Azerbaijan's January 20th tragedy remembered globally on 35th anniversary

Memorials worldwide marked the 35th anniversary of the January 20th tragedy, when the Soviet crackdown in Baku killed over 130 civilians, a dark chapter in Azerbaijan’s fight for independence.

In Salzburg, Austria, a memorial was unveiled at the Azerbaijan Cultural Centre, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The ceremony was organized by the Azerbaijani Society of Austria, and a statement was released commemorating the event.

It highlighted the tragedy as a testament to the unyielding spirit and resilience of the Azerbaijani people, who, despite Soviet efforts to break their will, ultimately regained their independence. The society stated that January 20th remains a significant day of national pride, dignity, and resistance.

In the United Kingdom, the Azerbaijani Embassy in London hosted a solemn event attended by around 80 guests, including members of the Azerbaijani diaspora, students from British universities, diplomats, and media representatives. The memorial began with a short film about the tragic events of 1990, followed by a moment of silence. Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK, Elin Suleymanov, spoke about the significance of January 20th and shared his personal experience as a student in Moscow during the events. He emphasized that the tragedy of that day laid the foundation for the leadership of Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijan’s eventual independence.

Ambassador Suleymanov also underscored Azerbaijan’s current status as a modern, strong, and multicultural nation, attributing its progress to the wise leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. He urged all Azerbaijanis to remain vigilant in defending the country's sovereignty.

Elsewhere, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, the Azerbaijani Honorary Consulate held a commemorative event, showcasing a photo exhibition with over 150 images depicting the tragic events of January 20, 1990. The exhibition provided detailed insights into the heroism of the Azerbaijani people during this time. Guests also watched the documentary “Black January,” in which eyewitnesses recounted the horrific events. Speaking at the event, Afghan Salmanov, the Honorary Consul of Azerbaijan in Kharkiv, paid tribute to the victims and emphasized the importance of justice and the right of every nation to self-determination.

In Greece, the Azerbaijani Embassy held a similar commemoration, marking the 35th anniversary, with members of the Azerbaijani community in attendance. The event was a moment of reflection on the past, with a video presentation about the national day of mourning, followed by a minute of silence to honour the victims.

Finally, in Islamabad, Pakistan, a seminar titled "January 20th – A Day of Heroism and Pride for Azerbaijan" was held at the University of Modern Languages. The event was attended by students, faculty, and embassy staff. Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, reminded attendees of the brutal Soviet military intervention and its devastating impact on Azerbaijani civilians. Students also read poetry dedicated to the memory of the martyrs.

The anniversary of January 20th remains a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan’s national history, symbolizing the sacrifices made by its people in their pursuit of freedom and sovereignty. As Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its position on the global stage, the memory of those who perished that fateful night serves as a constant reminder of the cost of independence.

By Aghakazim Guliyev