Aliyev’s dreams of returning to the “Historical Homeland” in the context of the “Normalization” of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations
Ermenihaber.am
In Azerbaijan, especially after the 44-day war in 2020, the so-called “Western Azerbaijan” narrative has been widely circulated. The content of this discourse is clear, and Azerbaijani circles do not even try to hide it. The so-called “Western Azerbaijan” term refers to the sovereign territories of the Republic of Armenia, to which Azerbaijan has given false names that have no connection with historical facts. Any information or analysis disseminated by the Azerbaijani media is presented as a “truth” produced by the country’s authoritarian regime. These Azerbaijani theses, which have been persistently spread especially in the last few years, have long-term goals. First of all, the so-called “Western Azerbaijan” is mentioned, the return of Azerbaijanis who left Armenia. According to Azerbaijani President Aliyev, the current lands of Armenia belong to Azerbaijan and the right of Azerbaijanis to return to their so-called “historical homeland” should be provided. These fake theses are being disseminated not only in Azerbaijan but also in the international community by organizing “exhibitions” and “events”. Azerbaijan is spending huge financial resources to implement these fictitious ideas. In addition, an initiative group for the return of the so-called “West Azerbaijan” was established in the Azerbaijani parliament. On May 1, 2024, a television channel called “West Azerbaijan” was opened in Baku. The main purpose of this channel is to conduct broader propaganda. The head of the “West Azerbaijan Community” Aziz Alekberli made the following statements at the opening ceremony of the television: The so-called “West Azerbaijan Television supports the steps taken for the peaceful, safe and honorable return of Azerbaijanis who have been expelled from their historical lands in the last 200 years and conveys the truth about the heritage of the Azerbaijani people.” In October 2023, the so-called “West Azerbaijan” Research Center was opened at Baku State University. The university’s statement said that the center was founded on the ideas of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev regarding the so-called “return to West Azerbaijan.” The center’s activities include organizing international conferences, holding scientific seminars, publishing books, and establishing close ties with the “West Azerbaijan Community.” On December 24, 2022, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made the following statement during his visit to the “West Azerbaijan Community” building: “Those who were expelled from Karabakh are returning to their lands. I am sure that our compatriots from West Azerbaijan, their relatives, children, and grandchildren will one day return to our historical lands, West Azerbaijan.” The concept of the return of Azerbaijanis to Armenia is also being brought up in the international community by high-ranking Azerbaijani officials. These steps are being taken by the Armenian authorities and the international community to close the issue of the return of Armenians forcibly displaced from Artsakh to their homeland. However, the international community understands that it is illogical to link these two issues. Former Special Representative of the European Union for the South Caucasus and Georgia Crisis Toivo Klaar made the following statement in this context: “Sometimes, other issues are brought up in this context, such as the so-called ‘Western Azerbaijan’ issue. In my opinion, these are completely different issues and should not be confused.
The first is to facilitate the return of Karabakh Armenians to their ancestral homeland, which is Azerbaijan’s obligation. The second concerns Armenians who previously lived in other regions of Azerbaijan, including Baku, or Azerbaijanis living in Armenia. Naturally, they should be able to visit the places where they or their families lived, and even return if they wish. But this is a completely different issue.” The fact is that for Azerbaijan, which considers the territory of the Republic of Armenia as its “historical homeland,” even its current territory cannot be considered a historical homeland. The baseless and fictional Baku propaganda should be countered with historical counter-propaganda and remain only on the plane of Ilham Aliyev’s dreams and illusions. It is noteworthy that all this is being carried out by Baku within the framework of the negotiation process aimed at normalizing relations with Yerevan and establishing peace.
