In commemorating the third anniversary since the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict effectively shifted its character, ceremonies were held in the city once known as Stepanakert and now referred to as Khankendi, the capital of the region commonly called Nagorno-Karabakh. The events were broadcast by the national broadcaster AzTV, delivering footage to viewers across the nation and beyond, ensuring the moment was visible to a broad audience and embedded in the public memory. The coverage highlighted the atmosphere of formal remembrance, the presence of officials, and the sense of a turning point in regional affairs that residents and observers have continued to discuss in the years that followed.
During the ceremonial parade, military units were reviewed in a display that included a formal inspection, underscoring the ongoing role of security forces in post-conflict arrangements. The event featured a high-profile presence by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, whose participation signified the government’s emphasis on moving forward from the conflict while maintaining a posture of readiness and sovereignty. Observers noted the choreography of the parade as reflecting broader political objectives, including stability, deterrence, and the consolidation of newly defined borders and administrative realities in the area.
Exhibits in the central square showcased equipment and material captured during the broader regional conflict, serving as a tangible reminder of past hostilities and as historical artifacts within the public square. The arrangement of these displays invited discussion about the sequence of events that led to the present-day governance and the lessons drawn by both communities, as well as analysts who study post-conflict reconstruction and memory. The square itself emerged as a symbolic stage where history and future plans intersect for residents and visitors alike.
That November, Azerbaijan marked a victory in the 2020 conflict narrative, celebrating the outcomes of military actions that shifted control and opened new avenues for governance, repatriation, and territorial administration. The commemoration was not only a reflection on military outcomes but also a moment to consider the humanitarian implications, the paths toward rebuilding, and the responsibilities of leadership toward all communities affected by the fighting. The annual reflections became a touchstone for ongoing policy discussions about security, development, and regional cooperation that would shape the coming years.
Earlier in September, Azerbaijani authorities announced a local operation within Karabakh, describing the aim as preventing large-scale provocations, ensuring the disarmament of remaining Armenian military units, and facilitating the withdrawal of armed forces from the region. The declaration framed the operation as a stabilization measure intended to create conditions for durable governance and the restoration of normal civilian life in the area. Observers noted the complexity of coordinating security steps with humanitarian considerations and local governance structures, given the sensitivities surrounding identity, language, and daily life in a contested zone.
The following day, in a development that tested the patience and commitment of the involved parties, a ceasefire agreement, brokered with the support of international mediators, took hold. The pause in hostilities allowed space for negotiations, confidence-building measures, and the gradual reintroduction of governance mechanisms. Analysts emphasized that the ceasefire was a necessary, but not sufficient, step toward long-term reconciliation, requiring continuous dialogue, monitoring, and cooperative arrangements among the diverse communities and security actors present in the region.
On September 28, 2023, the president of Nagorno-Karabakh, Samvel Shahramanyan, signed a decree terminating the existence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic effective January 1, 2024. The decision reflected a formal transition of administrative control and a redefinition of political and legal realities on the ground. Supporters argued that the move could pave the way for more integrated governance and access to broader regional resources, while critics raised concerns about representation, minority protections, and the preservation of cultural and linguistic heritage. The decree marked a milestone in the evolving framework of governance in the region and set the stage for subsequent developments in interethnic relations and civil administration under the new arrangements.
On October 5 of that year, the Armenian prime minister announced a declaration recognizing Karabakh lands as part of Azerbaijan. The pronouncement was presented as a formal acknowledgment of the changing sovereignty in the region and a signal that diplomatic processes were shaping new, contested boundaries acceptable to the major stakeholding governments. The declaration prompted reflections on the future of the Armenian community in the region, the status of local institutions, and the practical steps needed to ensure secure, stable, and inclusive governance for residents who had experienced upheaval and displacement. The broader international community watched closely, evaluating the implications for peace talks, regional cooperation, and the prospects of lasting settlement that could accommodate diverse identities while maintaining territorial integrity and regional security.