Shared sacrifice cemented Türkiye-Azerbaijan brotherhood, says defence chief

Türkiye and Azerbaijan’s enduring brotherhood was forged on the battlefield, cemented by shared sacrifice and sealed by the liberation of Baku in 1918, Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler stated. 

Addressing the event marking the 108th anniversary of Baku’s liberation from occupation, Güler said Türkiye honors with deep respect the memory of the 1,132 martyrs of the Caucasian Islamic Army who fell fighting for the liberation of Baku, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

He noted that the brotherly ties forged between Türkiye and Azerbaijan in 1918 have continued to endure to this day.

“The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which declared independence on May 28, 1918, faced serious threats and appealed to the Ottoman Empire for support. Turkish and Azerbaijani soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder from Ganja to Baku. Following victories in Goychay and Shamakhi, Baku was liberated from occupation on September 15, 1918, enabling the Azerbaijani government to move to its capital,” Güler said.

The minister stressed that the heroes resting at Baku’s Alley of Martyrs serve as a lasting reminder of the depth of the ties between the two countries.

“The brotherhood between Türkiye and Azerbaijan is not merely words about closeness. It is a brotherhood forged in blood, sacrifice and a shared struggle,” he added.

By Vafa Guliyeva