National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler said that the brotherhood and defense cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan draw strength from their shared history, adding that the Turkish Armed Forces make a significant contribution to security, peace and stability in many regions.
Güler attended a commemoration program marking the 108th anniversary of the establishment of the Caucasian Islamic Army and the liberation of Baku, held at the building of the Türkiye-Azerbaijan Friendship, Cooperation and Solidarity Foundation (TADIV) in Ankara’s Çankaya district. As part of the program, he inaugurated the Caucasian Islamic Army Monument in front of the TADIV building.
Caucasian Islamic Army Monument inaugurated
Speaking at the inauguration, Güler said the historically significant monument commemorates the brotherhood, sacrifice and solidarity demonstrated by the Caucasian Islamic Army 108 years ago. He said the monument would help pass on the shared history of Türkiye and Azerbaijan to future generations and become one of the lasting symbols of unity between the two countries.
The Quran was recited after the inauguration, followed by a mehter band performance and Caucasian folk dances. A commemoration ceremony was later held in TADIV’s Shusha Conference Hall.
The historical significance of Baku’s liberation
Güler said September 15, 1918, was not merely the date of a military operation limited to the liberation of Baku. Explaining that the balance of power in the Caucasus changed during the final period of World War I, Güler said Azerbaijan, which had declared its independence on May 28, 1918, requested support under the friendship treaty it signed with the Ottoman Empire on June 4 because of the threats it faced.
Güler said the Ottoman Empire responded to this appeal by establishing the Caucasian Islamic Army under the command of Nuri Pasha. He said Baku was liberated from occupation on September 15, 1918, and handed over to Azerbaijan’s national government after the final offensive began on the night of September 14. Güler said this development paved the way for the government to move from Ganja to Baku, while the struggle expanded toward Karabakh several days later rather than remaining limited to Baku.
Güler said the Caucasian Islamic Army’s struggle was a historic turning point that strengthened Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and contributed to the country’s territorial integrity. He said one of the operation’s most important aspects was that Turkish soldiers and Azerbaijanis fought side by side on a common front. Güler commemorated with mercy and gratitude the 1,132 martyrs of the Caucasian Islamic Army and the Azerbaijanis who lost their lives in the same struggle.
“Türkiye’s strength is Azerbaijan’s strength”
Güler emphasized that the brotherhood between Türkiye and Azerbaijan is not merely a closeness expressed in words, saying that this bond was strengthened through shared struggle, sacrifice and solidarity. He said the two countries’ shared past carries significance for their current relations and forms one of the strongest foundations for their future unity.
Güler said the Azerbaijani army demonstrated determination and discipline during the 44-day struggle to liberate Karabakh, which had remained under occupation for approximately 30 years. He said this outcome was not only the result of a military struggle but also of the patience, will and determination of the Azerbaijani people, who had refused to give up their rights for many years.
Cooperation between the Turkish and Azerbaijani armed forces
Güler said that as global and regional risks continue to increase, it has become necessary for countries with strategic positions to be strong in every field and increase their deterrence capacity at a time when the international system is becoming more fragile and crises and conflicts are multiplying.
Güler said that the Turkish Armed Forces protect Türkiye’s rights and interests while also contributing to security, peace and stability in many regions of the world. He said relations between Türkiye and Azerbaijan are deep, multidimensional and strong, adding that the two countries’ strategic partnership is developing in various areas, particularly defense and security.
Güler said the armed forces of the two countries conduct activities involving personnel training, joint and multinational exercises, the sharing of military experience, mine clearance, defense industry projects, and technology and capacity development. He said strengthening operational harmony, coordination and mutual trust between the Turkish and Azerbaijani armies is of strategic importance not only for the two countries’ defense capacity but also for the security of the Caucasus.
Call for peace and cooperation in the Caucasus
Güler said they welcomed the resolve demonstrated in Washington last year between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the positive steps taken recently toward lasting peace. He said Türkiye supports the process reaching an outcome that strengthens regional stability and contributes to the peace and prosperity of the peoples of the region.
Güler said the Caucasus needs security, cooperation, development and prosperity rather than conflict, adding that solidarity between Türkiye and Azerbaijan is one of the important guarantees of the region’s new era.
Cooperation to be developed in various fields
Güler said relations between Türkiye and Azerbaijan should be transformed into stronger unity in defense, diplomacy, the economy, energy, transportation, technology and other fields. He said Türkiye would continue to develop its cooperation with Azerbaijan and stand by the country.
During his speech, Güler commemorated Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Heydar Aliyev, Caucasian Islamic Army Commander Nuri Pasha and all the heroes who took part in the struggle. A clip about the commandos prepared for Turkish soldiers was also shown during the speech. TADIV President Prof. Dr. Aygün Attar, Şamil Ayrım, chairman of the TBMM Türkiye-Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Friendship Group, and MHP Deputy Chairman Mevlüt Karakaya also attended the program.
