Azerbaijan launches nationwide events ahead of Victory Day celebrations PHOTO / UPDATED

On November 8, Azerbaijan celebrates Victory Day. Events commemorating this significant date are being held both in the country and abroad.

16:50

In the western region of Azerbaijan, 8 November — Victory Day — was commemorated.

According to Report, on the occasion of 8 November — Victory Day, ceremonial events were held in the cities of Ganja, Dashkasan, Goygol, Shamkir, Agstafa, Gazakh, Samukh, and other districts.

Participants of the events visited the graves of heroes who gave their lives for the Motherland, offered prayers for the departed, and laid flowers.

Festive activities were then held with the participation of the families of martyrs, veterans, servicemen, war participants, and members of the public, accompanied by an extensive artistic programme.

16:41

In Fuzuli, on 8 November — Victory Day — a series of events took place, including the concert “Happy Victory Day, Azerbaijan.”

According to AZERTAC, as part of the celebration, an exhibition of students’ works opened at the Kurmangazy Children’s Creativity Centre, and masterclasses titled “Victory Day Through the Eyes of Children” were held. Students showcased their creations on stones remaining from the ruins.

The national anthem was then played, the memory of the martyrs was honoured with a minute of silence, and the film “Chronicle of Victory” was screened.

The event was attended by staff of the Presidential Special Representation in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts, families of martyrs, war participants, and residents of Fuzuli city.

Speakers emphasised that thanks to the brilliant victory of the Azerbaijani army under the leadership of Supreme Commander Ilham Aliyev, life has been revived in the territories liberated from occupation, and residents have returned to their native lands. It was noted that the glorious Azerbaijani flag now flies over its historic lands, with sovereignty and territorial integrity restored, and that Azerbaijan is a state with a voice in the region and the world.

After the official part of the event, the concert programme began. Performances from the Kurmangazy Children’s Creativity Centre were presented, patriotic songs were sung, and dances performed. The concert created a truly festive atmosphere for all participants.

16:38

In connection with the fifth anniversary of Victory Day, ceremonial events were held at Azerbaijan’s diplomatic missions abroad, as well as at the offices of military attachés accredited in foreign countries.

The ceremonies were attended by staff of foreign embassies, heads of diplomatic missions, military attachés, representatives of defence ministries, and other guests. The memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who gave their lives for the Motherland was honoured with a minute of silence, and the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was performed, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence.

Speakers at the events highlighted the significance of the historic victory of the Azerbaijani army in the 44-day Patriotic War under the leadership of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev. They recounted the heroic chronicle of the Azerbaijani people, the bravery of the servicemen, and the historic achievements in defending Azerbaijan’s independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.

Documentary films and videos dedicated to the Patriotic War were shown during the events.

Musical performances and literary-artistic presentations were received with great interest by the participants.

16:00

A series of events is continuing in Shusha to mark the fifth anniversary of Victory in the Patriotic War.

According to APA, an exhibition of paintings by local artists has been organised at the Shusha Hotel. The exhibition will remain open throughout the day.

In addition, a concert programme and a fireworks display are planned in Shusha to celebrate the occasion.

12:49

Festive events were held in the city of Jabrayil, Azerbaijan, to mark the fifth anniversary of Victory Day.

According to Report, celebrations in Jabrayil were organised with the support of the Special Representation of the President of Azerbaijan in the Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts, as well as with organisational assistance from the Ministry of Culture and the Service for Restoration, Construction, and Management of these districts.

Residents of Jabrayil and nearby villages attended the event, which featured performances of works by Azerbaijani composers.

The concert concluded with a performance by the popular musical group “Dervish,” who played beloved songs from their repertoire.

For children, face-painting zones were set up, where artists decorated their faces with bright, festive designs.

In the evening, the skies over Jabrayil, Aghali, and Mammadbayli will be lit up with colourful fireworks, symbolising the joy of Victory.

11:28

In the city of Shusha, a series of events titled “November 8 – Triumph of Victory” has begun, dedicated to the 5th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s victory in the 44-day Patriotic War.

According to Report, a celebratory event is taking place at local Secondary School No. 1.

The school’s corridors feature exhibits of students’ works and drawings dedicated to Victory Day. As part of the event, poetic performances, dance routines, and musical numbers celebrating the victory will also be presented.

Additionally, the play “Proud of You” will be performed, prepared jointly by the students of School No. 1 and the students of Karabakh University.

In the Shusha district, Victory Day events are being organised by the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan with the support of the Shusha City State Reserve.

09:46

An official reception was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Russian Federation to mark the fifth anniversary of Victory Day – November 8.

According to APA, the event was attended by heads and staff of several diplomatic missions accredited in Russia, military attachés, prominent figures from the fields of science, education, culture, and arts in Russia and Azerbaijan, well-known members of the Azerbaijani community in Moscow, as well as Azerbaijani students studying at Russian universities.

08:50

In Washington, a ceremony dedicated to November 8 – Victory Day – was held, organised by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the United States.

According to Report, the event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, military attachés, representatives of the Azerbaijani community in the U.S., and other guests.

The ceremony began with the performance of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs who gave their lives for the country’s sovereignty.

Speaking at the event, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the U.S., Khazar Ibrahim, noted that November 8 is a day when justice prevailed.

“After a victory, few countries immediately extend a hand of peace, but we did. Because we believe that victory must be achieved not only on the battlefield but also on the diplomatic front. Now is the time for peace. I think it is important to highlight that the visit of President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Washington in August was of special significance. President Donald Trump helped us elevate the process of establishing peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus to a new level. We will continue along this path. We will always remain strong so that no one dares to encroach on our land again. At the same time, we will do everything possible to ensure that peace strengthens people-to-people ties and fosters business cooperation not only in the South Caucasus but across the wider region,” the diplomat said.

Following the speech, a video dedicated to Victory Day was presented.

Then, Acting Military Attaché of Azerbaijan to the U.S., Captain 3rd Rank Kamran Tahirbayli, delivered a speech emphasising that November 8 reminds us that true strength lies not in war, but in peace.

The event concluded with performances of Azerbaijani music by kamancheh master Toghrul Orujov and pianist Faig Abdullayev.

08:40

In connection with November 8 – Victory Day – and November 9 – State Flag Day – the Azerbaijani flag was projected onto the One World Trade Center and the tallest building at Times Square in New York.

According to Report, the initiative was organised by the Federation of Azerbaijani Youth of America with the support of the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations.

The light show began at 5:00 p.m. local time (2:00 a.m. Baku time) and lasted for eight hours, repeating every five minutes. The projection of the Azerbaijani flag illuminating the skyscrapers created an impressive spectacle visible from different parts of the city.

New Yorkers and visitors watched the buildings adorned with the Azerbaijani flag with great interest and admiration.

20:53, 08.11.2025

A ceremonial reception was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan in honour of November 8 – Victory Day – and State Flag Day.

According to AZERTAC, Ambassador Gismat Gozalov emphasised that under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan achieved a historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War. This victory represents the triumph of the will, unity, and justice of the Azerbaijani people. As a result of the war, the occupied territories were liberated, the country’s territorial integrity restored, and the requirements of UN resolutions fulfilled. The Azerbaijani flag flying over all sovereign territories serves as an enduring symbol of the independence of our people and the victory achieved in the Patriotic War.

The ambassador also highlighted key steps taken by Azerbaijan after restoring territorial integrity, including large-scale reconstruction and development, creating an atmosphere of stability and cooperation in the South Caucasus, and addressing the ongoing threat posed by landmines. He noted that under the “Great Return” programme, more than 50,000 citizens are already living, working, and studying in the territories liberated from occupation. Azerbaijan is restoring these territories, including religious and historical monuments and mosques, converting them back into functional spaces. The construction of a mosque in the liberated city of Fuzuli, supported by brotherly Turkmenistan, is a striking example of this spiritual restoration process and is highly valued as a contribution to the revival of Karabakh. This initiative underscores the importance placed on the shared values of the Turkic world and Islamic culture.

Ambassador Gozalov also stated that important progress has been made in bilateral negotiations on a peace agreement with Armenia, initiated by Azerbaijan. The Joint Declaration signed in Washington on August 8, 2025, along with other historic agreements reached, represents a significant milestone in advancing the peace process in the region.

Touching on bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, Ambassador Gismat Gozalov emphasised that the historical, cultural, and religious shared values between the two countries form the foundation of their strategic partnership. In recent years, the brotherly and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan has developed and strengthened further. Relations have reached a new level following mutual high-level visits and meetings this year, which have made a significant contribution to deepening both bilateral and regional cooperation. These visits, meetings, and events serve to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and strategic partnership, while further expanding cooperation in economic, transport, energy, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Joint initiatives, including Azerbaijan’s “Year of Constitution and Sovereignty” and Turkmenistan’s “Year of International Peace and Trust,” demonstrate the two countries’ commitment to mutual trust and regional collaboration.

The ceremony also featured remarks by Turkmenistan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmet Gurbanov. He congratulated the Azerbaijani people on Victory Day and expressed sincere wishes for the continued development of brotherly and strategic relations between the two countries.

The reception concluded with an official dinner, featuring music by Azerbaijani and international composers, including the great Uzeyir Hajibeyli. Guests were served exquisite Azerbaijani dishes, sweets, and national beverages.

The event was attended by heads and staff of foreign diplomatic missions accredited in Turkmenistan, media representatives, members of the public, and Azerbaijanis living in the country.

20:41

In the U.S. state of Utah, an event was held to mark the 5th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Victory and Türkiye’s national holiday – Republic Day.

According to Report, citing the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora, the event was organised with the support of the State Committee and the Turkish-American Association of Utah.

During the event, a video highlighting the history of Azerbaijan’s Victory was shown.

The cultural programme featured performances of national music and dances. Guests were also offered traditional Azerbaijani and Turkish dishes.

It was noted that such events make a significant contribution to strengthening the unity of Azerbaijani and Turkish communities living in the U.S., as well as promoting cultural diversity among the local public.

19:00

On November 6, the Heydar Aliyev Palace became the stage for the fifth edition of the creative festival “ZafarFest,” organized by the Ministry of Science and Education to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Patriotic War.

The event brought together representatives of state authorities, members of parliament, prominent cultural and artistic figures, media leaders, education specialists, children of martyrs, as well as faculty and students from various educational institutions, Caliber.Az reports.

The festival featured performances by artistic ensembles from child and youth development centres affiliated with the Ministry of Science and Education, the Art Gymnasium of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, Music School No. 3 named after Jovdat Hajiyev, and the “Sanat” Children’s Music and Art Center.

In total, approximately 400 schoolchildren showcased literary and artistic compositions, including patriotic poems and songs, reflecting the spirit of national pride.

Held annually to honor Azerbaijan’s victory in the Patriotic War, “ZafarFest” has become a prominent platform for fostering creativity, patriotism, and civic consciousness among young people.

The festival’s overarching goal is to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Patriotic War, instill in children and youth a sense of pride in the Azerbaijani Army’s triumph, and highlight the enduring significance of the struggle to restore the country’s territorial integrity.

14:30

Azerbaijan is holding a series of events across the country and abroad ahead of Victory Day, which will be marked on November 8 to commemorate the nation’s triumph in the 2020 Patriotic War. 

The Military Prosecutor’s Office hosted a ceremony to mark the fifth anniversary of the victory, attended by war veterans and officials, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Deputy Prosecutor General and Military Prosecutor Bahruz Ahmadov extended his congratulations to the Azerbaijani people, the armed forces and the staff of the Military Prosecutor’s Office on the occasion of Victory Day.

In his remarks, Ahmadov highlighted the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva in achieving what he called a “historic victory”, and praised the heroism and dedication of Azerbaijani servicemen during the 44-day war.

The event concluded with a screening of the film Letter to the Martyr, dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in the conflict.

By Aghakazim Guliyev