Revived Karabakh as a symbol of national unity Analysis by Teymur Atayev

The 4th Global Media Forum commenced in Shusha under the theme "The Mission of The Media in Promoting Peace: Restoring Truth and Rebuilding Trust." It is symbolic that, at this very time, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's working visit to the liberated territories has become a vivid embodiment of the forum's declared theme. The large-scale reconstruction projects, the return of residents, and the development of new infrastructure clearly demonstrate how historical justice and confidence in the region's future are being restored in practice.

It was precisely the theme of restoring the truth that became especially evident during our visit to the newly restored Sadigjan House and the newly opened wing of the Yasamen Hotel in Shusha, the development of social infrastructure in the village of Kichik Galaderesi in the Shusha district, as well as the inauguration of the Khankendi Hotel.

Equally noteworthy were the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hakarichay Reservoir and the inauguration of hydroelectric power plants on the Hochaz River in the Lachin district.

We could not help but realize that we are living through a historic era in which, before not only our own eyes but also those of the entire world, the Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur Economic Regions are flourishing despite the wishes of certain biased external forces, while also emerging as a major hub for green energy.

The reconstruction and revitalization of this region within such a remarkably short historical period are, of course, creating all the necessary conditions for the successful implementation of the Great Return program for former internally displaced persons.

In this context, while congratulating the residents who have returned to the village of Kichik Galaderesi and the villages of Guzeykhirman and Guneykhirman in the Khojavend District, Aliyev emphasized that they would live and build their future with pride on their native Karabakh land while caring for their elders, respected community leaders and children.

It is fair to say that the steadily expanding process of returning to their ancestral lands demonstrates the state's commitment to people who were deprived of the opportunity to live in their native homes for decades. This includes both the clearance of mines from the territories liberated from occupation—carried out largely by Azerbaijan's own efforts—and the creation of essential infrastructure virtually from scratch, as Armenian vandals had left almost nothing standing.

According to the president, these developments give the Azerbaijani people every reason to live with a profound sense of pride. The nation's greatness, now evident to the entire world, lies in the resilience of its spirit and its unwavering determination despite all the hardships and trials it has endured.

The leader emphasized that, "We believed—and not only believed, but knew—that the day would come when we would return to these lands as their owners."

This outcome—just both from a historical perspective and under international law—was achieved solely through the unity of the entire Azerbaijani people, regardless of their ethnic or religious background or place of residence.

According to Ilham Aliyev, no other nation in modern history has demonstrated such an extraordinary degree of unity, and it was precisely this solidarity that became the cornerstone of Azerbaijan's Great Victory.

Today, "before the souls of our martyrs, we must once again swear to ourselves, to our people, and to our state that, under any circumstances." In this context, the president affirmed that, thanks to the strength of the Azerbaijani state and its valiant Armed Forces, no one will ever again be able to inflict harm upon the country.

The Azerbaijani people's unwavering determination was vividly demonstrated during the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020 and again less than three years later, when, despite overt external pressure and numerous threats, Azerbaijan accomplished its objectives.

Our young soldiers, who broke through the enemy's defensive lines, had never before seen these lands, as they were born during the years of occupation. Yet they never stopped to think about whether they would survive. Such is the national spirit and sense of dignity of our people, every one of whom "lived with a single purpose—to contribute to our Victory."

Today, the Azerbaijani people are demonstrating their creative and constructive potential to the entire world, thereby bringing to life Aliyev's words that, having achieved an unequivocal Victory on the battlefield, we will also prevail on the path to peace.

Moreover, we are succeeding on this path in several directions simultaneously: both in advancing peace initiatives across the South Caucasus and in rebuilding the territories liberated from occupation. Even our adversaries, against their own wishes, are compelled to acknowledge this reality.

At the same time, the achievements Azerbaijan has made in recent years are giving hope to peoples who continue to suffer from injustice.

One of the clearest manifestations of this is the work of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), which has emerged as one of the world's leading organizations advocating the fight against colonialism.

Another key message delivered by the head of state to all interested parties deserves special attention: the Azerbaijani people's legendary "Iron Fist" remains firmly in place as a symbol of unity and strength.

This message is undoubtedly addressed to everyone—from regional forces that continue to indulge in revanchist rhetoric to external actors that persist in promoting anti-Azerbaijani ideas and initiatives across various international platforms. As the saying goes, there is no harm in dreaming, but they should harbor no illusions: our "Iron Fist" will always stand guard over the interests of the Azerbaijani people.