31 dec, 20:59
Irada Rizazade, Chairperson of the Public Union “For the Social Welfare of Citizens” and a representative of the Yerevan intelligentsia, spoke in an interview with the newspaper *Bakinski raboçi* about the strategic importance of the Western Azerbaijan issue in our country’s foreign policy and the work being carried out in this direction.
Restoration of Historical Memory
In the interview, Ms. Irada shared her childhood memories and touched upon important points about the historical image of Yerevan and the heritage of Azerbaijanis who once lived there:
Yerevan’s neighborhoods: She noted that her father used to show her, one by one, the houses, mosques, and religious monuments where Azerbaijanis lived, especially mentioning the fate of the Demirbulag Mosque.
Cultural genocide: The destruction of historical buildings and streets belonging to Azerbaijanis in Yerevan (for example, Firdovsi Street, where Ms. Irada was born) was described as “urbicide” and “cultural genocide.”
International Awareness and Priorities
The Chairperson of the Public Union emphasized that informing the international community about the truths of Western Azerbaijan is one of the main goals:
Work with UNESCO: Active efforts are planned to encourage international organizations, especially UNESCO, to abandon double standards and provide an objective assessment of the destruction of Azerbaijani cultural heritage in the region.
Exhibitions and presentations: The importance of large-scale exhibitions held in Azerbaijan and Türkiye between 2007–2009 about the heritage of the Iravan Khanate was highlighted.
Scientific research: It was noted that even some surveys conducted by Armenian researchers (for example, a study by Tigran Amiryan) indirectly confirm that Turks/Azerbaijanis once lived in those territories.
The Political Will Behind the “Great Return”
The article states that the opening of the Zangezur corridor and bringing the Western Azerbaijan issue onto the agenda are not accidental. This is presented as a result of President Ilham Aliyev’s far-sighted policy and Azerbaijan’s growing strength.
“We have the right to return to our ancestral lands, and the resolution of this issue is based on the strong will of the state,” Irada Rizazade emphasized.
Restoration of Historical Memory
In the interview, Ms. Irada shared her childhood memories and touched upon important points about the historical image of Yerevan and the heritage of Azerbaijanis who once lived there:
Yerevan’s neighborhoods: She noted that her father used to show her, one by one, the houses, mosques, and religious monuments where Azerbaijanis lived, especially mentioning the fate of the Demirbulag Mosque.
Cultural genocide: The destruction of historical buildings and streets belonging to Azerbaijanis in Yerevan (for example, Firdovsi Street, where Ms. Irada was born) was described as “urbicide” and “cultural genocide.”
International Awareness and Priorities
The Chairperson of the Public Union emphasized that informing the international community about the truths of Western Azerbaijan is one of the main goals:
Work with UNESCO: Active efforts are planned to encourage international organizations, especially UNESCO, to abandon double standards and provide an objective assessment of the destruction of Azerbaijani cultural heritage in the region.
Exhibitions and presentations: The importance of large-scale exhibitions held in Azerbaijan and Türkiye between 2007–2009 about the heritage of the Iravan Khanate was highlighted.
Scientific research: It was noted that even some surveys conducted by Armenian researchers (for example, a study by Tigran Amiryan) indirectly confirm that Turks/Azerbaijanis once lived in those territories.
The Political Will Behind the “Great Return”
The article states that the opening of the Zangezur corridor and bringing the Western Azerbaijan issue onto the agenda are not accidental. This is presented as a result of President Ilham Aliyev’s far-sighted policy and Azerbaijan’s growing strength.
“We have the right to return to our ancestral lands, and the resolution of this issue is based on the strong will of the state,” Irada Rizazade emphasized.
