakes. Of course, we do not forget the participation of Turkish soldiers in liberating Baku 106 years ago.
The construction of a city with a thousand houses in Kahramanmaraş for the earthquake victims, commissioned by Ilham Aliyev, at an estimated cost of over 100 million dollars, symbolizes the love for Turkey of every Azerbaijani, from the president to the ordinary citizen.
Is that all?
The concept of Heydar Aliyev, “One nation, two states,” was expanded by President Ilham Aliyev on an international scale, bringing cooperation to the level of “One state.”
When Turkey was attacked in Prague, the Azerbaijani leader stated, “There are no representatives of Turkey at this table. But I am here,” thus shaming Turkey’s enemies; he was perceived as the greatest defender and supporter of the Turkish state. Ilham Aliyev, known in the new political era as the creator of the union of Turkic states, who achieved the establishment of this structure in Nakhchivan, is the leader who brings Turkey closer to the Turkic countries of Central Asia, achieving their unity.
Can we forget the months of hard work and efforts, the extraordinary diplomatic skill of Ilham Aliyev, aimed at normalizing relations between Russia and Turkey, which were almost at war?
In the construction projects in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, along with large transnational Turkish holdings, dozens of other Turkish companies, thousands of Turkish engineers, and craftsmen are involved. The Azerbaijani state creates wide opportunities for the participation of the private sector of the brotherly country in this process, i.e., for the receipt of profits and the entry of large funds into Turkey’s budget. In which other country are there such favorable conditions for Turkish companies? Isn’t this brotherhood? But brotherhood should not turn into a one-way game; mutual obligations and moral duty should not be forgotten.
Yes, during the Patriotic War, Turkey provided Azerbaijan with significant political and moral support. Thanks to the diplomatic activities of President Ilham Aliyev, the number of friends of Azerbaijan has significantly increased over the past decade, and during the war, our rightful struggle received wide support from friendly countries—from Europe to Asia, from Arab countries to Turkic states. At the forefront of these states are Turkey and Pakistan. In those days and later, the Azerbaijani people displayed the flags of these countries and photographs of their leaders. And today, the Turkish flag waves over the graves of our martyrs. The Turkish flag can always be seen in front of government and non-governmental buildings, in offices, even if it does not comply with administrative and official norms.
President Ilham Aliyev expresses his gratitude for this political and moral support at every opportunity: “I want to express my deep gratitude to brotherly Turkey, which provided us with the greatest support during these 44 days. Brotherly Turkey and the brotherly Turkish people have been in solidarity with Azerbaijan from the first hours of the war. The statements made by the Turkish leadership and my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdogan provided us with enormous political support, gave us additional strength, and we will never forget this. The 44-day Patriotic War once again showed the whole world the unity of Turkey and Azerbaijan.”
To Pakistan, the president said: “During the occupation, Pakistan was one of the countries that always stood by us. During the Second Karabakh War, the Patriotic War, the political support and statements of high-ranking Pakistani officials supporting Azerbaijan’s rightful position gave us additional strength. Pakistan is a country that has no diplomatic relations with Armenia precisely because of the occupation. When we celebrated our victory in November 2020, our people held the flags of Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Turkey. This makes our relations unique.”
We paid for every piece of ammunition to the last penny!
At the beginning of the article, we talked about the modesty of the president. Ilham Aliyev, from the day he started his activities as head of state, laid the foundation for the path to a military parade in Khankendi. As a result, the greatest military victory of the last century was not only achieved by Azerbaijan but also by the entire Turkic and Islamic world. However, due to his modesty, Ilham Aliyev has not mentioned his brilliant command even once over the past four years. When citizens talk about it at meetings, he politely interrupts, repeatedly emphasizing that the victory was achieved only by our army and our people.
Today, all of Azerbaijan sees, and with disappointment, with deep regret, observes attempts to claim the Victory of our people, our army, and our Commander-in-Chief. When we hear the lies of Armenians from the mouths of our brothers, it breaks our hearts, delivering a heavy moral blow. In the end, the Victory of Azerbaijan belongs to the entire Turkic world, but this Victory was not achieved by them, nor by Turkey… The well-known statements made in brotherly Turkey openly distort the realities of the 44-day war and play into the hands of Armenians!
There is an expression, “The left hand should not know what the right hand gives,” a brother should not boast to his brother about what he has done for him. Even if we hypothetically assume that Turkey provided any additional support in the Patriotic War beyond political and moral support, why publicly declare it, why give reason for manipulation by Armenia and the global Armenian community, for the USA, France, and other well-known countries and forces?
Claiming that Turkey or any other country took any other part in the liberation of Azerbaijani lands beyond political and moral support, claiming that there was other help, especially on the military front, is fundamentally wrong. To speak about this means to consciously or unconsciously loosen the tongue of our common enemy—the global Armenian community!
Those who talk or write about the “participation” of the Turkish army or any mercenaries in the Patriotic War cannot provide a single fact as evidence. Or the participation of any country in anti-terrorist operations, which in their significance are no less than the 44-day war, should not be a subject of discussion at all.
The statements made from Turkey, which are distressing, also mention the supposedly gratuitous assistance of ammunition provided to Azerbaijan. For 15 years before the war, President Ilham Aliyev conducted systematic, consistent work on improving and updating the national defense industry, ensuring our military arsenal with all kinds of ammunition and equipment, corresponding to the latest world technological innovations. Military-technical cooperation was established with several countries, including Turkey. During the war, there were various examples of this cooperation. The Turkish Bayraktar was involved in our powerful aerial offensive and defensive system. However, this system consisted not only of Bayraktar.
On the other hand, after Ilham Aliyev’s statement that: “This Victory was achieved not by technical means but by our soldiers and officers. They, inch by inch, liberating our land from the enemy, gave this Victory to the people,” there is no point in discussing this topic at all.
Incidentally, the information about “assistance to the military arsenal” is also incorrect. All this relates to the commercial sector of military cooperation. That is, we paid the cost of each received bullet, each piece of ammunition, and each unit of equipment to the last penny!…
What do Turkish media say?
It is encouraging that there are many people in the Turkish media who approach this artificial hype with a sound position and truly brotherly attitude. In the most widely circulated and influential Turkish newspaper “Sözçü,” Emin Çölaşan writes in a column titled “We Have Never Seen Such a Thing”: “Perhaps we sent weapons, equipment, and other things to Azerbaijan, but what does this have to do with entering Karabakh?”
In the newspaper “Yeni Çağ,” in the article “Israel Entered Turkey Long Ago,” it says: “First of all, according to official statements, Turkey did not enter Karabakh but supported Azerbaijan in the war with Armenia with UAVs. Israel also supplied its Heron drones to Azerbaijan. It turns out, Turkey and Israel were allies in Karabakh.”
In the article “Expectations” in the newspaper “Sabah,” it is noted: “Turkey supported Azerbaijan to end Armenia’s occupation of Karabakh, which does not recognize international law. In Libya, support was also provided to the legitimate state within the framework of international law.”
The newspaper “Star” writes: “Some were extremely worried about the statement ‘We will enter Israel just as it was in Karabakh and Libya.’ Israel’s position reveals every intention like litmus paper. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev always talks about the unity of Turkey and Azerbaijan.”
The official representative of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan also denied: “Statements about the participation of servicemen of any country in combat operations to restore the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan have no basis.”
A Test of Sincerity and Honesty
In the 44-day war, Azerbaijan lost over 3,000, and in the one-day anti-terrorist operations, more than 200 martyrs. But there is no information about the death or injury of a representative of any other country. Currently, there are 93,125 war veterans in our country. Of them, 4,685 people are disabled from the Patriotic War. The number of military personnel who fought alongside our martyrs is about 97 thousand people. These are 97 thousand Azerbaijani citizens, brave, heroic warriors who entered Karabakh and liberated it! It was the faith of the people in their leader, in their army, and in themselves that ended the 30-year occupation! Thanks to the victorious commander-in-chief Ilham Aliyev, his high diplomacy, and leadership, the flag of Victory was raised in Shusha, Khankendi!
The Azerbaijani state and the president never exploit this topic. For Ilham Aliyev, the liberation of Karabakh is a reliable, solid foundation for the realization of even greater development, great strategic goals, and a clear vision of tomorrow. At the II Shusha Global Forum, the president said: “Of course, we will never forget the occupation, nor the victims, nor our great Victory, and all our lives, all of us and our descendants will be proud of this Victory. But we cannot close ourselves off on this; we cannot exploit this topic and constantly turn it into some symbol. No. We must move forward.”
The president’s thesis that “we must move forward” undoubtedly concerns the Turkic world, which he characterizes as “One family.” The priority in Ilham Aliyev’s foreign policy is the Turkic world, and above all Turkey. The strength of Ilham Aliyev’s global leadership, unequivocally recognized at the international level, stems not only from his determination but also from his sincerity. A leader who always keeps his word, does not change his position, and does not allow duplicity in either friendship or tense relations. He does not deny what was said yesterday, does not criticize what was approved yesterday, does not refute what was considered correct yesterday. That is how we are, our state, our people, and our leader!
The Turkish-Azerbaijani brotherhood and friendship are the heritage of both peoples. Moreover, this model of unity is a factor of regional security. The signing of the Karabakh Declaration following the Shusha Declaration testifies to the successful implementation of the goal of solidarity of Turkic states proclaimed by President Ilham Aliyev at the inauguration ceremony. The results of the Shusha summit, attended by the presidents of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, the Vice President of Turkey, the Prime Minister of Hungary, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, inspire confidence that Ilham Aliyev’s initiatives to transform the Turkic world into a global geopolitical and geoeconomic actor will soon become a reality. The eradication of Armenian separatism under Ilham Aliyev’s command marked the downfall of the global Armenian community, which targeted the entire Turkic world. That is, the Victory was not only achieved by Azerbaijan but also by friendly, brotherly, allied Turkic states!
And above all, Turkey!
The flag of Victory waving in Khankendi, Shusha, should be a source of pride for the entire Turkic world, and we believe that it is. Both the Victory and Karabakh are ours! Let’s just be sincere and honest…
Translated from Azərbaycan Newspaper
