Baku, September 21, 2026 – The Europe Today: A series of events has been held across all branches of the Azerbaijan Army, including army corps, formations, military units, the Combined Arms Army and specialised military educational institutions, to mark September 20, State Sovereignty Day, the Ministry of Defense told AZERTAC.
The events began with tributes to National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was also performed.
During the ceremonies, a congratulatory message from Minister of Defense Colonel General Zakir Hasanov was conveyed to military personnel.
Speakers emphasized that state sovereignty is one of the fundamental foundations of an independent state. They recalled that, under an order signed by President Ilham Aliyev on September 19, 2024, September 20 is observed annually in Azerbaijan as State Sovereignty Day.
The speakers also highlighted the implementation of Heydar Aliyev’s vision for Azerbaijan’s future under President Ilham Aliyev, describing him as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and successor to the National Leader’s political legacy.
The events also addressed the significance of the 2020 Patriotic War and subsequent military operations, which participants described as important developments in the context of peace, stability and security in the South Caucasus.
It was noted that State Sovereignty Day symbolizes the Azerbaijani people’s longstanding aspirations for independence, the restoration of constitutional order throughout the country and the strengthening of national solidarity.
As part of the commemorative events, Azerbaijan Army personnel visited the graves of martyrs, laid flowers and paid tribute to their memory.
