In memory of Salatyn Asgarova: Azerbaijan honours its brave war correspondent Story of sacrifice and valor

January 9 marks the Memorial Day of Salatyn Aziz gizi Asgarova, an Azerbaijani journalist, correspondent for the "Youth of Azerbaijan" newspaper, and National Hero of Azerbaijan. 

It has been 34 years since her tragic death at the hands of Armenian terrorists.

Born on December 16, 1961, in Baku, Salatyn Asgarova graduated from School #18 named after Mikayil Mushfig in 1979. That same year, she enrolled in the Azerbaijan Institute of Oil and Chemistry (now Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University). After completing her studies, she began her journalism career at the Baku newspaper, later becoming a reporter for the "Youth of Azerbaijan" newspaper in 1988.

During the turbulent years of 1990-1991, Salatyn Asgarova fearlessly reported from the heart of the Karabakh conflict, often venturing into the most dangerous corners of the war zone. On the fateful day of January 9, 1991, she found herself aboard a military vehicle, en route from Lachin to Shusha, accompanied by Soviet border guards: Lieutenant Colonel Larionov, Major Ivanov, and Sergeant Goyek. As they neared the village of Boyuk Galadarasi, their vehicle was ambushed by Armenian militants.

Under heavy fire, the vehicle was riddled with 113 bullet holes, as automatic and sniper rifles tore into the car from two directions. The deadly barrage claimed the lives of Major Ivanov, Sergeant Goyek, and the driver within moments. Lieutenant Colonel Larionov fought back valiantly, returning fire until his ammunition ran out. Ultimately, he too fell victim to the attackers. Despite her wounds, Asgarova, courageous to the end, was shot at point-blank range as the militants closed in.

In May 1991, Armenian individuals A. Mkrtchyan, G. Petrosyan, A. Mangasaryan, and G. Arustamyan were arrested in Karabakh and charged with the murder of Asgarova and Soviet border guards. On August 29, 1991, the Azerbaijani Prosecutor's Office announced that the accused had been brought to trial. They were sentenced to death but were handed over to Armenian authorities before the sentence could be carried out, and their whereabouts remain unknown.

Salatyn Asgarova’s son, Jeyhun, followed in his mother's footsteps, becoming a journalist in her memory.

On November 6, 1992, Asgarova was posthumously awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan by Presidential Decree No. 294.

She is laid to rest in the Alley of Martyrs in Baku, where her legacy is honoured every year.

By Tamilla Hasanova