The Great Return to Karabakh

The Great Return to Karabakh

In honor of Victory Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, CAN and the GPM (Center for Young Political Scientists) hosted a three-day cultural initiative that culminated in a formal reception in the heart of Oslo, at the Viking Planet Museum. The gathering brought together diplomats, politicians, cultural figures, friends of Azerbaijan, and members of the Azerbaijani diaspora for a shared moment of reflection and celebration.

Organized with the support of the Youth Foundation of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani Diaspora Support Fund, the event marked the first anniversary of the liberation of Karabakh following nearly three decades of illegal occupation. It served as a powerful platform to honor Azerbaijan’s cultural resilience, commemorate its historical journey, and foster unity through dialogue, heritage, and remembrance.

As part of the program, guests were presented with powerful visuals and information about the post-war realities in Karabakh. Presenters spoke of the widespread destruction caused by decades of occupation, the presence of landmines, and the scale of the ethnic cleansing endured by Azerbaijanis. Despite these challenges, large-scale rebuilding efforts are now underway—new infrastructure, airports, roads, and residential communities are steadily returning life to the region.

The evening also featured engaging presentations by Swedish-Azerbaijani activist Siyavush Derakhti; and Norwegian writer Ragnhild Thori, known for her work on Nizami Ganjavi. Their contributions offered fresh perspectives on youth engagement, cultural diplomacy, and literary heritage.

The event concluded with the screening of video materials prepared by Baku Media Center and the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan. Guests left with symbolic gifts and a shared sense of unity, remembrance, and a renewed commitment to cultural dialogue.

Photo and video credit: © Oslo Digital / Chris Ilhe

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The Great Return to Karabakh

This video captures highlights from the special event hosted by CAN and GPM in honor of Victory Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Held in Oslo with the support of the Youth Foundation of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani Diaspora Support Fund, the event brought together diplomats, cultural figures, and members of the Azerbaijani diaspora to celebrate heritage, unity, and the power of remembrance.

Photo and video credit: © Oslo Digital / Chris Ilhe

Opening Remarks by CAN Chairwoman Shervin Najafpour & GPM Chairman Ilkin Aliyev

The evening opened with a solemn moment of silence in honor of those who lost their lives during the Second Karabakh War in 2020—an expression of respect and remembrance that grounded the gathering in its historic and emotional significance.

Ms. Shervin Najafpour, Chairwoman of CAN, and Mr. Ilkin Aliyev, Chairman of GPM, welcomed the distinguished guests, noting with gratitude the presence of representatives from over twelve embassies. Together, they introduced The Great Return to Karabakh—a cultural initiative inspired by the liberation of territories following nearly three decades of illegal occupation.

In her address, Ms. Najafpour reflected on the powerful symbolism of commemorating Victory Day and emphasized the importance of preserving cultural identity through storytelling, memory, and the arts. She highlighted CAN’s mission to foster cross-cultural understanding between Azerbaijan and Norway, grounded in shared values and the universal language of heritage.

Their opening remarks set the tone for an evening that celebrated not only victory and return, but also resilience, cultural continuity, and the shared hope for a peaceful future.

Photo and video credit: © Oslo Digital / Chris Ilhe

Mr. Ilkin Aliyev & H.E. Mr. Serdjim Muhamed
Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia

Ambassador Zaur Ahmadov, Cənab Səfir Zaur Əhmədov — H.E. Mr. Zaur Ahamadov (*Zaur Əhmədov*)
Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan

H.E. Mr. Babar Amin
Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Spouse

Mr. Atabey Najafpour, H.E. Mr. Zaur Ahamadov, Ms. Shervin Najafpour,
Mr. Ilkin Aliyev & H.E. Mr. Serdjim Muhamed

Ambassador Fazlı Çorman Delivers Opening Remarks

H.E. Mr. Fazlı Çorman, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Norway, delivered a heartfelt address reflecting on the significance of the Patriotic War and Azerbaijan’s historic restoration of its territorial integrity.

Ambassador Çorman emphasized the deep-rooted ties between Türkiye and Azerbaijan, describing them as “one nation, two states.” He highlighted the power of culture—not only as a vehicle for identity and remembrance, but also as a bridge for healing, unity, and dialogue.

His remarks underscored the importance of continued cultural exchange and mutual support, reaffirming Türkiye’s unwavering solidarity with Azerbaijan in its path of restoration and renewal.

Photo and video credit: © Oslo Digital / Chris Ilhe

Ms. Shervin Najafpour, H.E. Mr. Fazlı Çorman
& H.E. Mr. Zaur Ahamadov (*Zaur Əhmədov*)

Mrs. Elif Demir, Mr. Cafer Demir & Mr. Ilkin Aliyev

Ambassador Zaur Ahmadov Delivers Opening Remarks

H.E. Mr. Zaur Ahmadov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Sweden, Norway, and Finland, delivered the opening remarks, offering a thoughtful reflection on the significance of Victory Day and the first anniversary of the liberation of Karabakh. He emphasized that this historic day marks not only a military triumph, but also a deeply emotional moment for the Azerbaijani people — a restoration of justice after nearly 30 years of illegal occupation.

Ambassador Ahmadov spoke about the importance of preserving historical truth and national memory, particularly for younger generations who must inherit a sense of cultural pride, resilience, and unity. He praised the efforts of organizations like CAN and GPM for fostering dialogue and organizing meaningful initiatives that connect communities through heritage and shared values.

He also underscored Azerbaijan’s longstanding traditions of multiculturalism and interfaith harmony, noting that throughout its history, Azerbaijan has been a land where diverse cultures and religions have coexisted peacefully. In this context, he addressed the challenge of misinformation in certain international media narratives during the Second Karabakh War. Ambassador Ahmadov clarified that the war was not an interreligious conflict, but rather a response to decades of unlawful occupation and human rights violations on Azerbaijani territory.

His remarks set a powerful and dignified tone for the evening, reminding the audience that peace, dialogue, and cultural understanding are essential tools for shaping a just and united future.

Photo and video credit: © Oslo Digital / Chris Ilhe

H.E. Mr. Zaur Ahamadov (*Zaur Əhmədov*) and the Azerbaijani Diaspora from Norway and Sweden

Ms. Aysel Qadirova, H.E. Mr. Zaur Ahamadov (*Zaur Əhmədov*)
& Mr. Ilkin Aliyev

H.E. Mr. Zaur Ahamadov (*Zaur Əhmədov*), Ms. Shervin Najafpour
& Mr. Ilkin Aliyev

The Azerbaijani Diaspora from Norway with Ms. Ragnhild Thori

Mrs. Gulhan Corman, H.E. Mr. Fazlı Çorman & H.E. Mr. Zaur Ahamadov

Ms. Ragnhild Thori, Mr. Aytac Ozkutuk, Mr. Emin, Ms. Shervin Najafpour & Ms. Neha Ikram

Mr. Ilkin Aliyev, H.E. Mr. Babar Amin and Spouse & Ms. Shervin Najafpour

Peaceful Rally infront of the Norwegian Parliament:
A Call for Justice and Cultural Recognition

A day ahead of The Great Return to Karabakh gala, CAN and the GPM (Center for Young Political Scientists) organized a peaceful rally in front of the Norwegian Parliament in Oslo. The gathering brought together members of the Azerbaijani and Turkish diasporas and representatives from the Turkish Embassy in Norway to commemorate the Victory Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

With national flags, messages of remembrance, and calls for peace, the participants stood in solidarity to honor the memory of those who lost their lives during the Second Karabakh War. The rally aimed to raise awareness of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage, the significance of the liberation of its territories, and the country’s ongoing efforts toward post-conflict restoration and peaceful development.

The presence of Turkish representatives underscored the strong ties between the two nations, while speeches and symbolic gestures emphasized themes of unity, truth, and cultural resilience.

The Great Return to Karabakh – Peaceful Rally

This video captures moments from the peaceful rally organized by CAN and GPM in front of the Norwegian Parliament, held a day before The Great Return to Karabakh gala. Marking Victory Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the event brought together members of the Azerbaijani and Turkish communities, along with representatives of the Turkish Embassy, to honor the memory of those who fell in the Second Karabakh War and to stand for peace, unity, and cultural resilience.