September 27 – day marked by both grief and national pride – political analyst

BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26.​ There are days
in Azerbaijan’s modern history that are etched into the nation’s
memory as symbols of both grief and pride, political analyst Azer
Garayev told Trend.

“September 27 – Memorial Day – is one such day. It marks the
beginning of the Patriotic War in 2020, which ended after 44 days
with a historic Victory, when the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan
launched counter-offensive operations to liberate occupied
territories.

Today is about honoring the sacred memory of martyrs, bowing
before their heroism, and at the same time recalling the great
victory born from national unity. September 27 is a special day
when grief and pride, tears and joy coexist. On that day, in
response to large-scale provocations by the Armenian armed forces,
the Azerbaijani Army began counter-offensive operations. From the
early morning, reports from the frontlines mobilized society. From
the very first day, the people united around the
Commander-in-Chief. Citizens filled the streets and squares to
support the army. Volunteers rushed to military commissariats,
while women and children sent aid to the front. This was no longer
just a war; it was a nationwide mobilization,” he said.

According to Garayev, one of the most important factors in the
Patriotic War was the wise and resolute policy of President Ilham
Aliyev.

“Years before the war, President Ilham Aliyev had openly
declared from international platforms that Azerbaijan would never
accept the occupation of its lands. He systematically strengthened
the country’s military capabilities while delivering the truth
about Karabakh to the world. From the very first day of the war, as
Commander-in-Chief, his role was irreplaceable in managing the
army, shaping the political and ideological environment, and
motivating the nation. His appeals to the people and his firm
messages instilled high morale in society. The slogan ‘Karabakh is
Azerbaijan!’ became a symbol of national unity. His policies on the
diplomatic front and in the information sphere conveyed
Azerbaijan’s just cause to the world. By giving multiple interviews
to international media outlets, he exposed Armenia’s aggression and
defended Azerbaijan’s position based on international law,” he
noted.

Garayev emphasized that the world closely followed the situation
in the South Caucasus from the first days of the war.

“Although Armenia tried for years to mask its occupation policy
with propaganda, the consistent diplomacy of President Ilham Aliyev
yielded results. Azerbaijan’s position was rooted in international
law, UN resolutions, and the principle of justice. During the war,
the President gave interviews to major global media outlets such as
BBC, CNN Türk, Al Jazeera, France 24, TRT, Euronews, and many
others, exposing Armenia’s lies with facts and informing the world
that Azerbaijani lands had been under occupation for nearly 30
years and hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis were displaced. His
logical, fact-based speeches strengthened Azerbaijan’s position
internationally and marked the beginning of victory in the
information war,” he said.

The political analyst stressed that the Patriotic War was not
only a military operation but also an embodiment of national will,
unity, and the determined leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

“Fuzuli was where the army achieved its first major victories,
liberating several villages despite difficult terrain and enemy
fortifications. The liberation of Jabrayil and later, the
strategically important Hadrut in early October inspired the
nation. Operations in Zangilan and Gubadli completely broke the
enemy’s defense line in the southern part of Karabakh. The Shusha
operation became the brightest and most heroic chapter of the war.
In harsh mountainous conditions, Azerbaijani soldiers entered
Shusha through close combat, determining the fate of the war. On
November 8, 2020, President Ilham Aliyev addressed the people to
announce the liberation of Shusha, a moment that brought tears of
pride and joy across the country. Days later, Armenia signed the
act of capitulation, restoring Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity,”
he said.

Garayev underlined that Memorial Day is first and foremost about
honoring the martyrs.

“Nearly 3,000 martyrs have inscribed their names into the most
glorious page of Azerbaijan’s history. Each of them sacrificed
their lives for freedom and territorial integrity. But this day is
remembered not only with grief, but also with pride, because their
blood was not shed in vain. Their dreams came true, the lands were
liberated, and life returned to Karabakh. On Memorial Day, state
ceremonies are held across the country, people visit the graves of
martyrs, and schools, universities, and cultural institutions
organize events in their memory. It is also a message to future
generations: the spirit of our heroes will live forever,” he
said.

According to him, the end of the 44-day war marked the beginning
of a new era for Azerbaijan, one of reconstruction and
development.

“Immediately after the war, President Ilham Aliyev made numerous
visits to Karabakh. Each visit carried symbolic and political
significance; the rightful owner had returned to the liberated
lands. The President personally attended groundbreaking ceremonies,
launched roads, electricity, an airport, water, and energy
projects. In a short time, international airports were built in
Fuzuli, Zangilan, and Lachin. Major cultural events were revived in
Shusha. Thanks to the President’s wise policy, smart village
projects and modern urban development plans are being implemented
in Karabakh. The goal is not only to restore the liberated lands,
but also to turn them into one of the most advanced regions in the
world,” he said.

Garayev concluded that September 27 is not only a Remembrance
Day but also a turning point in Azerbaijan’s statehood history.

“This day once again reflects the unity of the people, the
heroism of the martyrs, the strength of the army, and the
determined leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. The Azerbaijani
people will always remember this day with both grief and great
pride, because Memorial Day is when our martyrs ascended to
eternity, and at the same time, when Azerbaijan moved toward
Eternal Victory,” the political analyst added.

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