By Shahin Aliyev (Chairman of the Eternal Union Youth Public Union)
History has once again been written. Regardless of time or place, two nations that have stood by each other, shared the same pain, and rejoiced in each other’s happiness – Azerbaijan and Türkiye – have created another proud moment together in Kahramanmaraş. Following the devastating earthquake in February 2023, Azerbaijan was among the first countries to offer support to its brotherly nation, Türkiye. However, Azerbaijan did not stop at providing emergency aid – it built a lasting mark of solidarity: the “Azerbaijan Neighborhood.”
A symbol of brotherhood carved in stone
The Azerbaijan Neighborhood, built in Kahramanmaraş, has not only become a warm home for hundreds of families but also a powerful symbol of the eternal brotherhood between the two states. On the buildings within the housing complex, the flags of Azerbaijan and Türkiye wave side by side. At the entrance of the buildings, a message reads: “With love from the people of Azerbaijan to the people of Türkiye.”
This opening ceremony was not just a formal event – it was living proof of one nation living as two states. Every speech delivered, every call made, and every flag raised spoke the language of pride, love, and unity.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev conveyed a message of brotherhood to the world in a single sentence:
“You have 10 million brothers, and we have 80 million. Long live the unity and brotherhood of Türkiye and Azerbaijan!”
These words were met with standing ovations by citizens of Türkiye in attendance. From the crowd, voices rose that further reinforced this unity:
“Conqueror of Karabakh!” – This heartfelt address from the people of Türkiye to President Aliyev created powerful and emotional moments.
Then came the speech from President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who turned this bond of brotherhood into a true legend with his words:
“We are the children of a nation that prays under the same flag, sheds tears on the same prayer rug, and sacrifices for the same independence – two states, one heart!”
These words were not mere political rhetoric – they were the embodiment of a shared destiny and unity written into history.
President Erdoğan also extended his special thanks to the President of Azerbaijan:
“Just as our Azerbaijani brothers opened their hearts to us on the day of the earthquake, today they have opened their hearts again by building homes for us in Kahramanmaraş. I extend my heartfelt thanks to President Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan. This brotherhood has been etched into history!”
The emotional moments during the opening ceremony quickly spread across social media. The chants of “Conqueror of Karabakh” echoed through the land of Kahramanmaraş, bringing the spirit of the Karabakh victory with them. The people of Türkiye made it clear that they saw the President of Azerbaijan not only as a political leader but as a hero who stood for justice in the Caucasus.
Brotherhood is not merely political – it is a matter of the soul.
Though the Azerbaijan Neighborhood is a physical project, the spiritual value it carries is immeasurable. It represents the spirit of a nation that has sacrificed, prayed, wept, and risen together. In every house built, in every wall raised in Kahramanmaraş, the heart of Azerbaijan beats.
As the Turkic nation, we have always shared the same fate. The neighborhood established in Kahramanmaraş has become a bridge not only between two states but also between two hearts.
As the Chairman of the Eternal Union Youth Public Union, which serves the Turkic world, I proudly declare that we are the torchbearers of this unity. The Azerbaijan Neighborhood opened today in Kahramanmaraş is a sign of the monuments of brotherhood that will rise tomorrow across every corner of the Turkic world.
Not just one nation, two states – but countless hearts, one soul!
Long live the brotherhood of Türkiye and Azerbaijan!
Long live the eternal unity of the Turkic world!
