Turkish MP: Western Azerbaijanis’ return central to post-conflict peace

The return of Western Azerbaijanis to their historical lands and the restoration of their cultural monuments are fundamental factors in achieving lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Şamil Ayrım, a member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and chairman of the Türkiye-Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Friendship Group, made these remarks at an international conference titled “Cultural Heritage and the Right to Return: Restoring the Cultural Legacy of Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia as a Path to Justice, Reconciliation, and Peace,” as reported by domestic media.

Ayrım emphasised that international law guarantees every individual the right to return to their homeland. “The return of Azerbaijanis who were forcibly expelled from Armenia is their inalienable right,” he said. 

He noted that over the centuries, historical and cultural monuments belonging to Azerbaijanis in these territories were systematically destroyed, and that traditional arts such as ashug music and carpet weaving were completely lost, causing severe damage to the spiritual and cultural bonds of the Azerbaijani people.

He added that sustainable post-conflict peace in the region is possible only when cultural and historical monuments are respected. “Therefore, the return of Western Azerbaijanis and the restoration of their cultural heritage is a crucial element of peace,” Ayrim stated.

Ayrım also contrasted the actions of Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding the region, noting that “Armenia destroyed the territories it occupied over 30 years, while Azerbaijan today is building roads, airports, and residential buildings in Karabakh, as this land rightfully belongs to Azerbaijan.”

By Tamilla Hasanova