OMM Newsroom
Azerbaijan is marking the sixth anniversary of Victory Day on November 8. The holiday commemorates the liberation of Shusha during the 44-day Second Garabagh War in 2020 and the restoration of the country’s control over territories that had been under occupation for nearly 30 years.
Festive events will be held across the country, AnewZ reports. First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva also paid tribute to Azerbaijani service members, veterans and those who lost their lives.
In Baku, military bands are scheduled to perform at six locations from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on November 8. A concert and fireworks display will also be held on Baku Boulevard, near the Clock Tower.
Why is Victory Day celebrated on November 8?
Victory Day is dedicated to the liberation of Shusha on November 8, 2020. The liberation of Shusha is considered one of the key turning points of the Second Garabagh War.
The war began on September 27, 2020, when Azerbaijani forces launched a counteroffensive to regain territories under Armenian occupation. Over 44 days, the Azerbaijani Army restored control over numerous settlements. President Ilham Aliyev announced the liberation of Shusha on November 8.
Two days later, on November 10, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia signed a trilateral statement providing for the cessation of hostilities. Under the statement, Aghdam district was returned to Azerbaijan on November 20, 2020, Kalbajar on November 25 and Lachin on December 1. The Lachin corridor remained under the control of Russian peacekeepers.
Victory Day therefore commemorates both the liberation of Shusha and the outcome of the 2020 war.
Mehriban Aliyeva pays tribute to service members and those killed
Mehriban Aliyeva posted on her official “X” account on Sunday to mark Victory Day: “Today, we celebrate Victory Day with great pride!”
She expressed gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev, soldiers and officers, as well as war veterans. Aliyeva said their heroism, bravery, courage and resilience had made it possible to celebrate the holiday as a victorious people.
The First Vice President paid tribute to those who died for the homeland and offered condolences to their families and loved ones. “May peace and tranquility always prevail in Azerbaijan!” she added.
Reconstruction work continues in Garabagh
Since the end of the war, Azerbaijan has been carrying out large-scale reconstruction and development projects in the liberated territories. The program includes restoring transport links, building settlements and rebuilding public infrastructure to support the return of displaced communities.
The reconstruction of Garabagh has also become an important part of Azerbaijan’s regional economic and connectivity plans.
Six years after the Second Garabagh War, Victory Day remains an important national holiday in Azerbaijan, marking both a military victory and the remembrance of those who lost their lives. The country continues reconstruction in the liberated territories and efforts to secure lasting peace in the region.
