Azernews.Az

Qabil Ashirov

Read more

Today is not only a significant day for Azerbaijan but also for the entire region and the broader post-Soviet space. November 17, which marks National Revival Day, symbolizes the uprising and defiance of a small nation that had endured over two centuries of assimilation policies, systematic attempts to erase its history, and pressures to abandon its national identity. This day represents a key moment in the Azerbaijani people’s path toward self-awareness, freedom, and statehood.

Looking back historically, 37 years ago, the Azerbaijani nation had reached the limits of its patience. Armenia, backed by the authoritarian remnants of the Russian empire, sought to annex Garabagh, an inseparable part of Azerbaijan. Until then, Azerbaijanis had not reacted decisively against the empire’s harsh policies. But on that day, the people said enough. They declared to the Kremlin and the world that they would not surrender a gram of their natural resources or a centimeter of their territory to any power, including Moscow.

The empire was unprepared for such defiance. The punitive response was swift and brutal. The Bloody January events of 1990, which claimed the lives of dozens of civilians, stand as the most tragic example. Yet, the nation did not falter. No death, no imprisonment, and no punishment could shake the Azerbaijani people’s resolve to preserve their national identity. Their awareness of their identity became the only weapon they wielded against tanks and rifles, a force that united and strengthened the nation.

Ultimately, the self-aware nation triumphed over tanks and firearms, achieving independence. It is worth noting with pride that Azerbaijan was the only former Soviet republic, alongside the three Baltic states, to remove Russian military bases from its territory by 1992. At the same time, it pursued a balanced foreign policy, neutralizing Russia’s influence and exercising fully independent political authority. Other former Soviet republics could not achieve this – Russian bases remain in their territories, and some still construct foreign policy under Moscow’s supervision, with Russia holding official status in several of them.

Azerbaijan’s success did not come without costs. The country lost 20% of its territory, and nearly one million people became refugees or internally displaced. In other words, one out of every seven citizens was uprooted. These challenges imposed a significant social and economic burden.

Even as the empire’s power lingered, it sought to exploit these social issues for its purposes. Many Russian media outlets and their mouthpieces within and outside Russia attempted to demonstrate the advantages of loyalty to Moscow. Yet, time proved that Azerbaijan chose the correct political path in the 1990s. Considering the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020 and a one-day counter-terrorism operation three years later, it is clear that Azerbaijan had not lost the “chess game” back then; it had merely lost the ‘queen’. Thirty years later, the nation has restored its territorial integrity. Thanks to the balance of national leader Heydar Aliyev in foreign policy, Azerbaijan continues to preserve its independence successfully.

Today, Azerbaijan is no longer a subordinate of Russia, Europe, America, and more. The country has become a regional hub for energy and transport. It is a partner, not a puppet, in international affairs. Thirty years ago, other republics chose loyalty to the empire, whereas Azerbaijan pursued independence. Events such as the 2008 conflict in Georgia, the 2014 annexation of Crimea, and the 2022 war in Ukraine all demonstrate that Azerbaijan made the correct choice. Even a Ukrainian official remarked after the 2014 Crimea crisis that “Ukraine is living Azerbaijan’s 1990s today,” a statement that confirms Azerbaijan’s foresight.

National Revival Day is not merely a remembrance of the past; it is also a celebration of Azerbaijan’s current and future achievements. It symbolizes national identity, statehood, and unity. On this day, Azerbaijanis reaffirm their commitment to protecting their independence and strengthening their nation.

Today, the Azerbaijani people both reflect on historical lessons and look to the future: consolidating their role as a regional center of stability and development, and acting as an independent and equal partner on the international stage. National Revival Day reminds us that freedom is never easily won, but with the people’s determination, unity, and resilience, no challenge is insurmountable.