ZANGILAN, Azerbaijan, August 2. The liberation of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur from occupation was not only the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity but also a historic event of major political significance that brought pride to the entire Turkic world, Deputy Speaker of Azerbaijan's Parliament Musa Gasimli said, Trend's correspondent reports from the event.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 7th Summer Camp of Diaspora Youth in Zangilan, Gasimli said young members of the Azerbaijani diaspora should have a deep understanding of the country's modern history and accurately present Azerbaijan's achievements in the countries where they live.
"You have witnessed two very different realities. On one side, there is the destruction, vandalism, and barbarism caused by the occupation; on the other, there is reconstruction, development, and the new reality created by the Azerbaijani people. It is important to understand this contrast and communicate it to the world," he said.
Gasimli argued that several events in Azerbaijan's modern history, including the 1920 occupation, the transfer of Zangezur to Armenia, and the establishment of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast, were decisions directed against Azerbaijan's statehood. "The main objective behind transferring Zangezur was to sever the overland connection between Türkiye and the Turkic world. The creation of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast was part of a long-term geopolitical strategy," he said.
According to Gasimli, the January 20, 1990 tragedy and the subsequent activities of National Leader Heydar Aliyev marked decisive stages in Azerbaijan's path toward independence.
He said Heydar Aliyev's return to power in 1993, at a time of deep political crisis, ensured the preservation of Azerbaijani statehood. "The Horadiz operation, the achievement of a ceasefire, and the signing of the 'Contract of the Century' laid the foundation for Azerbaijan's future development strategy. The progress we see in the country today is built on that far-sighted policy," he noted.
The deputy speaker stressed that Azerbaijan's victory in the 44-day Patriotic War was a milestone not only in the country's history but also in the history of the entire Turkic world. "The liberation of the occupied territories was not merely the liberation of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. It was an event that brought pride to the entire Turkic world and serves as an example of the restoration of justice and international law," he said.
Gasimli added that the victory was achieved not only through military strength but also through an effective political and diplomatic strategy. "It was the result of success on the military, diplomatic, and ideological fronts," he emphasized.
He also described the scale of reconstruction and restoration work in the liberated territories as one of the rarest examples in global practice. "It is difficult to find another country that has supported more than one million internally displaced persons with its own resources, won a war without external assistance, and then rebuilt its liberated territories entirely from the state budget. We are restoring not only infrastructure but also culture, science, education, and normal life," he said.
Concluding his remarks, Gasimli called on young members of the Azerbaijani diaspora to actively defend the country's national interests abroad. "Wherever you live or work, you must represent Azerbaijan, our state, and our flag with dignity. Responding to unfounded allegations and smear campaigns against Azerbaijan with facts is an important responsibility of every Azerbaijani, especially young people," he said.
