Azerbaijan observes Khojaly genocide day with nationwide military tributes PHOTO

The Azerbaijan Army marked the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide with a series of commemorative events across its units, educational institutions, and diplomatic missions abroad, under the plan approved by the Minister of Defence.

The observances began with a tribute to National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the homeland, and the victims of the Khojaly tragedy. The ceremony featured the performance of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan by a military band, Caliber.Az reports, citing Azerbaijan’s Defence Ministry.

Following Heydar Aliyev’s return to power, decisive steps were taken to ensure the Khojaly tragedy received proper acknowledgment. On February 24, 1994, the Milli Majlis officially designated February 26 as the Day of the Khojaly Genocide.

The commemoration also underscored the efforts of President Ilham Aliyev, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in raising global awareness of the Khojaly tragedy.

At 17:00 local time, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the victims. Across the army and educational institutions, events included visits to genocide memorials, lectures on the history and significance of Khojaly during civic-political training sessions, photo exhibitions, literary presentations, and screenings of related films.

By Vafa Guliyeva