Aliyev Denies Armenia’s Existence, Calls Lake Sevan “Azerbaijani,” Exposing Expansionist Agenda

On November 3, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the 80th anniversary of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, where he again attempted to rewrite history and lay claim to sovereign Armenian lands. Aliyev referred to the territory of present-day Armenia as part of “historical Azerbaijan” and asserted that Azerbaijanis should “return” to these lands.

During the event, Aliyev made a series of statements that reveal both his revisionist view of history and his aggressive intentions. He claimed that Armenians were relocated to Nagorno-Karabakh by Tsarist Russia from Iran and Eastern Anatolia, and that early 20th-century Russian maps prove that the place names in Armenia are of Azerbaijani origin. He even denied the existence of Lake Sevan, calling it “Lake Goycha,” claiming that this proves Armenian claims to the land are false.

Aliyev urged that the Armenian people should “not fear the return of Azerbaijanis” and suggested that this return should occur peacefully “in cars, not tanks.” He emphasized that state institutions, scientists, and NGOs in Azerbaijan should work together to justify this “return,” including producing publications, maps, and exhibitions. He also showed ongoing geological work in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, signaling Azerbaijan’s continued interest in these contested areas.

Experts on the region warn that Aliyev’s words are not just rhetoric. Tatevik Hayrapetyan, a former member of the Armenian Parliament and expert on Azerbaijan, said that Aliyev is “a very direct and predictable adversary” who openly speaks of his expansionist plans against Armenia. She stressed that misunderstanding or ignoring these threats is not a sign of Azerbaijani cleverness but a reflection of Armenian ignorance, which can be addressed only through strong defense and smart diplomacy.

Aliyev’s speech is part of a broader campaign by Azerbaijan to claim Armenian lands under the guise of historical narratives. He has repeatedly labeled Armenian territories as “historical Azerbaijan” and has promoted the idea of Azerbaijani “return” through public organizations like the Western Azerbaijan Community. This organization, founded in 1989 and previously called the Union of Azerbaijani Refugees, has worked since 2022 to advance the narrative of Azerbaijani resettlement in Armenia.

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