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It has been 9 years since the beginning of the April 2016 battles – the four-day war, which was a historical turning point in Azerbaijan’s struggle to restore its territorial integrity. In this war, the Azerbaijani Army, demonstrating its power, determination, and high fighting spirit, destroyed the myth of the “invincibility” of the Armenian armed forces and liberated part of our lands from 23 years of occupation.
The results of the April battles formed a strong belief in Azerbaijani society that if the political efforts of our head of state are not successful, our lands can be liberated from occupation by force. The Victory of our valiant servicemen in 2016 showed that the Armenian occupation is not eternal and that Azerbaijan is capable of restoring justice with its strength.
I would like to once again take special note of the tireless efforts and services of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, President Ilham Aliyev, in the successful implementation of this military operation. Under his leadership, in addition to implementing a clear and coordinated military operation, a powerful information campaign was carried out aimed at conveying to the world community the full truth about the causes of the conflict, the course of military operations, and the consequences of the occupation of Azerbaijani lands.
The April battles were an important stage that paved the way for the Great Victory in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020, when Azerbaijan finally restored its territorial integrity.
We bow to the blessed memory of the martyrs who gave their lives for the Motherland! Eternal love to our heroes! Long live strong and invincible Azerbaijan!
Azer Askerov
With joy and high spirits, we welcome the beloved Nowruz holiday, deeply rooted in the rich historical traditions of our people. As citizens of a victorious state, we take great pride in witnessing the revival of our liberated lands. New cities and villages are being built, our displaced compatriots are returning to their native homes, and reconstruction efforts continue across the country. The foundation of these achievements lies in our national unity and the strength of our state.
On this blessed day, we pay tribute to our heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our homeland. We extend our deepest sympathies to their families and wish a swift recovery to our veterans.
This year, the coincidence of Nowruz with the holy month of Ramadan further strengthens the spirit of mercy and kindness that defines this holiday. May Allah accept the fasting and prayers of all our believing brothers and sisters.
Congratulations to everyone on the occasion of Nowruz! May this holiday bring prosperity, happiness, and good health to every home and family.
Happy Nowruz!
Azer Askerov
are the unshakable foundation of family happiness
How good it is that there is such a special day! On March 8, we have the opportunity to express once again our respect and admiration for women, who are traditionally the most delicate part of humanity – our family members, colleagues, and friends. Sometimes, just sincere and kind words are enough for this.
Since ancient times, our people have had a tradition of showing respect and courtesy to women. In particular, our holy religion of Islam gives women high value and authority and protects their rights. Moreover, at the beginning of the last century, Azerbaijan went down in history as the first state in the East to grant women the right to vote. Even today, women in our society are surrounded by special attention and care.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude and admiration to all the women around us on this mysterious spring day. You are the heart and soul of the Azerbaijani family, the protectors of our hearts. Your wisdom, love, and patience are a strong foundation that protects our home, our culture, and our future.
From the day we came into the world, we have felt the warm breath of our mothers. Their prayers, advice, and inexhaustible care are a solid foundation that ensures the well-being of every family. Mothers are the bond that unites generations. The ability to preserve customs and traditions, to pass on the secrets of our hospitality, and the wisdom of our ancestors from generation to generation make them true heroes of our people.
The role of a spouse in the fate of an Azerbaijani man is irreplaceable. They are not only beloved life companions, but also colleagues, support for each other in difficult times, and a source of joy in happy days. Next to our spouse, we find strength in ourselves to move forward, because we know that understanding, comfort, and support await us at home.
Sisters, daughters, and grandchildren… You are our pride and hope. Our future is reflected in your smile. You can combine modernity with millennial values and remain true to your roots. Your energy, intelligence, and kindness inspire us to be better every day.
A woman has always held a special place in our traditions – she is a symbol of beauty, nobility, loyalty, and creativity. We are grateful to you for making our world kinder and our lives more meaningful with your hard work, generosity, and devotion.
Happy holiday! We wish you good health, happiness, well-being, and prosperity! May your families always live in peace, and the native land of Azerbaijan be proud of you – just as we are proud of you!
Azer Askerov
Bismillahir-rahmanir-rahim!
I congratulate all my Muslim sisters and brothers on the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan!
Our Holy Quran, which guides people to the right path and clearly declares the separation of right from wrong, was revealed in this month.
Fasting is obligatory in the month of Ramadan, when prayers and deeds are accepted in the presence of Allah Almighty. Fasting purifies us both physically and spiritually, and brings many rewards to every believing Muslim.
Today, we welcome Ramadan with joy and pride as the children of a victorious nation. Our lands liberated from occupation are flourishing, and our compatriots whose forced displacement has ended are returning to their native lands.
We are grateful to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Mr. President Ilham Aliyev, and the glorious Azerbaijani Army, who granted us this magnificent Victory and Great Return. We wish God’s mercy to our heroes who witnessed for the freedom of our homeland and the sovereignty of our state, patience to their families, and healing and health to our veterans.
In the upcoming month of Ramadan, we will also celebrate the dear holiday of our people, the symbol of the reawakening of nature – Novruz. In these blessed days, our wish and desire from the Most Gracious and Most Merciful God is for our people to live in peace and prosperity, and for our state to increase its strength and power.
May God accept our fasting and worship, and answer our prayers!
May Allah grant us peace and blessings!
Azer Askerov
The genocide committed against the local Azerbaijani population by the Armenian armed forces, with the participation of the 366th motorized rifle regiment of Russia, during the occupation of the city of Khojaly on the night of February 25-26, 1992, has been recorded in the history of mankind as one of the most serious crimes. I recall the words of the Honorable President, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, who spoke at a meeting with the residents of Khojaly in February of last year: “Khojaly has such a great place in the history and consciousness of the Azerbaijani people that this tragedy has inflicted such great wounds on our hearts that we could not calm down until Khojaly was liberated.”
Thanks to the determination of our head of state and the bravery of our glorious Army, Khojaly was liberated as a result of the anti-terrorist operation conducted on September 19-20, 2023. We also hear the footsteps of the Great Return in this land, which is dear and sacred to our people. The return of Khojaly residents, who have been displaced for more than thirty years, has begun. The Azerbaijani state is restoring the city of Khojaly. Houses are being renovated at a high level and returned to their owners.
The foundation of the Genocide Memorial has been laid in the rebuilt and improved Khojaly. The memorial is being created by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which has made significant contributions to the world’s awareness of the Khojaly genocide.
Today, the souls of the victims of the Khojaly genocide are happy. The heroic sons of Azerbaijan took their revenge on the battlefield. On the 33rd anniversary of this genocide, which our people will never forget, I respectfully commemorate the memory of all our martyrs, and I wish the Almighty God mercy on them and patience for their loved ones and relatives.
We are in Khojaly again!
Karabakh is Azerbaijan!
Azer Askerov
January 20, 1990 will forever remain one of the most tragic pages in the history of Azerbaijan. Black January… This is how the Azerbaijani people, faced with unprecedented cruelty and injustice, but demonstrating incredible moral strength and determination to restore justice, stood up to the armed forces.
On the night of January 20, hundreds of tanks and armored personnel carriers entered Baku, destroying everything in their path. Armed soldiers opened fire on unarmed people, including the elderly, women, and children. As a result of the bloody military intervention in the Azerbaijani capital, more than 140 people were killed, hundreds were injured, and there were missing. Those who fell under the bullets were not only those who were trying to defend their lands, but also those who happened to be on the streets of the city at that time, those who were walking or driving home, or simply looking out of the window of their apartment… This tragedy did not bypass our family. My 39-year-old uncle Shamsaddin Orujov lost his life from a bullet wound he received while looking out the window of his house, he became a martyr.
On Black January, the Soviet Army, receiving orders from the central leadership of the USSR, intervened militarily not only in Baku, but also in other regions of the republic. Officially, this was justified by the “need to suppress mass unrest and prevent interethnic conflicts.” However, in reality, the military intervention led to the mass killing of civilians who demanded the establishment of justice, the protection of their rights, and the restoration of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
This tragedy caused deep sadness and anger not only in Azerbaijan, but throughout the world. The incident once again demonstrated the readiness of the Soviet government, represented by the hated Gorbachev and his gang, to resort to any kind of cruelty to suppress the people’s struggle for freedom. However, Black January was a turning point in the history of Azerbaijan. This tragedy further strengthened the people’s determination to fight for their independence and national identity.
The memory of the victims of the January 20 tragedy, which is of exceptional importance for the preservation of our unity, independence, and national dignity, lives forever in the memory of our people. Their sacrifice is unforgettable. An independent and prosperous Azerbaijan is the best proof that the struggle for the ideals of freedom and justice, despite all obstacles and trials, will result in victory.
May God have mercy on our martyrs!
Azer Asgarov
Starting the New Year with a demonstration of unity and solidarity has become a good tradition for Azerbaijanis worldwide for over thirty years. The formalization of this tradition is associated with the name of the great leader Heydar Aliyev, and our people always remember his memory with deep respect.
Our solidarity gives us the strength to realize our national ideals. The liberation of our lands from occupation by our brave army under the leadership of the Honorable President, the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and the full restoration of the territorial integrity and state sovereignty of our country are clear expressions of this. The whole world now knows us as a victorious people, a victorious state.
The year 2024, which we have set out, has also been largely successful for our country and people. Our achievements and development are sustainable. This is evident in all areas: from the economy to sports, everywhere…
We can support each other both in our good days and in our difficult moments. We shared the pain of the plane crash that occurred a few days ago and resulted in numerous casualties. The fact that, by the Decree of the President, three deceased members of the professional and brave crew of the plane were awarded the honorary title of National Hero of Azerbaijan, and two of them were awarded the Order of “Rashadat” is a great consolation for each of us. I once again wish God’s mercy to the pilots and passengers who lost their lives in the accident and healing to the wounded.
Of course, such extraordinary events can never make us pessimistic! The state and people of Azerbaijan believe and trust in their strength!
In 2025, we are waiting for happy days full of joy, victory, and progress. It is the 30th anniversary of the Basic Law of our independent state—our Constitution—and the 5th anniversary of our magnificent Karabakh victory. By the Decree of the President, 2025 was declared the “Year of Constitution and Sovereignty” in Azerbaijan. As stated in the decree, today, Azerbaijan continues its independent policy more courageously and with principle, confidently moving towards the strategic goals ahead.
I congratulate everyone on December 31, the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis, and the arrival of the new year – 2025. I wish happiness, prosperity, and abundant sustenance to every home and family!
Happy New Year!
Azer Askerov
November 8—We celebrate Victory Day with pride and joy. The fourth anniversary of our great victory over the invading army of Armenia is ending. This victory won in the 44-day Patriotic War, is forever engraved in the modern history of Azerbaijan. It allowed us to return our occupied lands and restore the sovereignty of our country after nearly thirty years.
This is not just a victory in the military sense – it is primarily a historical event marked by the celebration of justice and truth as a result of the titanic efforts of the President of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev on the world’s political platforms. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Azerbaijan Armed Forces Muzaffar led the country towards the goal he set for himself with confidence and determination: the return of our historical lands, the return of internally displaced persons to their homes. The foundation of today and our future was laid on the wise leadership of Mr. President, and the courage and professionalism of our Armed Forces. The success of the Azerbaijan Army would be impossible without the hope and confidence of the people, who unanimously support the country’s leadership policy and efforts to restore justice.
Our glorious army is constantly being modernized and improved. Of course, it should be, because the enemy is cunning. We know that revenge plans are being prepared in Armenia. Our victory thwarted the efforts of those who wanted to achieve their infamous political goals by ignoring calls for peace, sowing seeds of hatred and enmity between the two peoples, reigniting the war, and shedding blood again, using the aggressive mood of Armenian separatism and the Armenian society sitting abroad.
The people of Azerbaijan stand firmly in the position of peace and stability. But we will never forget the unfair attitude of the world’s political institutions, which should give a legal assessment to the occupation of Karabakh by the Armed Forces of Armenia and restrain the aggressor; how many lives the war took, caused destruction, pain, and bereavement to our people… May Victory Day always remind us of the sacrifices we made to live free and safe in our native land.
Happy holiday!
Azer Askerov
Judo players celebrate this day, October 28, as the most significant day and holiday. Jigaro Kano, the creator of judo, great master, educator, and scientist, was born in Japan in 1860. As a person who made an incomparable contribution to the world of martial arts, his memory is dear and unforgettable to everyone who puts on judoka and steps on the tatami.
Judo has a history in Azerbaijan, and like the fate of thousands of our compatriots, this sport has an unparalleled role in my life. On this significant day, we remember with respect and honor the persons who have rendered important services in the creation and development of judo in our country. Some have attained the truth and are in our ranks today.
I am fortunate to have learned the secrets of judo from one of those people – an honored physical education and sportsman, knight of the “Glory” and 1st class “For Service to the Fatherland” orders, my dear teacher Tarlan Hasanov. I still meet him every time. He is valuable to me.
Azerbaijani judo pleases us with its remarkable achievements. The names of our four Olympic champions – Nazim Huseynov, Elnur Mammadli, Hidayat Heydarov and Zelim Kotsoyev, as well as our Olympic medalists Rustam Orujov, Elmar Gasimov, Mevlud Miraliyev, our two-time Paralympic champion Ilham Zakiyev, Paralympic champion Ramil Gasimov, and our world and European champions have a special place in our country’s sports history.
Azerbaijan is a world-class sports country that hosts the most prestigious judo competitions. The 2018 world championship was held in Baku, and in 2026, our capital will again host world judokas.
The state cares for the development of judo in our country, the Honorable President, the President of the National Olympic Committee, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, like other sports, constantly supports judo and judo players.
I am proud of the achievements of the “Judo Club 2012” sports club, which I founded as a member of the Azerbaijani judo family. Our club operates sections for all age groups, and necessary conditions have been created for the Azerbaijan Judo Veterans Association members. In our activities, we constantly feel the attention and concern of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, its management, and the Executive Committee.
There is a lot to write and talk about Azerbaijani judo on this significant day. Maybe not enough to fit in a book… However, this is a holiday greeting and I convey my heart to all judo lovers and say: Happy World Judo Day! I wish everyone a healthy and long life, joy, and victory!
Azer Askerov
