Marking the fifth anniversary of the Karabakh Victory, Prof. Ebulfez Süleymanlı emphasized that this historic day is not merely a military triumph but also a “rebirth” for the Azerbaijani people and a tangible epic written on the battlefield that symbolizes the unbreakable brotherhood between Türkiye and Azerbaijan.
Highlighting the deep meaning of Victory Day for the Azerbaijani nation, Prof. Süleymanlı said, “The Karabakh Victory is a concrete manifestation of the Türkiye–Azerbaijan brotherhood.”
He also noted that for the future of the Turkic world, it is crucial to strengthen not only military and political achievements but also lasting cooperation in science, education, and culture, adding, “Üsküdar University contributes to cultural unity through its projects in digital transformation, psychology, sociology, and engineering aimed at the youth of the Turkic world.”
Prof. Ebulfez Süleymanlı from Üsküdar University’s Department of Sociology shared his reflections on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the Karabakh Victory.
The Karabakh Victory: A Rebirth for the Azerbaijani Nation
Speaking on the significance of the day, Prof. Süleymanlı stated, “Today, we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Karabakh Victory, achieved through the blood of thousands of martyrs, the sacrifice of heroic Azerbaijani soldiers, and the resolute leadership of Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. This victory is not only a military success but also the reconstruction of the Azerbaijani people’s identity, dignity, and historical self-confidence. Karabakh represents the revival of the deep-rooted national ideal of ‘unity with the land,’ which lies at the heart of Azerbaijan’s identity. Thus, the liberation of Karabakh signifies a rebirth in the collective memory of the Azerbaijani people.”
A victory that became part of the Turkic world’s collective memory
Prof. Süleymanlı noted that this year’s celebrations will serve as a symbol of the strategic friendship between the two nations: “This year, Victory Day will be marked with a grand military parade in Azerbaijan. The attendance of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and senior Turkish officials will further demonstrate the deep strategic alliance between the two nations. The Karabakh Victory has now become an integral part of the collective memory of the entire Turkic world.”
A concrete reflection of the Türkiye–Azerbaijan brotherhood
Pointing to Türkiye’s unconditional support for Azerbaijan during the 44-day Patriotic War, Prof. Süleymanlı explained, “The Karabakh Victory stands as a concrete testament to the Türkiye–Azerbaijan brotherhood. During the war, Türkiye stood firmly with Azerbaijan, transforming the phrase ‘One nation, two states’ from a slogan into a living reality on the ground. The determined political stance of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the heartfelt support of the Turkish people, and the courage of the Azerbaijani army together created a timeless story of brotherhood. Today, this solidarity has evolved beyond the battlefield into a lasting strategic partnership in the fields of economy, technology, culture, media, and education.”
The Shusha Declaration elevated brotherhood to alliance
Referring to the Shusha Declaration signed in 2021, Prof. Süleymanlı stated that it elevated Türkiye–Azerbaijan relations to the level of an alliance: “The document lays the foundation for lasting joint mechanisms in areas such as defense, culture, education, youth, and sports. Today, Shusha is not only the heart of Karabakh but also the spiritual capital of the Turkic world. The spirit of the Shusha Declaration is reflected in science, education, and cultural policies through organizations such as the Organization of Turkic States, TURKUNIB, and the Orhun Exchange Program.”
Qarabağ FK: The symbol of brotherhood on the field
Prof. Ebulfez Süleymanlı emphasized that the recent achievements of Qarabağ FK represent the reflection of Türkiye–Azerbaijan brotherhood in sports, saying: “Qarabağ FK is not just a football team; it is the embodiment of the Karabakh spirit, solidarity, and the symbol of Turkic brotherhood on the field. Its strong performance on the European stage represents Azerbaijan’s self-confidence, determination, and fighting spirit. These achievements have resonated deeply in Türkiye. Today, Qarabağ FK enjoys a fan base numbering in the tens of thousands across Türkiye and other Turkic states. During the Qarabağ–Chelsea match in Baku, Turkish sports commentator Ertem Şener co-hosted the broadcast on CBS Sports alongside an Azerbaijani commentator. This joint coverage drew great attention in both countries and created a warm atmosphere of solidarity between the two nations. After the match, Qarabağ’s head coach Gurban Gurbanov, who has played an invaluable role in the team’s success, ended the press conference with the words, ‘Now let’s go support Galatasaray!’ His comment went viral on social media in Türkiye, with users exclaiming, ‘This is true brotherhood!’”
Sports: The sincerest language of cultural brotherhood
Reminding that for years in Azerbaijan, Turkish clubs such as Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Beşiktaş have been supported as if they were local teams, sociologist Prof. Süleymanlı stated: “When the Turkish National Team wins, the joy that fills the streets of Baku is now felt with the same enthusiasm for Qarabağ FK. This shows us that sports are not merely about competition but serve as the sincerest language that strengthens emotional bonds between peoples and reinforces cultural brotherhood. Every victory Qarabağ earns on the field is also a spiritual triumph for the entire Turkic world.”
The future of the Turkic World lies in unity through science and education
Highlighting that beyond military and political achievements, lasting cooperation in science, education, and culture is essential for the future of the Turkic world, Prof. Süleymanlı said: “Establishing enduring partnerships in science and education is just as crucial as achieving military and political success. Exchange programs between universities, joint research centers, and youth initiatives will make this brotherhood permanent. Within this framework, Üsküdar University serves as an important bridge through its scientific, cultural, and sociological collaborations with Azerbaijan and other Turkic nations. Through projects in digital transformation, psychology, sociology, and engineering, our university reinforces cultural unity with knowledge.”
Karabakh: The Name of the Turkic World’s Shared Future
Sharing his reflections on this meaningful anniversary, Prof. Süleymanlı concluded: “Karabakh is more than a region; it is a spirit. That spirit embodies the honor, unity, and revival rising from lands sanctified by the blood of martyrs. Today, as the call to prayer echoes once again in Shusha and flags wave proudly in Baku, the Karabakh Victory stands not merely as a triumph of the past but as the name of the Turkic world’s shared future. And once again, we declare: Karabakh is Azerbaijan — the heart of the Turkic world.”
