Ilham Aliyev visits Victory Monument, inaugurates Victory Museum in Baku

President says Azerbaijan not dependent economically on any country, enjoys greater political power, pursuing an independent policy

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva visited the Victory Monument in Baku and participated in the inauguration of the Victory Museum – established in accordance with presidential order of 2020 on the creation of a Patriotic War Memorial Complex to showcase heroism of the people in the war and the victory, as well as to immortalize memory of the martyrs.

The museum’s exposition was developed on foreign experience and existing global concepts, incorporating the latest technologies. Eight exhibition halls were created – Karabakh and East Zangezur – Story of Centuries; Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict – Historical Overview; 44-Day Patriotic War – Iron Fist Operation; Glorious Victory – Liberation of Shusha; Path of Heroes; Karabakh is Azerbaijan; Restoration of State Sovereignty – 20.09.2023; Karabakh and East Zangezur – Revival.

Facts, photo and video materials, interactive displays, and exhibits and models specially prepared for the museum convey comprehensive information about the conflict, the course of the 44-day war, and the restoration of state sovereignty as a result of the victory, while allowing visitors to relive these events. At the museum entrance, the ‘Iron Fist’ installation — symbol of the victory — and thoughts from the speech of President Ilham Aliyev – Supreme Commander-in-Chief – are featured. On the wall surrounding the museum, the names of the martyrs from the 44-day war are engraved as a sign of respect.

The flowing water along the wall symbolizes that the martyrs, through their heroism, achieved immortality and live eternally in hearts. In the exhibition halls, the names of martyrs fallen in Karabakh before and after the Victory Day are displayed. The first hall – Karabakh and East Zangezur, Story of Centuries – presents the natural beauty of Karabakh — the cradle of Azerbaijani culture — and its architectural richness. Book installations on the walls provide extensive information on national leader Heydar Aliyev’s contributions to the region’s socio-economic development.

Interactive books in the center allow close acquaintance with Karabakh’s nature, literary heritage, music, and folk art, while conveying information about prominent figures who left marks in statehood, military, literature, and arts. The Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict – Historical Overview hall reflects painful and unforgettable pages of the Karabakh conflict, including its chronology, consistent policy of the national leader and the head of state leading to liberation of territories, and the peace process. The hall provides extensive information on refugees and internally-displaced persons, victims, as well as monuments, mosques, and national heritage damaged by Armenians during the occupation.

The third hall – 44-Day Patriotic War, Iron Fist Operation – reflects heroic struggle for liberation of Azerbaijani lands. Central LED monitors with AI-generated videos immerse visitors in the 44 days of battles, presenting combat operations, military achievements, and Armenian attacks on civilians. Holographic screens display modern military equipment in three-dimension. Interactive maps sequentially show stages of operations in the liberated territories. This hall features flags of Azerbaijani armed forces with exceptional merits in the victory, models of special forces, and several decrees and orders of the president related to the war and victory.

The fourth hall – Glorious Victory, Liberation of Shusha – presents the operation holding special place in Azerbaijani military history, executed with unparalleled tactical skill. Special forces liberated Shusha without heavy artillery, displaying heroism. A central Shusha model reflects the battlefield; interactive monitors allow sequential tracking of the operation and key tactical moments. Another monitor shows monuments destroyed in the city during the war. The screen displays the emotional journey of the victory path, reflecting Shusha’s liberation and the valor of Azerbaijani soldiers.

The Path of Heroes hall, dedicated to the bravery, dedication, and indomitable will of Azerbaijani soldiers and officers, allows visitors to feel the spirit of the struggle. Samples of orders and medals awarded to the war heroes are exhibited. The corridor-like Path of Heroes leads to the next hall symbolizing national unity and victory joy. The next hall – Karabakh is Azerbaijan – reflects the Victory Day that turned into a national holiday – and nationwide joy. At the center is a Murano glass installation of the Kharibulbul flower, symbol of the victory and Karabakh’s revival. Bright lights and colors create a festive atmosphere; visual effects enhance feelings of joy and pride.

The seventh hall – Restoration of State Sovereignty. 20.09.2023 – is dedicated to restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty. A map installation demonstrates complete liberation of Karabakh and East Zangezur, marking a new era in Azerbaijani history. The final hall – Karabakh and East Zangezur – focuses on Karabakh’s restoration and future development. A central installation conveys messages about Karabakh’s bright future in the voices of martyrs’ children. Three illuminated passages reflect restoration, ecotourism, and development, showcasing region rebuilding activities. Models of culture, education, and infrastructure projects are presented in each.

In the hall, interactive screens animate Karabakh’s natural beauty and ongoing restoration. The space expresses Karabakh’s revival, sustainable development, and confidence in the future. At the exhibition exit – the talking photos – section features photos reflecting the victory’s story and spirit. A memory book is provided for the guests. The museum also includes an auditorium hall, library, and a cafe. The auditorium is intended for seminars, conferences, and public events. “Azerbaijan is not economically dependent on any country. This gave us greater political power. We were a country pursuing an independent policy. These factors, along with others, brought us closer to the glorious victory,” the president said.