Sovereignty, revival and the happiness of victory Overview by Teymur Atayev

What is happiness? Each of us understands the meaning of this word, yet happiness is not merely a personal concept. We often feel happy not only because of what is happening to us personally, but also because of events that carry a much broader, shared meaning. This means that happiness also has a global dimension, does it not?

These thoughts were inspired by the joyful emotions of those who witnessed the scenes accompanying the celebrations on September 20 marking the Days of the Cities of Khankendi, Khojaly, Khojavand and Aghdara. This is how we felt when we saw the happy faces of the residents of these cities taking part in various events. And perhaps an even greater emotional surge was experienced when, later at night, the colourful lights of fireworks illuminated the dark skies over these cities.

A particularly significant aspect of all this was the following: the Days of these cities are celebrated precisely on Azerbaijan’s State Sovereignty Day. We will never forget how, three years ago, the restoration of sovereignty throughout Azerbaijan was achieved thanks to the soldiers and officers of our valiant Army, led by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev.

Happiness. So, perhaps it is not entirely a personal category after all? At the same time, an important point here is that the personal can become a reflection of the collective. And vice versa — of the shared. This is when the entire Azerbaijani people can feel happy, regardless of their ethnic or religious affiliation or place of residence.

This was the case when the cities of Shusha, Khojaly and Khankendi were liberated, or during celebrations marking City Days in a number of districts liberated from occupation.

How could one not feel happy when historical justice has prevailed? Both the Khojaly genocide and all kinds of so-called “Ohanyan lines” have received their due. Can one not experience a profound sense of happiness when former internally displaced persons are returning to Khojaly, where the Memorial to the Victims of the Khojaly Genocide is already functioning, just as they are returning to Khankendi, Khojavand and Aghdara — and when employment has already been provided for nearly 4,000 returning residents?

Or, for that matter, how can one remain indifferent to the fact that Karabakh University is operating in Khankendi, having opened its doors to students and faculty two years ago? Or react without emotion to the existence of international airports in Fuzuli, Zangilan and Lachin?

And how can one fail to experience the greatest happiness at the nearly 90-per cent completion of construction of the unique Toghanali–Kalbajar–Istisu road, which connects the Goygol and Kalbajar districts across the Murovdag mountain range? Or fail to rejoice at the revival of the Vagif Poetry Days in our Pearl — the city of Shusha?

And yet, all of the above represents only a small fraction of the unique projects being implemented in Azerbaijan’s lands liberated from occupation.

So, do we not all feel happy when we learn about developments of this kind? Especially when we recall, for example, how in 2017, at the 6th Pan-Armenian Conference, tellingly titled “Armenia-Diaspora”, Armenia’s then Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandyan stated that only those territories occupied by his country that would “not harm the [occupation] security system” could potentially be returned to Azerbaijan. Against this backdrop, the Armenian Armed Forces’ then Chief of the General Staff, Movses Hakobyan, declared without hesitation: “We need more territories.” Well, did they get those “new territories”? Or did they disgracefully flee the occupied lands? And this despite the presence of nearly 12,000 deserters. Although, on the other hand, they did gain something: a historic lesson for all time. Plus — a lesson in the fundamentals of military art.

And these are just a few examples of the region’s new historical realities. If we turn to international affairs, we can note Azerbaijan’s growing geopolitical standing: the supply of gas to 16 countries, the approaching launch of the Zangezur Corridor, and the country’s transformation into an important link in the East–West and North–South transport corridors.

This list could be extended further, including the “Power of Unity-2026” joint military exercises involving Azerbaijani and Turkish servicemen.

Happiness — to read and witness all this! Happiness that our brilliant Army has made possible through the heroism, courage, patriotism and professionalism of its soldiers and officers. As a result, Azerbaijan has reached unique geopolitical heights.

May Allah have mercy on all our martyrs!