Güler: Türkiye-Azerbaijan brotherhood sealed by shared sacrifice

Türkiye commemorates with deep respect and gratitude the 1,132 martyrs of the Caucasian Islamic Army and the Azerbaijani brothers who sacrificed their lives in that struggle, Turkish National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler said.

According to Report's Türkiye bureau, Güler made the remarks in an address marking the 108th anniversary of Baku's liberation from occupation.

"The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which declared its independence on May 28, 1918, appealed to the Ottoman state for assistance at a time when it faced grave threats. Turkish and Azerbaijani soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder from Ganja to Baku. Following victories in Goychay and Shamakhi, Baku was liberated from occupation on September 15, 1918, enabling the Azerbaijani government to relocate to the capital," he said.

Güler said the greatest legacy of that struggle was the spirit of sacrifice, brotherhood and the shoulder-to-shoulder fight of the two peoples and their armies.

The minister noted that the heroes resting side by side in the Alley of Martyrs in Baku serve as a reminder of an important truth.

"Türkiye-Azerbaijan brotherhood is not merely a closeness expressed in words. This brotherhood has been sealed by blood, sacrifice and a shared struggle," Güler said.