September 27 holds a special place in Azerbaijan’s modern history. On this day in 2020, in response to another military provocation by the armed forces of Armenia, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan launched countermeasures. These measures were undertaken to prevent Armenia’s military aggression and ensure the safety of the civilian population, marking the beginning of the 44-day Patriotic War.

The Patriotic War brought an end to the decades-long occupation and created the conditions for the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and the fundamental rights of nearly one million Azerbaijanis. The war, which lasted from September 27 to November 10, 2020, is remembered by the Azerbaijani people both for the historic Victory and for the heavy losses it entailed. A total of 2,908 Azerbaijani servicemen were killed. Numerous military personnel and civilians were wounded, settlements came under fire, and civilian casualties were recorded during the war. These losses have left a profound and painful mark on Azerbaijan’s modern history.

By a Presidential Order of the Republic of Azerbaijan, September 27 is commemorated annually as Remembrance Day. It is a day on which the memory of all those who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland is honoured with deep respect. At the same time, September 27 has gone down in history as a symbol of the nation’s determination and spirit of struggle, as well as the political and military will of the state.

The Patriotic War was not limited to military operations; it also became a manifestation of national unity, popular resolve and Azerbaijan’s position based on international law. The 44-day war brought an end to Armenia’s nearly three decades-long policy of occupation and aggression. The Azerbaijani Army liberated a significant part of the territories that had remained under occupation and secured the implementation of the resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council in 1993, which demanded the withdrawal of forces from the occupied territories.

As a result of the war, a trilateral statement was signed on November 10, 2020, bringing military operations to an end. Azerbaijan’s Victory resulted in a transformation of the existing political and security realities in the region.

The end of the occupation also brought to light the consequences of activities carried out in the liberated territories over many years. These included extensive mine contamination, the destruction of settlements and infrastructure, damage to historical, cultural and religious heritage, as well as issues related to the exploitation of natural resources.

Key Outcomes

The results achieved by Azerbaijan extended beyond the military sphere, producing significant political, diplomatic and social consequences. The restoration of the country’s territorial integrity created a new political reality in the region. Following the local counter-tererrorism measures conducted in September 2023, Azerbaijan restored its sovereignty throughout its entire territory.

Following the war, Azerbaijan declared its readiness to establish a new stage in relations with Armenia and put forward principles based on the mutual recognition of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.

The next important milestone in this process came on August 8, 2025, in Washington. In the presence of the United States as a witness, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a Joint Declaration. During the meeting, the text of the Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia was initialled. These developments represented an important stage towards the normalization of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations and the closing of the chapter of the long-standing conflict.

Ensuring lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus creates new opportunities not only for the countries of the region, but also for expanding connectivity and cooperation with Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Azerbaijan has stated its support for developing regional cooperation on the basis of mutual trust, security and pragmatism.

A New Stage – the Great Return

The post-war period marked the beginning of a new chapter for Azerbaijan. One of the state’s principal priorities is the reconstruction of the liberated territories and the safe and dignified return of hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

Large-scale reconstruction projects are being implemented in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur based on modern approaches. Under the Great Return Programme, more than 90,000 people are already living, working and receiving education in the liberated territories.

Without delay, Azerbaijan launched efforts to transform territories that had remained neglected during the occupation into smart cities and smart villages, construct new roads and airports, bring agricultural areas back into use, and establish modern infrastructure. The restoration of historical monuments, reconstruction of cities and development of new transport routes are also key components of this process.

Economic Development and Energy Policy

Economic development is one of the key pillars of Azerbaijan’s Great Return and post-war reconstruction efforts. The country’s energy policy, participation in major international projects and efforts to diversify the economy have expanded its economic potential. In recent years, alongside the growth of non-oil exports, new initiatives have been launched in agriculture, tourism and industry.

The economic zones established in the liberated territories are expected to become major centres of regional development in the years ahead. Domestic resources, alongside the capabilities of international financial institutions, are being mobilised to finance reconstruction and development projects.

Azerbaijan continues to play an active role in international projects involving both conventional energy resources and renewable energy. In Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur, projects are being implemented to harness renewable energy potential, develop smart infrastructure and improve energy efficiency. Azerbaijan plans to significantly increase the share of renewable sources in its energy production by 2030.

Azerbaijan currently supplies natural gas to 16 countries. Its energy projects not only strengthen the country’s energy security, but also contribute to the development of regional connectivity and expand Azerbaijan’s role in European energy markets.

A Strategic Hub

Azerbaijan’s advantageous geographic location enables it to play an important role in regional economic and transport connectivity. The volume of cargo transported along the Middle Corridor continues to grow. The implementation of projects related to the Zangezur Corridor could further expand the region’s transport and logistics potential in the future.

Modern infrastructure developed in Azerbaijan, including the Port of Baku, the Alat Free Economic Zone and the country’s railway network, is strengthening its access to global markets. Special economic zones supported by modern transport and digital infrastructure are creating new opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, digital services and high-value-added agriculture.

From a Historic Milestone to the Future

The Patriotic War, which began on 27 September, marked a new stage in Azerbaijan’s modern history. Its aftermath was followed by the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity, the subsequent establishment of full sovereignty, the reconstruction of the liberated territories and the launch of the Great Return.

Today, 27 September is not only a date commemorating events of the past. It is a day to honour the memory of the martyrs who lost their lives in the defence of Azerbaijan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to pay tribute to their sacrifice. At the same time, the date serves as a reminder of the responsibility to look to the future, preserve the achievements that have been secured, continue the reconstruction of the liberated territories and work towards peace.

For every Azerbaijani, 27 September is a day to remember the cherished memory of the martyrs and honour their sacrifice for the homeland. It is also a day that underscores the responsibility to build a more peaceful, prosperous and secure Azerbaijan for future generations.