Türkiye honours memory of Azerbaijani martyrs as Remembrance Day approaches

On the occasion of Azerbaijan's Memorial Day, observed on September 27, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense expressed deep respect for the memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s independence and territorial integrity.

The ministry also extended gratitude to the veterans of Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

In a statement, the Turkish defence ministry praised the heroism displayed by Azerbaijan’s soldiers during the 44-day Patriotic War.

“Türkiye and Azerbaijan are united in light of the saying ‘One nation – two states,’” the ministry emphasized.

"Once again, we congratulate our brotherly country on the State Sovereignty Day – September 20. On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the 44-day war, we honour the martyrs who fought for the independence and integrity of Azerbaijan and express our gratitude to the veterans."

The ministry further highlighted the bravery of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, stating, “The Azerbaijani Armed Forces showed heroism by liberating the occupied lands.”

Since 2021, the date of September 27 is marked as Remembrance Day in Azerbaijan, to honour the memories of the heroes of the Second Karabakh War.

On September 27, 2020, the decades-old conflict between the two countries ultimately spiraled after Armenia’s forces deployed in the occupied Azerbaijani lands shelled military positions and civilian settlements of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani forces took immediate counter-measures to push the offensive back. The Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan announced the start of counter-offensive operations “to prevent the combat activity of the enemy troops and secure the safety of civilians” coming under fire.      

In a war that lasted 44 days in 2020, Azerbaijani troops liberated these lands from nearly three decades of illegal occupation by Armenia.