President Aliyev commemorates 5th anniversary of Aghdam’s return

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev marked the fifth anniversary of Aghdam’s liberation by sharing a commemorative post on his official social media accounts.

As reported by Caliber.Az, the message read: “The history of our victory: November 20, 2020 – Aghdam.” 

The region’s liberation began on September 27, 2020, when Azerbaijan launched a counteroffensive in response to an Armenian provocation. During the 44-day Patriotic War, the Azerbaijani Army freed several regions, hundreds of villages and settlements, and key strategic heights. Continuous battlefield successes severely demoralised Armenian forces and caused widespread panic.

Because Aghdam was heavily mined, strongly fortified, and densely defended, Azerbaijan avoided major operations there to prevent heavy casualties and a prolonged conflict. Instead, the army advanced along other directions, eventually encircling Armenian forces in Aghdam. This further alarmed the Armenian population and leadership.

Recognising their deteriorating position, Armenia’s military and political leadership agreed to sign an act of surrender. Under the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020, hostilities ceased, and the Aghdam district was to be returned to Azerbaijan by November 20, 2020. The city, occupied for 27 years, was handed back without a single shot being fired, and Azerbaijan’s tricolour flag was raised over Aghdam.

A presidential decree issued on July 31, 2023, officially designates November 20 as Aghdam City Day.

Aghdam had originally been seized on July 23, 1993. Armenian forces captured 846.8 square kilometres — 77.4% of the district — including the city and 80 villages. The occupation resulted in severe losses: most farms, healthcare facilities, schools, cultural centres, mosques, construction organisations, and enterprises were destroyed or taken over. Damage totalled an estimated $13.135 billion. Numerous historical, cultural, and architectural sites — including the famed Bread Museum — were demolished. In total, 6,000 people became martyrs defending Aghdam, 16 of whom were later named National Heroes of Azerbaijan.

By Tamilla Hasanova