Category: Azer News

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has extended its congratulations to the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of November 8 – Victory Day, marking the fifth anniversary of Azerbaijan’s triumph in the Patriotic War, Azernews reports.

The message was shared on the ministry’s official ‘X’ account, expressing Trkiye’s solidarity and deep respect for Azerbaijan’s national pride and sacrifice.

“We congratulate the fifth anniversary of the victory won by the Azerbaijani people with determination and heroism, and we commemorate with respect and mercy all the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the homeland,” the post read.

Azerbaycan halkinin azim ve kahramanlikla kazandigi zaferin besinci yildönmn kutluyor, vatan topragi ugruna canlarini feda eden tm kahramanlari saygi ve rahmetle aniyoruz. pic.twitter.com/Y6OdB2ZNGI

On Victory Day, the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and a group of military personnel of the Azerbaijani Army paid tribute to the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland, Azernews reports.

The Ministry of Defense released information regarding the commemorative event.

The ministry’s leadership laid bouquets of roses at the monument to the Great Leader on the Alley of Honor, honoring his memory. The grave of the prominent ophthalmologist and academician Zarifa Aliyeva was also visited, and flowers were laid in her remembrance.

Later, military personnel visited the Alley of Martyrs, where they placed bouquets of roses on the graves of the fallen heroes and at the ‘Eternal Flame’ monument.

The leadership and personnel of the Ministry of Defense also visited the Military Memorial Cemetery. The ceremony began with the performance of the National Anthem by a military orchestra, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs. Wreaths were laid on their graves as a sign of respect and gratitude.

Minister of Defense Colonel General Zakir Hasanov met with the families and relatives of the martyrs, listening to their concerns and offering support. The families expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev, First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, and the leadership of the Ministry of Defense for the attention and care shown to them.

‘Today, my heart is filled with pride. Because I see here the strong Azerbaijani people celebrating a magnificent event with great enthusiasm and patriotic passion,’ Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif stated during his speech at the military parade dedicated to the fifth anniversary of the Victory in the Patriotic War, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva visited the Victory Monument in Baku and participated in the inauguration of the Victory Museum, Azernews reports.

President Ilham Aliyev placed a wreath in front of the Victory Monument and paid tribute to the martyrs.

First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva placed flower bouquets in front of the monument.

The head of state and the First Lady then attended the opening of the Victory Museum.

The Victory Museum was established in accordance with President Ilham Aliyev’s Order of December 2020 on the creation of a Patriotic War Memorial Complex and Victory Museum in Baku, to showcase the unparalleled heroism of the Azerbaijani people in the Patriotic War and the glorious Victory achieved, as well as to immortalize the dear memory of our martyrs.

The museum’s exposition was developed based on international experience and existing global museum concepts, incorporating the latest technologies. Eight exhibition halls were created: ‘Karabakh and East Zangezur. Story of Centuries,’ ‘Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict. Historical Overview,’ ’44-Day Patriotic War. ‘Iron Fist’ Operation,’ ‘Glorious Victory. Liberation of Shusha,’ ‘Path of Heroes,’ ‘Karabakh is Azerbaijan!,’ ‘Restoration of State Sovereignty. 20.09.2023,’ ‘Karabakh and East Zangezur. Revival.’

Presented facts, photo and video materials, interactive displays, and exhibits and models specially prepared for the museum convey comprehensive information about the conflict, the course of the 44-day Patriotic War, and the restoration of state sovereignty as a result of the glorious Victory, while allowing visitors to relive these events.

At the museum entrance, the ‘Iron Fist’ installation-symbol of the historic Victory-and thoughts from the speech of Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief President Ilham Aliyev are featured. On the wall surrounding the museum, the names of our heroic martyrs from the 44-day Patriotic War are engraved as a sign of respect. The flowing water along the wall symbolizes that our martyrs, through their heroism, achieved immortality and live eternally in our hearts. In the exhibition halls, the names of martyrs fallen in Karabakh before and after Victory Day are displayed.

The first hall, ‘Karabakh and East Zangezur. Story of Centuries,’ presents the natural beauty of Karabakh-the cradle of Azerbaijani culture-and its architectural richness. Book installations on the walls provide extensive information on National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s contributions to the region’s socio-economic development.

Interactive books in the center allow close acquaintance with Karabakh’s nature, literary heritage, music, and folk art, while conveying information about prominent figures who left marks in statehood, military, literature, and arts.

The ‘Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict. Historical Overview’ hall reflects painful and unforgettable pages of the Karabakh conflict, including its chronology, the consistent policy of the National Leader and the head of state leading to liberation of territories, and the peace process. The hall provides extensive information on refugees and internally displaced persons, conflict victims, as well as monuments, mosques, and national heritage damaged by Armenians during the occupation..

An installation dedicated to buildings destroyed and settlements razed during occupation-a ruined house with a tree rising from its remnants-symbolizes life’s revival.

The third hall, ’44-Day Patriotic War. ‘Iron Fist’ Operation,’ reflects the heroic struggle for liberation of Azerbaijani lands. Central LED monitors with AI-generated videos immerse visitors in the 44 days of battles, presenting combat operations, military achievements, and Armenian armed forces’ attacks on civilians. Holographic screens display modern military equipment in 3D. Interactive maps sequentially show stages of operations in liberated territories. This hall features flags of Azerbaijani Armed Forces branches with exceptional merits in the Victory, models of special forces, and several Decrees and Orders of the President related to the Patriotic War and Victory.

The fourth hall, ‘Glorious Victory. Liberation of Shusha,’ presents the operation holding special place in Azerbaijani military history, executed with unparalleled tactical skill. Special forces liberated Shusha without heavy artillery, displaying great heroism. A central Shusha model reflects the battlefield; interactive monitors allow sequential tracking of the operation and key tactical moments. Another monitor shows monuments destroyed in the city during the war. The screen displays the emotional journey of the glorious Victory path, reflecting Shusha’s liberation and the valor of Azerbaijani soldiers.

The ‘Path of Heroes’ hall, dedicated to the bravery, dedication, and indomitable will of Azerbaijani soldiers and officers, allows visitors to feel the spirit of the struggle. Samples of orders and medals awarded to Patriotic War heroes are exhibited. The corridor-like ‘Path of Heroes’ leads to the next hall symbolizing national unity and victory joy.

The next hall, ‘Karabakh is Azerbaijan!,’ reflects Victory Day – turned into a national holiday – and nationwide joy. At the center is a Murano glass installation of the Kharibulbul flower, symbol of the glorious Victory and Karabakh’s revival. Bright lights and colors create a festive atmosphere; visual effects enhance feelings of joy and pride. Large screens show proud and joyful moments ending 30 years of longing.

The seventh hall, ‘Restoration of State Sovereignty. 20.09.2023,’ is dedicated to restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty. A map installation demonstrates complete liberation of Karabakh and East Zangezur, marking a new era in Azerbaijani history.

The final hall, ‘Karabakh and East Zangezur. Revival,’ focuses on Karabakh’s restoration and future development. A central installation conveys messages about Karabakh’s bright future in the voices of our heroic martyrs’ children. Three illuminated passages reflect restoration, ecotourism, and development, showcasing region rebuilding activities. Models of culture, education, and infrastructure projects are presented in each. Interactive screens animate Karabakh’s natural beauty and ongoing restoration. This space expresses Karabakh’s revival, sustainable development, and confidence in the future.

At the exhibition exit, the ‘Talking Photos’ section features photos reflecting the Victory’s story and spirit. A memory book is provided for guests.

The museum also includes an Auditorium hall, library, and cafe. The Auditorium is intended for seminars, conferences, and public events. The library presents books and research materials on Azerbaijani history, cultural heritage, the past Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, and Karabakh’s restoration and development. In the future, materials on each martyr and documentaries about Patriotic War heroes will be added to the museum’s database.

The Victory Museum, surrounding Victory Park, and Victory Arch at the park entrance preserve the 44-day Patriotic War etched in Azerbaijani history, the glorious Victory, and the dear memory of heroic martyrs, reviving this proud history in every visitor’s memory.

The Victory Museum will be open to visitors starting November 9.

The U.S. Treasury Department and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) have officially removed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from the list of ‘Specially Designated Global Terrorists’ (SDGT) as part of President Donald Trump’s latest changes to Washington’s Syria policy, Azernews reports.

The move marks a significant recalibration of the U.S. stance toward Damascus.

In parallel, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted a resolution to lift certain sanctions previously imposed on al-Sharaa and several other individuals at the initiative of the United States. The resolution passed with 14 votes in favor and China abstaining, reflecting broad international support for the gradual normalization of relations with Syria.

The decision is viewed as a crucial step toward the international reintegration of the Syrian leadership, signaling a possible new phase in post-conflict diplomacy and regional engagement with Damascus.

Baku marked the 5th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Patriotic War victory with a large-scale military parade, introducing a new branch of unmanned systems troops, Azernews reports.

The parade formation was led by Colonel Adem Huseynov, a recipient of the ‘For Service to the Fatherland’ order.

To note, the first military parade celebrating the Victory in the Patriotic War was held in 2020, while the 2023 parade took place in Khankendi.

On November 8, Azerbaijan commemorates one of the most glorious chapters in its modern history – Victory Day, marking the liberation of Shusha and the decisive turning point in the 2020 Patriotic War. This day is not merely a military milestone; it is a symbol of national resilience, unity, and the restoration of dignity after decades of occupation. For nearly 30 years, the city of Shusha, the cultural heart of Azerbaijan, remained under Armenian occupation following the First Garabagh War. Its loss in 1992 was a deep wound in the Azerbaijani national psyche. Shusha was not just a strategic stronghold; it was the cradle of Azerbaijani music, poetry, and intellectual life. Its occupation was felt as a spiritual loss, a silencing of the nation’s voice.

But on November 8, 2020, that silence was broken.

After 44 days of intense combat, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces achieved what many had thought impossible. In a daring and complex operation, Azerbaijani troops scaled the cliffs and forests surrounding Shusha, engaging in close-quarters combat to reclaim the city. The liberation of Shusha was announced by President Ilham Aliyev in a historic televised address, his voice trembling with emotion as he declared: ‘Shusha is ours! Garabagh is ours!’ This victory was not just military; it was moral, cultural, and political. It marked the collapse of the Armenian occupation and separatist regime in Garabagh and led directly to the signing of the trilateral ceasefire agreement on November 10, brokered by Moscow. Under this agreement, Armenia agreed to withdraw from the remaining occupied territories, effectively ending the conflict and partially restoring Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

A homeland is not liberated easily; this was only the beginning of a great struggle. After that, even more pressure, unfair accusations, and hybrid threats awaited Azerbaijan. Such smear campaigns in the international arena came close to labelling Azerbaijan as an aggressor, just like the saying, ‘the thief shouts so loudly that the innocent suffers.’

In the face of all these pressures, the Azerbaijani people stood firmly behind their Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Loyalty to the homeland is a duty of conscience, and every citizen fulfilled that duty as a matter of honour. During the Patriotic War, the unity and solidarity of the people, as strong as a clenched fist, once again proved the unshakeable nature of the national spirit.

Victory Day was officially established by presidential decree in December 2020. Since then, November 8 has become a day of national pride, celebrated with military parades, cultural events, and solemn tributes to the martyrs who gave their lives for the homeland. In Baku and across the liberated territories, the Azerbaijani flag flies high, a testament to the sacrifices made and the justice restored.

The 2020 war, often referred to as the Second Garabagh War or the Patriotic War, was a watershed moment for Azerbaijan. It demonstrated the strength of the Azerbaijani military, the effectiveness of its modern warfare capabilities, including drones and precision strikes, and the unbreakable will of its people. It also reshaped regional geopolitics, affirming Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and altering the balance of power in the South Caucasus. But beyond the battlefield, November 8 represents something deeper: the rebirth of a nation. It is a day when Azerbaijanis remember their history, honor their heroes, and look forward to a future built on unity and strength. The liberation of Shusha has sparked a cultural renaissance, with music festivals, restoration projects, and the return of displaced families breathing life back into the city.

November 8 is not just a date, but it is a heartbeat. It is the pulse of a nation that refused to surrender, that rose from the ashes of occupation and reclaimed its rightful place. It is the voice of mugham echoing through the streets of Shusha once again. It is the prayer of a mother, the pride of a soldier, the dream of a child born into peace.

As Azerbaijan continues to rebuild and reintegrate its liberated territories, Victory Day serves as a reminder of what was achieved and what must be protected. It is a call to vigilance, to unity, and to the enduring spirit of a people who have proven that justice, once delayed, can still be delivered.

A monumental complex built by the Maya around 3,000 years ago was modeled on a map of the cosmos, new fieldwork has revealed, according to Science Alert, Azernews reports, citing Azertag.

A detailed survey of the Aguada Fénix site reveals that not only was the monument significantly larger than initial surveys suggested – laid out in the shape of a cross with axes measuring 9 and 7.5 kilometers (5.6 and 4.7 miles) – but it was also designed as a cosmogram, an architecture symbolizing the cosmos.

What’s even more remarkable about the structure is that the site contains none of the trappings of social inequality, such as elite residences or sculptures of rulers.

This strongly implies that egalitarian cultures were capable of monumental building works without the application of coercive force through a stratified social hierarchy ruled by a king.

The discovery of Aguada Fénix by way of LIDAR surveys, in the Mexican state of Tabasco near the Gulf of Mexico, was fascinating for a number of reasons.

The first was its size; it was the largest Maya site ever found, even going by the more modest initial estimate of 1.4 kilometers along its longest axis. And it wasn’t hidden in the forest, as so many lost Mesoamerican, Central American, and South American structures are, but under a populated area. Plus, there was the aforementioned lack of evidence for social hierarchy.

Now, a team of archaeologists led by Takeshi Inomata of the University of Arizona has conducted additional LIDAR operations, fieldwork, and excavations. They discovered that Aguada Fénix is far more extensive and complex – not just in its physical scope, but also in what it can reveal about the people who built it between 1050 and 700 BCE.

“Along with the appeals of collective ceremonies, feasting, and the exchange of goods, the construction of a cosmogram, materializing the order of the Universe, likely provided a rationale for a large number of people to participate without coercive force,” the researchers write in their paper.

“The development of Aguada Fénix exemplifies the capabilities of human organization without prominent inequality, but it also hints at the challenges that earlier builders faced.”

The layout of the monument, the researchers found, is a sort of nested cross, with long axes leading to the monument’s hub. That hub, located on an artificial plateau, contains two nested cross-shaped pits at its center.

The long axes each consisted of a corridor and a pair of causeways, with the corridor dug into the ground and the causeways built up above ground on either side of it. The longest corridor, extending towards the northwest, measures 6.3 kilometers. The researchers speculate that these may have been used for ritual processions in and out of the ceremonial center of the monument.

Around the western axis, where the structure crosses Laguna Naranjito, the builders began work on a system of canals that may have reflected the ritual importance of water. These canals were left unfinished, suggesting that the builders ran into limitations, both in their skills and their ability to organize the construcIt’s the ceremonial center of Aguada Fénix on the Main Plateau that yielded some of the most fascinating treasures of the dig. Right at the center of the nested cross pits, the archaeologists found deposits of pigment in a special cache, placed in a directional order. Blue azurite pigment was placed at the north; green malachite to the east; and yellow ochre containing goethite to the south.

On November 8, 2025, Baku staged more than a parade; it staged a message. The city’s Azadliq Square, already hallowed by victory commemorations, became a tableau of deterrence and renewal as the Azerbaijani Armed Forces rolled out systems that tell a clear strategic story: this is an army intent on modernizing decisively and fast. Among the polished rows of vehicles and the thunder of military bands, one system drew every camera and every whispered question in equal measure – the Serbian-made Nora B-52 155 mm self-propelled howitzer, finally visible in Azerbaijani service.

For the past five years, since the 2020 Patriotic War, Azerbaijan has pursued a deliberate programme of force transformation. The parade was less a spectacle for spectators than a report card for that effort: new sensors, new munitions, new strike ranges.

Azerbaijan is determined to expand cooperation with Nepal in a number of important areas and exchange experiences in the fields of public administration and infrastructure development, Azernews reports.

This was stated in an article written by Azerbaijani Ambassador to Nepal Elchin Huseynli for Nepal Khabar.

The diplomat recalled that on November 8, Azerbaijan celebrates the fifth anniversary of its victory in the 44-day Patriotic War. ‘In just 44 days, more than 300 settlements were liberated, including the city of Shusha, the cradle of Azerbaijani culture,’ he noted.

The ambassador emphasized that immediately after the war, Azerbaijan began large-scale demining and reconstruction work in the liberated territories, focusing on creating safe conditions for the return of internally displaced persons within the framework of the Great Return program.

‘Despite its victory on the battlefield, already in November 2020, Azerbaijan came up with a peace initiative in the region and declared that its vision and approach are based on sustainable peacebuilding,’ the article states.

E. Huseynli highlighted that ‘intensive negotiations led to the historic meeting of the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington on August 8, 2025, where both sides signed a Joint Declaration with the participation of the US President.’

According to the ambassador, the new geopolitical reality created by Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus opens new opportunities for broader economic cooperation with South Asian countries, including Nepal.

He added that as a leading political and economic force in the region, ‘Azerbaijan has recently intensified bilateral relations with Nepal; for many years, the two countries have been successfully cooperating in multilateral formats such as the UN and the Non-Aligned Movement.’ He also reminded that Nepal was among the countries that officially welcomed the results of the Washington Agreements on August 8, 2025.

‘On this significant day – the fifth anniversary of the Victory, which laid the foundation for a new era of peace and prosperity – Azerbaijan is more than ever ready to expand pragmatic cooperation with Nepal, including in public administration, infrastructure development, institutional modernization, digital innovations, energy transition, education, and other areas of experience exchange,’ Huseynli concluded.