In the historical memory of the Azerbaijani people, November 8 has been immortalized as Victory Day. This date also holds a special place in our nation’s heart as the day when Shusha, the cradle of Azerbaijani culture and the crown of Karabakh, was liberated from occupation.

According to the Decree of President Ilham Aliyev dated July 31, 2023, November 8 is celebrated every year as “Shusha City Day.”

This decision symbolizes not only the liberation of one city, but also the restoration of an entire nation’s pride, justice, and cultural revival. Shusha has become a symbol of victory, culture, and spiritual wholeness.

Founded in the mid-18th century by Panah Ali Khan, Shusha has always been more than a strategically important fortress. It is the cradle of Azerbaijan’s culture, music, literature, and spirituality.

Great personalities born in Shusha — Khurshidbanu Natavan, Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Bulbul, and Khan Shushinski — have become inseparable parts of our national identity.

During the years of Armenian occupation (1992–2020), Shusha remained a wound in the heart of the Azerbaijani nation — not only geographically, but spiritually. Yet our people never accepted this injustice; the dream of seeing Shusha free became one of the cornerstones of our national ideology.

The 44-day Patriotic War, which began in the autumn of 2020, ended in a glorious victory thanks to the unity of the Azerbaijani people, the heroism of our army, and the iron will of President Ilham Aliyev. The pinnacle of that victory was undoubtedly the Shusha Operation.

The Special Forces of the Azerbaijani Army advanced through mountains, forests, and rocky cliffs, launching a sudden assault on the enemy positions.

Despite the absence of heavy machinery and relying mainly on light weapons, our soldiers demonstrated unmatched professionalism, patriotism, and determination.

On November 8, 2020, the Victorious Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, addressed the nation from the Alley of Martyrs and announced the historic words:

“Dear compatriots, today the city of Shusha has been liberated from occupation. Shusha is ours again! Karabakh is ours again!”

This message brought tears of joy and pride to every Azerbaijani heart. On that very day, the three-colored Azerbaijani flag was raised in the center of Shusha — where it has proudly waved ever since.

By Presidential Decree dated May 7, 2021, Shusha was declared the Cultural Capital of Azerbaijan. This decision carried profound historical and symbolic meaning, representing the revival of the nation’s cultural and spiritual heart.

Only one year later, in May 2021, the “Kharibulbul” Music Festival was revived on Jidir Plain — marking the rebirth of Shusha. The festival became a musical symbol of gratitude to our martyrs and a vivid presentation of Azerbaijani culture to the world.

Shusha was also declared the “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World for 2023” by TURKSOY — a great recognition of Azerbaijan’s success in cultural diplomacy. That same year, the city hosted numerous international events, including the meeting of theatre directors of TURKSOY member states, as well as scientific conferences and art festivals.

Thus, Shusha once again emerged not only as the cultural heart of Azerbaijan but also as a center of brotherhood and spiritual revival for the entire Turkic world.

Today, life in Shusha is being reborn. Immediately after its liberation, large-scale reconstruction and restoration began. Historical monuments are being revived, new residential quarters are being built, and modern infrastructure is being restored.

The regular visits of President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva to Shusha and their personal supervision of ongoing projects clearly reflect the state’s deep care and love for this city.

Now, schools, music lyceums, mosques, museums, and residential buildings are being rebuilt in Shusha. This is a tangible manifestation of the “Great Return” program — Shusha is welcoming its residents again; life is reviving; culture is being reborn.

Shusha is not merely a city — it is the symbol of the Azerbaijani spirit. It embodies our people’s endurance, pride, national identity, and cultural heritage.

As National Leader Heydar Aliyev once said:

“Without Shusha, there is no Karabakh; without Karabakh, there is no Azerbaijan.”

Today, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, this profound statement has become reality. Shusha now lives not as a memory of occupation, but as a symbol of victory, pride, and revival.

November 8 – Shusha City Day is a celebration of this pride, unity, and renewal.

For the Azerbaijani people, it is not only a day of victory remembrance, but also a day of faith in the future, respect for the state’s power, and admiration for the nation’s unshakable will.

Bayram Khudayarov

Researcher at the Physics Institute of the Ministry of Science and Education,

Founder and admin  of the Facebook group "Followers of the Heydar Aliyev school", Active member of the New Azerbaijan Party