Azerbaijan inaugurates memorial plaque for WWII prisoners at Bergen-Belsen camp

A memorial plaque dedicated to Azerbaijani prisoners of war who died during World War II has been unveiled at the former Bergen-Belsen prisoner-of-war camp in the German state of Lower Saxony, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Germany said.

Speaking to Azertag, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Germany Nasimi Aghayev described the ceremony as a historic moment, noting that large numbers of Azerbaijani prisoners had been held, tortured, and killed at the site during the Second World War.

He said the new plaque marks the third such memorial initiative by Azerbaijan in Germany, following earlier installations at the Dachau camp two years ago and at Sachsenhausen last year.

According to the ambassador, the Azerbaijani Embassy in Germany places special importance on commemorating compatriots who perished in German prisoner-of-war camps. He emphasized that preserving their memory is considered a significant responsibility, particularly in ensuring that the contribution of the Azerbaijani people to the defeat of fascism is properly recognized.

Aghayev also noted that Azerbaijanis contributed to the Allied victory not only on the battlefield but also through the supply of petroleum products, underscoring the importance of highlighting these historical facts.

He added that the memorial initiative was carried out jointly with German partners and confirmed that Azerbaijan intends to continue similar commemorative efforts in other former camp sites across Germany.

By Sabina Mammadli