September 20 is one of the significant dates that holds a special place in the chronicle of the past two centuries of Azerbaijani history. Under the Order signed by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, September 20 is observed annually as State Sovereignty Day, as well as the Day of the Cities of Khankendi, Khojaly, Khojavend and Aghdara. The full restoration of the sovereignty of the Azerbaijani state throughout its entire territory on September 20, 2023, marked an important milestone in the country’s modern history. As a result of the anti-terrorist operation concluded on September 20, Azerbaijan’s constitutional order was restored, and the State Flag was raised throughout the country.

The Presidential Library has prepared a virtual exhibition entitled “September 20 – State Sovereignty Day” dedicated to this significant date. The exhibition features publications reflecting important stages in the history of Azerbaijan’s statehood and independence, as well as the process of restoring the country’s territorial integrity and ensuring its state sovereignty. The publications cover the chronicle of the Patriotic War, the historical and legal foundations of the Garabagh Victory, issues of sovereignty and the Constitution, the new realities that emerged after the war, as well as the Great Return process, from various perspectives.

The Presidential Library has also prepared a video dedicated to State Sovereignty Day. The video highlights the events of September 2023 and the significance of this process in the history of Azerbaijan’s statehood. It covers the policy pursued under the leadership of Victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, the valour of the Azerbaijani Army, the establishment of the “Lachin” border checkpoint, and the full restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty throughout its entire territory on September 20, 2023. The raising of the tricolour State Flag in Khankendi, Khojaly and Aghdara is presented as an important outcome of the restoration of sovereignty. The video also places particular emphasis on the large-scale restoration and reconstruction work carried out in the liberated territories, the emergence of a new life in cities and villages, the cherished memory of the martyrs, and the heroism demonstrated by the Azerbaijani Army. You can watch the video by following this link.

The virtual exhibition and video present the historic events of September 20, 2023, through different formats. The exhibition offers a wide range of information and literature on the historical processes related to the subject, while the video presents the key aspects of those events through visual and textual materials. These resources help convey information about the significance of State Sovereignty Day and its place in the modern history of Azerbaijani statehood to a broader audience.