Brussels exhibition reveals stories of Azerbaijan’s landmine survivors photo

A photo exhibition dedicated to raising awareness about the landmine problem in Azerbaijan and honouring its victims was held in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, on October 2.

Organised under the project “CulMINEation Point of Danger,” the exhibition was hosted by the public association Gilavar Photo Club with financial support from the Agency for State Support to NGOs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, according to local media.

The Fireland Union of Azerbaijanis serves as the project partner in Belgium.

Rashad Mehdiyev, Chairman of Gilavar Photo Club, emphasised the significance of this initiative, noting that this is the first time such a large-scale series of exhibitions focusing on Azerbaijan’s landmine issue has been conducted by a non-governmental organisation in Europe.

“Following exhibitions in Munich, Nuremberg, and Paris, the photos we now present in Brussels are ‘speaking photographs,’ telling the stories of individuals who fell victim to landmines planted by Armenia on Azerbaijani territory,” Mehdiyev said.

He further called for accountability from Armenia’s military-political leadership, which he holds responsible for decades of violence against civilians during the 30-year occupation. “From Brussels, the capital of the European Union, we call on the international community to uphold justice,” he added.

The exhibition features poignant photographs accompanied by personal stories of landmine victims. One photo shows Elmira Baghirova, who survived an anti-tank mine explosion on her homeland at the age of 18 but lost both her legs and much of her youth. 

The caption reads: “Can a person step on an anti-tank mine on their own land? It is hard to imagine, but I survived. I was not yet 18 years old when my life of suffering began — I lost my youth and both legs.”

Another image portrays Samir Alizadeh, who lost both legs and one eye to a landmine. His caption reflects the trauma: “One step, two explosions… Tell me, what happens next?”

Also featured is the story of Ragim Garashev, who lost a leg after triggering multiple mines stacked together. He questioned the intent behind such cruelty: “What was the purpose of placing mines one on top of another? While saving a colleague from a mine trap, I myself became a victim.”

Visitors to the exhibition were provided with additional context and information about the ongoing landmine issue in Azerbaijan through QR codes integrated into the displays.

Gilavar Photo Club plans to extend the exhibition tour across other European cities, continuing to shed light on this humanitarian issue.

By Tamilla Hasanova