There are days in the history of every nation that remain engraved in memory for centuries, becoming a source of national pride. November 8, 2020 – Victory Day is one of those sacred dates. This day is eternally inscribed in Azerbaijan’s history as the moment when our nation, after nearly thirty years of occupation and injustice, restored its territorial integrity, made its rightful voice heard across the world, and proudly demonstrated its national will and statehood power.

As a result of Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, which began in 1988, Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts were occupied, and over one million of our compatriots were displaced from their native lands. During the years of occupation, more than 900 settlements, 7,000 industrial and agricultural enterprises, over 600 schools and kindergartens, more than 100 cultural centers and museums, and thousands of historical monuments were destroyed by Armenia.

Throughout this difficult period, the Azerbaijani state sought to resolve the conflict peacefully within the framework of international law. However, the four UN Security Council resolutions (822, 853, 874, and 884) remained unimplemented, the OSCE Minsk Group’s 30 years of inaction failed to yield any results, and global indifference deepened the sense of injustice.

Under the wise leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and his worthy successor President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan pursued diplomatic solutions. Yet, due to Armenia’s persistent provocations and the hypocrisy of international mediators, restoring justice through peaceful means became impossible. Armenia’s military provocations in 2020, particularly the Tovuz clashes, crossed the final line of patience.

On September 27, 2020, at the command of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation. Within 44 days, our heroic forces liberated Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Zangilan, Gubadli, Hadrut, Sugovushan, Kalbajar, Lachin, Shusha, and dozens of villages from occupation.

This war was not only a battle for territory — it was a fight for justice, dignity, and sovereignty. The entire Azerbaijani nation united as one — on the battlefield, in diplomacy, and in spirit.

Under the brilliant leadership of the Victorious Commander-in-Chief, the “Iron Fist” operation became a model of modern warfare, demonstrating advanced use of drones, UAV systems, real-time intelligence, coordinated artillery, and special forces operations — now studied in leading military academies worldwide.

November 8, 2020 – the liberation of Shusha. This date became a symbol of Azerbaijan’s national pride, spirit, and determination. Shusha is not only a geographical but also a spiritual heart of Azerbaijan. The words of National Leader Heydar Aliyev — “Without Shusha, there is no Karabakh, and without Karabakh, there is no Azerbaijan” — came true on that glorious day.

The Shusha operation is recognized as one of the most extraordinary urban warfare missions in modern history. Azerbaijani soldiers climbed steep cliffs and liberated the city through unparalleled bravery and tactical brilliance. This victory forced Armenia to sign the capitulation statement on the night of November 9–10, 2020.

The Trilateral Statement signed by President Ilham Aliyev, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan officially confirmed Armenia’s defeat. According to this agreement:

* The remnants of Armenian armed forces were withdrawn from Karabakh;

* Kalbajar, Lachin, and Aghdam were liberated without fighting;

* Azerbaijan’s sovereignty was restored over the entire region;

* A new geopolitical reality emerged in the South Caucasus.

This document symbolized both military and diplomatic victory achieved through Azerbaijan’s determination and strength.

President Ilham Aliyev’s statement during the Vagif Poetry Days in Shusha in 2021 reflected the essence of this triumph:

“Yes, justice exists — justice has been restored. Today we are in Shusha, and from now on we will live here forever.”

The Azerbaijani people proved that although justice may be delayed, it always prevails in the end.

By Presidential Decree dated December 3, 2020, November 8 was declared Victory Day in Azerbaijan. Every year, this day is celebrated nationwide with grand ceremonies, military parades, concerts, and scientific conferences.

Symbolic landmarks of Victory include:

* Victory Park and Memorial Complex on 8 November Avenue, Baku;

* Patriotic War Memorial Complex and Victory Museum (opened in 2024);

* Military Trophy Park (opened in April 2021);

* And newly established state orders and medals such as the Victory Order and Karabakh Order.

These monumental projects commemorate the courage of our heroes and embody the unity of our people.

Following the victory, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the era of the “Great Return” began. Life is being reborn in the liberated lands:

* Modern “smart villages” and cities are being built;

* Fuzuli, Lachin, and Zangilan international airports have been inaugurated;

* New infrastructure is developing in Aghdam, Shusha, Jabrayil, Gubadli, Zangilan, and Kalbajar;

* Karabakh University has been established, and DOST service centers have opened in the region.

As of October 2025, more than 19,000 people have returned to their ancestral lands — a clear sign of Azerbaijan’s successful reconstruction and revival policy.

Azerbaijan’s victory in the 44-day Patriotic War resonated globally. Western military institutions, including the U.S. National War College and Seton Hall University, began studying Azerbaijan’s warfare strategy as a model of modern military efficiency.

International organizations such as the UN and the European Union acknowledged that sustainable peace and stability in the region are only possible on the basis of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty.

Victory Day has become not just a historical milestone, but also a cornerstone of national ideology. The new generation of Azerbaijanis grows up inspired by the heroism of the Patriotic War, cherishing the memory of martyrs, and remaining loyal to the values of independence and statehood.

This Victory strengthened the nation’s faith in its own power and deepened national solidarity. As President Ilham Aliyev emphasized:

“We know exactly what, how, and when to do things. Our Victory is the triumph of history, justice, and our bright future.”

November 8 – Victory Day stands as the most glorious chapter in Azerbaijan’s centuries-long chronicle of heroism. It is the outcome of national unity, visionary leadership, military might, and the ultimate triumph of justice.

Victory Day is the celebration of Azerbaijan’s new era of progress, revival of life in liberated lands, and eternal unity and faith in the future.

Today, the three-colored Azerbaijani flag flying proudly over Shusha, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Gubadli, Zangilan, Lachin, Kalbajar, and finally Khankendi, symbolizes not only the liberation of our homeland but also the strength, dignity, and eternal sovereignty of our entire nation.

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