Embassy research reveals Azerbaijani role in France’s liberation from fascism

The Embassy of Azerbaijan in France has been conducting extensive research on the contributions of Azerbaijani soldiers who fought alongside the Allies in Europe during World War II, particularly in France.

While many of these heroic figures, such as Ahmadiyya Jabrayilov, are well-known, the Embassy emphasizes that the full extent of Azerbaijani participation in the fight against fascism remains under-recognized. According to Azerbaijani Ambassador to France, Leyla Abdullayeva, there are many more unsung heroes whose sacrifices deserve remembrance, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Ambassador Abdullayeva provided insights into the ongoing research and its historical significance. She pointed to the town of Rodez in the French Aveyron department, where Azerbaijani soldiers played a pivotal role in the Resistance against fascist forces. Abdullayeva and members of the Embassy are currently in Rodez to commemorate these soldiers.

"In the struggle for Rodez, hundreds of Azerbaijani soldiers fought in the ranks of the Resistance Movement against fascism," Abdullayeva explained. "We are currently in the town where 30 Azerbaijani soldiers were executed by the fascists on August 17, 1944. Our research has revealed that, alongside those shot on that date, the graves of two other Azerbaijani soldiers executed the following day were also found."

The findings, attributed to French historian Vincent Bezombes, further reveal that approximately 1,200 Azerbaijani prisoners of war, captured by the fascists, joined the fight for the liberation of the Aveyron department. This research has helped shed light on the forgotten contributions of Azerbaijani soldiers in France’s struggle for freedom and peace.

By Vafa Guliyeva