YEREVAN, Sept. 2—On the 34th anniversary of Artsakh’s declaration of independence, Yerevan’s Freedom Square filled with thousands of Armenians, united under the banner of “Return” to reaffirm their unwavering commitment to their homeland. The rally, organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), called for the defense of Artsakh’s collective rights, the release of prisoners of war and the demonstration of national unity amid ongoing political divisions.
The event opened with the national anthems of Armenia and Artsakh, followed by the Lord’s Prayer. Father Andreas Tavadyan, former spiritual pastor of Shushi’s Ghazanchetsots Cathedral—which was bombed by Azerbaijan in 2020 and has since been “renovated” in a continued campaign of cultural erasure—delivered the first address. Drawing on his experience in Artsakh, he emphasized that the republic’s independence was forged not on paper, but in the trenches—through the sacrifices of mothers sending their sons to battle and the prayers of priests administering Holy Mass under enemy fire.
“In this sacrifice lies our eternal strength,” said Father Andreas. “Today, Artsakh’s land may be in the hands of the enemy, but its spirit lives on. Artsakh is not merely geography; it is a symbol of faith, patriotism and justice. If we live by the will of our martyrs, then Artsakh can never die.”
He called for unity among Armenians, urging the audience to embrace collective strength: “Today, more than ever, we need togetherness. Just as after the Cross came the Resurrection, so too must our people experience their rebirth.”
In her speech, Kristine Vardanyan, a member of parliament from the “Hayastan” (Armenia) faction, highlighted the rally’s broader significance. She emphasized that “Return” symbolizes the inalienable right of the people of Artsakh to return to their homeland—a right guaranteed under international law—and demonstrates that, despite domestic political polarization, there is consensus on critical national issues.
“We do not reconcile with the reality created by force,” Vardanyan told the Weekly. “The way to do that is by standing for the rights of the people and fighting for the restoration of those rights. The first step in this process is the collective and safe return of the people of Artsakh to their homeland.”
Vardanyan added that the work does not end with rallies alone. The Artsakh issue remains central to the international agenda of Armenian Cause (Hai Tahd) offices worldwide, which continue to advocate for the right of return, the release of prisoners and humanitarian issues that affect Armenians. She noted that in countries with active Armenian Cause offices, resolutions and condemnations have been adopted, while in countries without such structures, little to no response has been observed.
Among the organizers, one message resounded: in the current political climate—where authorities have declared the Artsakh issue “closed” and failed to protect its people—public and political consolidation remains the only path forward. They stressed that this unity is genuine, built around concrete goals and shared by nearly the entire political spectrum—excluding the ruling party.
Addressing the crowd, Artsakh Republic State Minister Nzhdeh Iskandaryan reflected on September 2, 1991, when Armenians in Artsakh united to forge their autonomy after decades of persecution from Soviet Azerbaijan. He described the day as one of purification and rebirth, marking the creation of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as the second Armenian state, embodying the aspirations of the entire nation.
He reminded the audience that every inch of Artsakh’s land is marked by Armenian blood, with thousands having sacrificed their lives for the homeland’s freedom. “The name of Artsakh will never disappear from our lips. It will remain with us like a mother’s blessing; it will resound like a prayer and warm our wounded hearts,” he asserted.
Independence Day, Iskandaryan emphasized, should also serve as a day of return. “We have no right to kneel or to break. Armenians are as steadfast and unyielding as their mountains, and history has proven this. As a nation, we will once again raise the tricolor flag on the land of Artsakh,” the minister declared.
Iskandaryan added that the rally was yet another reminder of the martyrs, the missing and those unlawfully imprisoned: “It is a sacred duty to stand by the families of our martyrs, to support the relatives of the missing and prisoners and never leave them alone with their pain.”
“The return of Artsakh is a matter of honor for the entire nation, and with our faith and unity, it will inevitably become a reality,” he concluded.
For many from Artsakh, September 2 was once the happiest day of the year. Ani Ghazaryan, born and raised in Stepanakert, recalled the festive atmosphere of previous celebrations: morning visits to the Brotherly Cemetery, city streets filled with flags and concerts and an atmosphere of unity and pride.
“Artsakh was not just a place to live—it was an entire world with its people,” she told the Weekly. “I always remember how everyone helped one another without hesitation. That spirit of solidarity was the greatest treasure of our lives. Artsakh is my roots, my identity and that bond will never be broken.”
Today, however, the day’s meaning has become more nuanced, where celebration has also become a reminder of loss and longing. “We celebrate independence, but without Artsakh. The day has become not only a holiday, but also a reminder of freedom and dignity—values we are worthy of,” Ghazaryan explained. “Much has changed, but this day continues to connect us to Artsakh and gives us the strength to remember that our struggle is not over.”
Vrezh Arevyan, though not from Artsakh, described the emotional pull of the rally: “My heart aches—I can’t just stay at home when I see that we are losing our homeland.”
As the crowd dispersed under a sea of tricolor flags, one truth resonated: the struggle for Artsakh continues and its spirit remains unyielding.
“We must stand united,” Arevyan concluded. “And this rally is about exactly that.”
This report was prepared by journalist Anna Harutyunyan, with photography by Anthony Pizzoferrato, exclusively for the Armenian Weekly.
“Return” would be ideal.
Whether it will ever happen, though, I don’t know.
How can we guarantee that, if 150,000 Armenians return to Artsake, they’ll be able to live their lives in peace, dignity and honour?
How can we ensure that their lives won’t be threatened on a daily basis by the Turks?
How can we ensure that they won’t be degraded, insulted and abused?
I don’t know if it is possible.
Some didn’t think its liberation was possible. Some didn’t think its fall was possible. So don’t be surprised if Artsakh resurrects when the geopolitical circumstances are right once again. However, after 30-plus years of seeing Armenians self-destruct, the real question is, do we as a people deserve Artsakh. Simply put, Armenians are not nation-builders…
I agree with Robert Whig. This makes a lot of sense. Judging Alyev’s mentality and morals, it would not be possible. Armenia is not in a position to defend at this time. Alyev and his petro dollar can buy all the weapons he wants or needs. This situation needs a lift from the US. The signatures recently obtained put Armenia in a bigger hole than it was before.
Please stop pushing the “independent” Artsakh narrative. Artsakh is an indivisible and integral part of Armenia.
“Artsakh is not independent from Armenia. Those who make Artsakh independent from Armenia are no different from those who recognize Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan.
Do not divide so that they do not conquer”.
– Gevorg Safaryan
How are Armenians supposed to return to Artsakh, which is becoming unrecognizable with Azerbaijan’s systematic destruction of Armenian heritage, live under Azerbaijani rule, which is one of the most oppressive dictatorships in the world, and among a very hostile Azeri population, who are being moved there, after all the horrors and traumas they have suffered from the very same people and who still suffer from these traumas?
Tragically, Artsakh has suffered the fate of Nakhichevan, which used to be 99% Armenian and had a very rich tangible and intagible Armenian heritage, just like Artsakh, all of which was wiped out by Azerbaijan after 1988, and which they are doing in now in Artsakh since 2020/2023, after they grabbed it.
First Nakhichevan then Artsakh next Syunik.
One by one, Armenia is being denuded of its own lands.
And it will continue, until and unless there is a fundamental shift in Armenia’s character.
How on Earth can anybody have any respect for a people whose only ambition in life is a new BMW?
The colossal waste of money at Armenian weddings is appalling and disgusting.
Armenia cannot project itself outwards if it doesn’t reform itself within first.
As Azerbaijan is leveraging for the return of Azeris who they And ancestors had left Armenian SSR, refering to such as western Azeris and it would upset the demographics of Armenia and in Hitler like way Alyiev would claim they need protection and extraterritoriality. Besides it would be in a place with all signs in Azeri Alyiev cult established Armenian traits erased. A de jure separation of peoples is best. Like that between Greece and Turkey.
Your English is really bad, Charlie.
However, I’m sure your Pasha can find an English school for you.
Charles echoing Nikol Pashinyan
Reality is tough: Robert & Mark; sometimes clearly pointing out uncomfortable truths triggers Kremlinbots for a few kopecks hopefully enough fuel in your local station in Russia.
Charlie, will you ever realise that being pro-Russian is a positive in Armenia?
It means being aware of Geography!
You, however, in addition, to your bad English, are geographically illiterate.
The only country that gives a damn about Armenia is Russia.
Bertie, your first post about how such a prospect would be daunting. I posted on similar lines not mentioning Russia! This triggered one into accusing me of serving some pasha. I assume this is to get some kopecks as roubles are needed for the invasion of Ukraine and asked if you could get fuel for your car if you are in Russia when you like the defunct Saker blogger Wax lyrical
about Russia but don’t actually do time there.
Nevertheless as stated before it’s
hard to take your opinions seriously when you suggested about trying to induce an earthquake in Istanbul with missiles and my explanation that earthquakes are actually the result of cumulation of sustained pressure deep in the earths crust and a surface flash even from a nuclear explosion wouldn’t do anything to cause a major plate shift.
Armenian interests such as Arktash and Kars a century ago are expendable to Russia in it’s own strategic policies just like it’s troops and equipment and civil assets in it’s proxy war against NATO in Ukraine . Russia looking at a map as you so often quote doesn’t adjoin Armenia but this seems to be lost on you . Also looking at maps the actual fault boundary runs south of Istanbul through the sea of Marmara.
Russia has far greater interest in Ukraine than it will ever have in Armenia especially in it’s current exergencies.
Russia can never be to Armenia what the USA is to Israel yet tragically driven by fears of the Turks and fantasies of Russia many did although this has declined with the disappointing reality, indeed in Europe the Serbs had a fulsome view of Russia but reality check in 1990s led to a sober reassement, Russia is still viewed broadly positively but the fulsome adoration promoted by Milosovic has cooled to a realistic view.
Remember Russia forced the 1450mm bore gas pipeline from Iran to be narrowed to 700 mm bore once inside Armenia . Such neo colonial styming of an ally! No such interference for Azerbaijan when it built gas and oil pipelines to Georgia and Turkey allowing them to earn massive petrodollars which would enable a transformation of their military including purchasing more weapons from Russia than Armenia was able to. So don’t feel too sorry for Russia having it’s oil and gas infrastructure targeted by Ukraine. They hobbled Armenia chances of being a transit country and would have put Armenia in a stronger position with Iran and Georgia, but ‘mother’ Russia would have none of that as it does what’s best for Armenia after all .
Half truth Charlie never once saying anything negative about Turkey
Come on Charlie, I dare you to say a single negative thing about Turkey
Do it
Yes! Charlie, yes!
Say something negative about the Turks!
Say it!
The Turks and Azeris since they appeared via Iran from central Asia have often shed Armenian blood and oppressed them with their hegemonic tendancies. The bitter relationship is no secret and a given fact and has been a constancy. The intensity of the animosities have waxed and waned but has been a consistent feature of the interaction. Thus negativity is a dominant and defining trait in the relationship. Nevertheless this has led to overly generous sentiments towards Russia who hasn’t been the friend of Armenia many due to the antagonism with the Turkish peoples had been prone to holding. Indeed the antagonism has been a boon to Russia in regards to its relationship with Armenia. Many Armenians given insular traits and anxieties genuinely find it hard to comprehend that whilst the Turks are bad this doesn’t actually make Russia good. The diaspora especially those who left as a result of ottoman massacres and subjugations whilst obviously having very strong feelings about Turkey tended to be less enamoured with Russia than those
kin within the current republic of Armenia , indeed this is ironic since Pashinyan has sought to distance from Russia and reduce the influence of the diaspora despite them generally being leery regarding Russia. Kremlinbots often like ad hominem slurs such as “Turk lover” and “serve your pasha” and playing on names using dimunative version of posters names given their inability to countance that Russia might not actually be what they had with an element of hysteria been inclined to assume indeed are prone to taking criticism of Russia very personally and indeed are quite open to criticism of Armenia and it’s people as inept and needing guidance from Russia such is the success of Kremlin efforts to infantilise peoples within the former soviet union and Russian empire.
Charlie, you couldn’t even say anything bad about Turks
You used this opportunity to bash Russians again, when we wanted a fair balanced approach
Then you attack Iran about the Turks…
Tell us hpw you’re not a turk schill Charlie?
Unbelievable!
You are asked to criticise the Turks and you manage to turn it into yet another diatribe against Russia!
Nobody can be in any doubt that you are contemptible.
A paid Russophobic shill.
By the way Charlie, you’ve shown everyone yet again that you are not a native English speaker, “Bertie” is a diminutive of “Albert”!
lol
I did state facts with criticisms about the Turks and Azeris but this doesn’t satisfy the russophile agents. Anyway Robbie if you don’t want to be known as Bertie . I made no criticism of Iran they seem to be a good neighbour to Armenia and showing how peoples with a different religion can be cordial and respectful of differences.
Yep Charlie, you said the Turks “massacred” Armenians, not committed Genocide against Armenians.
Then you proceeded to give a diatribe against Russia, and that these “massacres” are why Armenians trust Russians more than Turks.
Then you proceeded to attack Russians in a long winded effigy meant to criticize Turks.
Now you proceed to attack Russians cuz you got called out on your unhinged, approach to Russia and unbalanced favoritism to Turkey
You really are half-truth Charlie
Charlie, you need to go to a Ukrainian forum, where they will put up with your lies.
Indeed, a lot of them will be even more crazy than you.
You, and the people like you, can never break the ties that bind Armenia and Russia together.
Robert, regarding your suggestion about going to a Ukrainian forum. The racial and religious and cultural communalities between Russia and Ukraine are much greater than with Armenia yet they are embroiled in conflict. That being said many Ukrainians are shockingly chauvinistic abetted by the support they are getting and the “Europe” they think they are fighting for in their divorce from
Russia doesn’t exist.
I’m not in the Slava Ukraine brigade bandwagon and nor do i believe in the “orcs” notion and rejoicing at Russian deaths and injuries in Ukraine either actually. Such persons are suckers to say the least.
Have fun with your earthquake plot it’s not going to happen save of its own accord but whatever keeps one happy
What seems to be lost on many is just because Turkey and Azerbaijan are bad which is well known and generally agreed upon it doesn’t mean that Russia is good either. As Turkey and Azerbaijan are hostile such is known and understood for what they are. However this has led to a carte blanche for Russia and it’s often cynical shoddy and manipulative treatment of Armenia. As stated before Russia has never been to Armenia what the USA is to Israel yet incredously it has often been revered as though it is. Also the animosities with Turkey and Azerbaijan have been a boon to Russia in being a way of controlling Armenia whilst Russia itself has had plenty of dalliances with both often to Armenia detriment. Indeed confident in Armenia insularity and anger with with Turkey and Azerbaijan Russia thought Armenia would never notice or if it did ” they’re surrounded by enemies so have to stay with us” being the view from the Kremlin. It’s easier to forgive an enemy than a friend who has betrayed one. Whilst complete concurrence is never possible nor realistic one expects an ally to be supportive. Also hypocrisy, Russia which had never been overly supportive of Arktash began condemning it once Pashinyan took office citing international law and siding with hostile to Armenia non ally of itself , Azerbaijan over the issue. Reluctantly one could say rules are rules and must be followed by all. This seems fair until little over a year later Russia goes doing to Ukraine the very things it had been telling Armenia off about and genuinely seems think there’s no irony nor hypocrisy in it’s actions. Say hypocrisy from Turkey about Arktash and it’s own actions in north Cyprus, Turkey is a hostile country and thus it’s hypocrisy and false sanctimony would be expected of it in such a scenario. Russia is legally an ally and strategic partner thus one expects more supportive actions or at least
tactful silence . Also the failure of Russia to uphold it’s obligations to provide protection for what remained of Artaskh in 2020 . When Azerbaijan imposed its blockade in 2022 there was no Sarajevo seige relief nor Berlin airlift from mother Russia and after nine months collapses after a short struggle when Azerbaijan attacked in 2023 and the exodus of the Armenian population many undoubtedly less enamoured with Russia than they were in 2020 when it seemed Russia had saved what was left of Artaskh from a situation it had helped to contrive in order to control Armenia better and woo Azerbaijan hoping to impress it to come closer in Moscow and less to Ankara as was in the Soviet era. Although Azerbaijan like Turkey a century before seemed only to be friendly with Russia as long as it needed them and having gained what it wanted distanced from them. For Azerbaijan it was the shootdown and attempted coverup of their airliner and further aggravated by the deaths in custody of a couple of Azeri mobsters in Russia gave Azerbaijan what it needed to distance from Russia .
Charlie, you’re now praising turkey? Giving turkey carte Blanche for the GENOCIDE, and praising Azerbaijan using Turkey to ethnically cleanse Artsakh?
You’re depraved
Where have i praised turkey? Clearly Kremlinbots are well infused with Soviet lies and ignorance
To half truth Charlie
You’re a slippery turkbot
BE SPECIFIC. Where did you CRITICIZE turkey?
You only stated and diminished a fact, by relabeling the Armenian Genocide to a mere massacre
Then you said it’s easier to be friends with turkey than Russia.
Come on squirrelly half truth Charlie, list your criticisms of turkey
Hostility from an enemy is one thing betrayal and duplicity from an ally is another thing. The crux is that so many are willfully blind to the betrayal, although in recent years the numbers who revere Russia has declined in the light of uncomfortable truths. Turkey and Azerbaijan are hostile and thus one expects such from them and there can’t be the sense of betrayal for that reason.
Charles, you should come out and say unequivocally that Ottoman Turkey committed a genocide against Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire from 1915-1923 where 1.5 million Armenians were systematically murdered in brutal and barbaric fashion and their property stolen. Doing so will quiet your critics. You do have valid points about Russia not being a steadfast and dependable ally of Armenia.
Any Armenian with half a brain knows that Armenia’s true enemies are the Turks and Azeris. While Russia has not been a steadfast ally and let Armenia down in their time of need, they are absolutely NOT the enemy.
Gary
The actions of ottoman Turkey; massacres, deportations, abductions were part of a policy to erase the Armenian people. The term genocide hasn’t been legally defined at the time but from what happened it was clear that a genocide was committed.
Indeed it was a shame that Armenia wasn’t able to capitalise on the USA recognition and no other nation has followed suit.
From these salient facts it’s clear the Turks and their Azeri kin are enemies of the Armenian people.
This however doesn’t mean that Russia is by default good because the Turks and Azeris are bad, the zero sum mentality has blinded to the reality that Russia is a mediocre friend , not just because it has a large area and many other international frontiers to factor into its priorities, and allowed Armenia to be manipulated and at times monopolised by Russia and that a more sober, realistic and rational attitude is necessary. Indeed with a more realistic less infatuated relationship there will be less likelihood of being let down and the jilted recoil and sense of betrayal from inflated opinions meeting the hard reality.
Generally Armenia has a realistic view of neighbouring Georgia and Iran and hence isn’t expecting much of them thus not particularly disappointed either. Thus just to have a realistic view of Russia which is preoccupied with Ukraine and focused on Europe and the south Caucasus isn’t going to be a priority . The claim that when the conflict in Ukraine is over Russia now not quite so enamoured with Azerbaijan will be coming back to restore good relationships with Armenia and champion it’s interests and desires. Also consideration of how Russia has been with other countries where the issue of it was great until Pashinyan ruined it just can’t apply such as the baath government in Syria to which Russia refused to provide better defences against Israeli aggression and did nothing to confront such acts against a host after all can one imagine such with an ally and host of US bases?
¡ ON
Indeed if such was to occur then it would be incontrovertible that the USA had lost its hegemony.
Interesting Charles would use an upside down “!” mark.
That’s not used in English, but IS used in Turkish.
Nice try Turkroach Charles
It is used in English language as the answer in quizzes
Back to refreshing courses from the Kremlin ignoramuses, Boghos
You liar, Charlie!
It is never used in the English language.
You are not Armenian and you are not British.
Time for you to find friends with the Ukrainian liars.
Yes Turkroach Charlie,
Use obscure upside “!” marks supposedly used in quizzes, to rationalize your turkish symbols
You’re Turkishness is oozing out of you
Turn ¡ON upside down and one gets NO! , there’s a tradition in quizzes for the answer to be printed upside down in English. Clearly the Soviet ignorance borne from Kremlin lies is revealing itself from the kopeck chasing Kremlinbots..