Nephew of Jewish-descent Azerbaijani hero visits Shusha, honours his legacy PHOTO

Albert Agarunov, the nephew and namesake of Azerbaijan’s National Hero and renowned tank commander Albert Agarunov, has recently visited Shusha city to pay tribute to his late uncle. 

This visit was part of a broader trip to Azerbaijan, which also included a visit to the Alley of Martyrs, where the hero is buried, Caliber.Az reports.

The Agarunov family spent several days in Baku, where they took time to honour the legacy of the late hero at his final resting place. Albert Agarunov was born on April 25, 1969, in the Amirjan settlement of Baku, and of Jewish descent, he became a symbol of courage during the First Karabakh War. 

When the conflict broke out, Agarunov volunteered to serve, believing he was fighting for the land where he was born. His actions in the battles of Khankendi, Dashalti, and Jamilli left a lasting impact, with numerous enemy troops and armoured vehicles destroyed under his command. His bravery was so well-known that a bounty was placed on his head by the Armenians. Agarunov was later appointed the commander of a tank unit and was sent to Shusha. 

On May 8, 1992, during an intense battle on the outskirts of Shusha, he and his crew successfully destroyed two enemy tanks. However, while repositioning, Agarunov noticed the bodies of fallen comrades. In an act of bravery, he left his tank to recover the bodies but was tragically shot by an Armenian sniper. In recognition of his heroism, the president of Azerbaijan posthumously awarded Albert Agarunov the title of National Hero on June 7, 1992. His resting place at the Alley of Martyrs in Baku has since become a site of tribute for many people. 

The secondary school No. 154 in Baku, which Agarunov attended, was named in his honour. The school maintains a special corner for the hero, with fresh flowers always adorning his memorial, and all school events take place near his bust. In 2019, a monument was also erected in the Narimanov district to commemorate his legacy and sacrifice.

By Naila Huseynova