Azerbaijani flag gets raised in Italy to mark Day of Genocide PHOTO

The Azerbaijani flag was raised in the Italian town of Rovereto at the “Maria Dolens” Peace Bell, widely recognized as a universal symbol of peace and brotherhood among nations.

The ceremony took place on March 31 to mark Azerbaijan’s Genocide Day, Caliber.Az reports, citing AZERTAG.

Organized by the Maria Dolens – Bell of the Fallen Foundation, the event featured a youth choir performing songs dedicated to peace, a wreath-laying ceremony at the bell, and speeches by participants. Measuring 3.36 metres in height, 3.21 metres in diameter and weighing 22,639 kilograms, the bell is the largest full peal bell in the world.

The “Maria Dolens” Peace Bell stands on Colle di Miravalle above Rovereto, a symbolic site where the remains of around 20,000 Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers who died during World War I are resting today. For nearly a century, its hundred chimes have rung each evening across the city and surrounding areas in remembrance of the fallen worldwide, regardless of faith or nationality, and as a solemn warning to the living: “No more war”. The bell was blessed in St Peter’s Square in Rome by Pope Paul VI in 1965 and bears the words of Pope Pius XII: "Nothing is lost in Peace. All may be lost in War".

The pathway leading to the bell, cast from metal made from collected World War I artillery, is lined with flags of nations, organizations and communities committed to promoting peace and unity.

Regent Marco Marsilli, the President of the foundation, welcomed Azerbaijan’s participation, noting that the Azerbaijani flag is the 107th to be raised on Miravalle Hill — a symbol of peace and dialogue among nations.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Italy Rashad Aslanov also addressed the ceremony, stating that the 20th century left deep scars on the country and that the choice of March 31 was deliberate. He noted that in 1918, tens of thousands of civilians were killed on ethnic grounds in several regions and reminded attendees that a 1998 decree by President Heydar Aliyev recognized these events and declared March 31 the “Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis.”

Filomena Chilà, representing the Trento region, and Giulia Robol expressed their appreciation for Azerbaijan’s participation and praised the country’s active role in international affairs, including its strategic partnership with Italy.

At the conclusion of the speeches, Ambassador Aslanov presented the national flag of Azerbaijan, which was raised to the sound of the national anthem. The ceremony ended with the ringing of the “Maria Dolens” Peace Bell.

By Nazrin Sadigova