BAKU, Azerbaijan, September
19. September 20 is a day of special significance
in the history of Azerbaijan. Since 2024, this date has been
observed in the country as State Sovereignty Day. The establishment
of this day is linked to pivotal events in Azerbaijan's modern
history. On September 19, 2024, President of Azerbaijan Ilham
Aliyev signed a decree on establishing State Sovereignty Day. The
choice of September 20 for this occasion is not coincidental; it
was on September 20, 2023, that the restoration of state
sovereignty across the entire territory of Azerbaijan was
secured.


A long and arduous history lies behind this day. Following the
restoration of its independence, one of the primary challenges
Azerbaijan faced was Armenia's military aggression and the
occupation of its territories. As a result of the conflict that
began in the early 1990s, a portion of Azerbaijan's internationally
recognized territory was occupied, leading to the displacement of
hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis from their native lands. The
years of occupation were marked by grave tragedies for the
Azerbaijani people; cities and villages were destroyed, and
historical and cultural heritage suffered severe damage. The
massacre committed in Khojaly, in particular, left an indelible
mark on the nation's memory as one of the most harrowing tragedies
of that era. Despite all this, Azerbaijan has long advocated for
and worked towards a peaceful resolution to the problem.
International organizations have also adopted resolutions
supporting Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. Four resolutions
adopted by the UN Security Council in 1993 demanded the withdrawal
of forces from the occupied territories and the resolution of the
conflict. However, for a long time, these decisions weren't
implemented; instead, they were disregarded.


As the years passed, the situation began to change. The 44-day
war, which began on September 27, 2020, marked a turning point in
Azerbaijan's modern history. As a result of the war, Azerbaijan
liberated its lands from occupation. A new situation emerged in the
region following the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020.
This process entered a new phase in September 2023. On September
19, Azerbaijan launched localized anti-terror measures in the
Karabakh economic region. The primary objective of the operation
was to neutralize illegal Armenian armed formations and restore
Azerbaijan's constitutional order. The operation lasted
approximately 23 hours and was halted on September 20. The
directives issued to ensure the safety of the civilian population
and prevent potential harm amidst military operations served as
evidence of the Azerbaijani side's commitment to humanitarian
considerations. The path leading to the 2023 anti-terror measures
was closely linked to events that unfolded in the period following
the 2020 Victory. The shifting situation in the region after the
44-day war and the subsequent securing of control over strategic
heights were aligned with the core tenets of Azerbaijan’s military
and diplomatic strategy. The Azerbaijani leadership simultaneously
conveyed its position to international partners through diplomatic
channels and strengthened its military capabilities to ensure
regional security. The diplomatic and military strategy implemented
by the President of Azerbaijan and Commander-in-Chief, Ilham
Aliyev, constituted a pivotal political and military aspect of this
process. Thus, a new phase regarding the restoration of state
sovereignty across the entire territory of Azerbaijan began on
September 20, 2023.


Sovereignty implies more than merely the existence of state
borders. The state's enforcement of its laws, exercise of
governance, and independent adoption of important decisions within
its territory are also key indicators of sovereignty. Observing
this day not only serves to commemorate the past but also conveys
an important message for the future. State independence and
sovereignty are among the fundamental pillars of any country. For
Azerbaijan, September 20 marks the point when state authority was
fully established across the entire territory of the country
following a long and complex historical process.


For the people of Azerbaijan, September 20 is not merely a day
to commemorate a historical event; it serves as a reminder of the
significance of independence, statehood, and national will. The
fact that the Azerbaijani flag now flies over lands once under
occupation, that people are returning to their homes, and that new
lives are being built in those areas represents the most vital
outcome of the journey traveled. This path demonstrates that a
state's strength is measured not only by its borders but also by
the commitment and faith the people living within those borders
have in their state.


Today signifies respect for Azerbaijan’s past, appreciation of
the present, and a sense of responsibility toward the country’s
future. This date is a crucial occasion for honoring the memory of
martyrs, upholding the values for which they sacrificed their
lives, and conveying the importance of state independence to future
generations. A new chapter has opened in the history of Azerbaijani
statehood, and the primary objective of this chapter is to
safeguard the sovereignty we have secured, further develop the
country, and bequeath a stronger Azerbaijan to future generations.
State Sovereignty Day will endure forever as a symbol of this very