Azerbaijani president inaugurates renovated Garabagh University, emphasizing sovereignty, national unity PHOTO/UPDATED

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared the establishment of Garabagh University a historic milestone during a meeting with the institution's faculty and students.

He emphasized the university's potential, stating, “The establishment of Garabagh University is, in my view, a historic event," Caliber.Az reports via Azertag.

The President highlighted the completion of a new dormitory for students and announced plans for additional academic buildings to be constructed within the next three years. He expressed confidence that Garabagh University will become one of Azerbaijan's leading higher education institutions.

“We are celebrating this day (the State Sovereignty Day) together in Khankendi, and I am confident that September 20 will be extensively commemorated in Azerbaijan from now on,” President Aliyev remarked, reflecting on the significance of the day. He noted that it marks the anniversary of the Azerbaijani Army fully restoring state sovereignty. “As a result of the anti-terror operation that lasted less than a day, separatists were wiped out, Azerbaijan fully ensured its state sovereignty, international law triumphed, and Azerbaijan demonstrated its strength once again,” he emphasized.

During his address, President Aliyev praised the heroism of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, stating, “The operations carried out by the glorious Azerbaijani Army during the 44-day war have no parallels in world military history.” He recounted the challenges faced by the military, highlighting the remarkable achievements made under difficult circumstances. “For 44 days... climbing from the bottom to the top, sustaining losses, liberating the impregnable fortress of Shusha by climbing its steep rocks only with light weapons – what other army has displayed similar heroism and showed such professionalism in modern history?” he asked.

The President reiterated the resilience of the Azerbaijani nation, stating, “We have demonstrated that with strong will, professionalism, patriotism, and a young generation raised in the national spirit, no force can stand in the way of that nation.”

He also asserted the historical significance of Khankendi, asserting, “This is our historical land... The world also knows that the city of Khankendi has been an ancient settlement of Azerbaijan, and its name reflects this—Khan's village.” President Aliyev traced the roots of the conflict to early 19th-century treaties, noting, “Because Armenians, who had never lived on the land of Karabakh, began to be relocated here from Iran and Eastern Anatolia after these treaties.”

Addressing the broader implications of Azerbaijan’s struggle, he stated, “We have shown the whole world, especially nations suffering from occupation and colonialism, that one must live with faith... If it is, justice will never prevail. But there is justice in the world.” He urged future generations to build on this legacy, emphasizing the need for self-reliance: “Of course, our example is a beacon of hope for many peoples still suffering from occupation and facing injustices today.”

President Aliyev concluded his remarks by underscoring the unity of the Azerbaijani people during the war: “The 44-day Patriotic War showed that there is probably no other country where society would demonstrate such unity as ours.” He encouraged the younger generation to remain rooted in their culture and values, stating, “They should not be influenced by anyone and should not be misguided by various promises.”

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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of Garabagh University on September 20, following its extensive renovation.

The president engaged with the teaching staff and students of Garabagh University and gave a speech during the event, Caliber.Az reports citing Azertag.

Moreover, the president inaugurated the newly renovated student dormitory at Garabagh University, designed to offer comfortable living conditions for students.

The revitalization of Garabagh University and its facilities reflects the Azerbaijani government's efforts to promote higher education and contribute to the region's overall development following recent geopolitical changes. President Aliyev’s visit underscores the administration's dedication to investing in the future of the region's youth and strengthening the educational framework in Karabakh.