On November 8, Azerbaijanis all around the world celebrate the Victory Day of Azerbaijan. This day also marks “Shusha City Day” known as the pearl of Garabagh and the cultural center of Azerbaijan. Shusha is also home to Khari-bulbul, a rare flower grown in Shusha that symbolizes eternity and victory, which has become the symbol of this fascinating city.
Azerbaijani-American Youth Federation as Azerbaijani youth living in New York and beyond organized a series of cultural events and awareness campaigns to celebrate that particular day. As the chairperson and the founder of the organization, Ms. Gunay Mammadova mentioned, “AAYF, among many other duties, aims at raising awareness of rich history, art, culture and heritage of Azerbaijan, something we are proud of showcasing as a young generation living in the States. Personally, I have always found it fascinating to educate others on my country and get educated by others on theirs.”
![](https://mediamark.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_5051-8-november-1024x576.jpg)
Times Square Billboard on the occasion of the Victory Day
On the occasion of the Victory Day of Azerbaijan, Billboard at the world-famous Times Square in New York featured the slogan “November 8 – Victory Day of Azerbaijan” to raise awareness of Azerbaijan and celebrate Victory Day. The Billboard, installed with the support of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UN and the organization of the Azerbaijan-American Youth Federation also reflected the map of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the symbol of Khari-bulbul. The billboard displayed the celebration for four hours in the late evening and night, attracting the attention of passengers.
![](https://mediamark.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/8november1-1.jpg)
Awareness Campaigns
Awareness campaigns dedicated to the Victory Day of Azerbaijan were held in New York City for two days. The first day of the awareness campaign was held in the popular center of New York, Times Square, as well as at the other prominent districts and nearby streets. During this campaign organized by the Azerbaijan-American Youth Federation in conjunction with the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, several slogans such as “Azerbaijan is a multicultural country”, “Azerbaijan is the homeland of a variety of ethnic and national minorities”, as well as pieces of additional information was showcased on the LED-monitor of the car moving around the city.
![](https://mediamark.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7-1024x576.jpg)
Within the framework of this campaign, special attention was also given to the issue of landmines in the territory of Azerbaijan, the absence of an accurately presented map for the destruction of these landmines, and the painful fact that hundreds of Azerbaijani citizens have and still continue to fall victim to landmine traps. The LED monitors also demonstrated statistical data about the damage caused by the landmines as well as slogans highlighting the ongoing concerns: “We want landmine-free life”, “From Garabagh to the World: Say no to landmines”, “Remember the losses of Garabagh: Advocate for a mine-free world”.
![](https://newyorkinsider.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3-jpg.webp)
![](https://newyorkinsider.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4-jpg.webp)
The second day of the campaign was held near the Headquarters of the United Nations, Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park, Times Square and nearby streets. During this awareness campaign held with the support of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UN, the LED monitor reflected the celebration in Azerbaijan, as well as the map of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the flower khari-bulbul.
![](https://mediamark.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/5.jpg)
About the organization: Azerbaijani-American Youth Federation (AAYF) is a non-governmental organization registered in the States with its headquarters in New York City. As the first initiative of its kind, the Federation aims to bring Azerbaijani youth – students, graduates, and young professionals together in New York and beyond across the States. AAYF aims at integrating Azerbaijani youth in the US, contributing to their academic, professional, and self-development, fostering intercultural exchange and dialogue with American youth, promoting rich Azerbaijani culture, heritage, and values, as well as conveying the realities of and educating the local community on Azerbaijan.