Azerbaijan Celebrates Victory Day with Patriotic Ceremony in Baku

Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan marked Victory Day on November 8 with a solemn and patriotic display in the heart of Baku. The streets were filled with a sense of national pride as soldiers marched to the beat of military bands and the powerful notes of the national anthem resonated across the city.

The day’s events began with a moment of silence to honor the martyrs who lost their lives in the struggle for the country’s territorial integrity. This was followed by a stirring performance of Azerbaijan’s National Anthem, played by military orchestras, setting the tone for the day’s ceremonies.

The culmination of the celebration came with the impressive march of the Azerbaijani military forces, a powerful display of the nation’s strength and unity.

Victory Day holds deep significance for Azerbaijan, as it marks the liberation of the city of Shusha on November 8, 2020, after nearly three decades of occupation. This pivotal moment, announced by President Ilham Aliyev in an emotional speech, was a turning point in the country’s 44-day Patriotic War with Armenia. The President’s words, “You are free, dear Shusha! We have returned, dear Shusha! We will revive you, dear Shusha!” resonated deeply with the Azerbaijani people, symbolizing the end of a long-fought struggle for sovereignty and justice.

Though the official end of the conflict came with the signing of the Trilateral Statement on November 10, 2020, the victory was sealed with Shusha’s liberation. The decision to celebrate Victory Day on November 8, instead of November 10, was made in honor of Turkey’s Atatürk Memorial Day and to acknowledge the deep emotional significance of Shusha’s liberation for Azerbaijan.

Victory Day now commemorates not only the end of a thirty-year occupation but also the resilience and determination of Azerbaijan in reclaiming its lands. The 44-day war entered both Azerbaijani and world history as an extraordinary military achievement, where a small nation triumphed over a well-supported adversary. Azerbaijan’s victory, achieved through a fair fight and strategic humanitarian restraint, highlighted the country’s military prowess and unwavering commitment to its sovereignty.