31 March 2025 – Commemorative event held on the occasion of the 107th anniversary of the genocides committed against Azerbaijanis

In April 2007, during repair and excavation works at the Quba city stadium, a mass grave was discovered. It was determined that the human remains found in the grave belonged to the local peaceful population who were subjected to genocide by Armenian Dashnak-bandit groups in 1918. Shortly after, based on Decree No. 673 dated December 30, 2009, by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the “Genocide Memorial Complex” was built in Quba city with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation during the years 2012–2013. On September 18, 2013, the Genocide Memorial Complex was inaugurated with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev. Over the past 12 years, more than 1 million people, including over 200,000 foreign visitors, have visited the complex. The Genocide Memorial Complex is the only ideological center in our country that reflects Armenian vandalism. The main mission of the complex is to declare the Armenian atrocities as they were and to promote the truth about Azerbaijan both locally and internationally.

In connection with the 107th anniversary of the March 31 genocide committed against Azerbaijanis, a commemorative event was held at the Genocide Memorial Complex. The event was jointly organized by the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Executive Power of the Quba District, and the Genocide Memorial Complex in Quba city. The head of the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mrs. Sabina Hajiyeva, the head of Quba District Executive Power, Mr. Ilgar Mahmudov, heads of local institutions and enterprises, as well as the district public, participated in the event.

At the beginning of the event, participants visited the monument of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and laid flowers at the monument. Afterwards, they visited the memorial monument located within the territory of the Complex.

The participants, who became acquainted with the museum section of the complex, were introduced to the tapestry exhibition titled “Cry of the Angels”, consisting of works dedicated to the 1918 genocide of Azerbaijanis by honored artist Adil Shikhaliyev. Additionally, brochures prepared by the Quba District Executive Power in connection with the exhibition were presented to the visitors.

The participants also viewed certificates and diplomas reflecting the achievements and accomplishments of the Complex’s staff over the past year.

The commemorative event, which lasted until the evening, was attended by representatives and employees of central and local executive authorities, institutions, organizations, media representatives, students, youth, and tens of thousands of citizens.

It is worth noting that the mentioned exhibition will be on display at the Genocide Memorial Complex for a duration of two months.

A visit to the Genocide Memorial Complex in Guba city was organized for religious figures and representatives of religious communities in Guba, through the joint initiative of the Guba-Khachmaz regional department of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, the Guba District Executive Authority, the Genocide Memorial Complex in Guba, and the Guba and Gusar district offices of the Caucasus Muslims Board.

During the visit, the cherished memory of fellow citizens who fell victim to the genocide was honored, and prayers were recited by religious leaders. Afterwards, visitors were provided with detailed information about the events.

Later, the guests viewed the exhibition titled “The Cry of Angels” by Honored Artist Adil Shikhaliev, which reflects the deep impact of the genocide. Information was also provided about the works displayed in the exhibition.

An event was held at the Guba Genocide Memorial Complex on the occasion of the 107th anniversary of the 1918 genocide against Azerbaijanis, jointly organized with the National NGO Forum of Azerbaijan. Following a moment of silence in memory of the heroic sons and daughters who gave their lives for Azerbaijan's sovereignty, a video was screened depicting the genocides committed against Azerbaijanis.

Mehriban Aliyeva, Deputy Director of the Guba Genocide Memorial Complex, provided information about the genocides and ethnic cleansing policies carried out by Armenian Dashnaks in the early 20th century on historical Azerbaijani lands. She emphasized that genocide is not only a crime against one nation but a crime against humanity.

Later, Ramil Isgandarli, Chairman of the Board of the National NGO Forum, highlighted the significance of such events and noted that Azerbaijan made its voice heard globally during the 44-day Patriotic War. Other speakers also shared their thoughts on the topic.

It should be noted that the event was attended by representatives of the National NGO Forum, families of martyrs, and staff of the Complex.

An event was organized in the city of Guba in connection with the 107th anniversary of the 1918 genocide of Azerbaijanis, jointly coordinated by the "Genocide Memorial Complex" and the Quba-Khachmaz regional branch of the Youth Development and Career Center.

The event began with a moment of silence in honor of the heroic compatriots who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Opening the event, the Deputy Director of the Complex, Mehriban Aliyeva, provided detailed information about the activities of the Complex and the genocides that took place in 1918.

Speakers included Eyvaz Kheyrullayev, Coordinator of the Quba-Khachmaz regional branch of the Youth Development and Career Center; Ceyhun Farzaliyev, a specialist at the Khachmaz division of the same center; Matanat Mammadova, Chair of the Student Youth Organization of Quba State Socio-Economic College; and Sariya Abidova, an employee of the SREF department at the Genocide Memorial Complex. Each delivered speeches focused on the topic.

An event was organized at the "Genocide Memorial Complex" in Quba on the occasion of the 107th anniversary of the 1918 genocide of Azerbaijanis, with the joint initiative of the Trade Union Committees of Culture Workers of Khachmaz and Quba districts and the Khachmaz History and Local Lore Museum.

 

After a minute of silence in memory of our heroic compatriots who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, a documentary film depicting the genocides committed against Azerbaijanis was screened.

At the event, moderated by Latafat Beybutova, Head of the Scientific Research, Exhibition, and Fund Department of the Complex, the director of the Complex, Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, delivered a detailed speech about the genocides committed against Azerbaijanis in the early 20th century, as well as the activities of the Memorial Complex.

The speakers—including Garib Umudov and Maharram Hajiyev, chairmen of the Trade Union Committees of Culture Workers of Khachmaz and Quba districts respectively; Pakize Mehdiyeva, Director of the Khachmaz History and Local Lore Museum; Honored Journalist Azer Hasrat; and Deputy Director of the Complex Mehriban Aliyeva—emphasized the special role of the Genocide Memorial Complex in informing the international community about Armenian vandalism.

They noted that after Azerbaijan restored its independence, it became possible to reveal an objective picture of the nation’s historical past. Truths that had been concealed and forbidden for many years began to emerge one by one.

The decree “On the Genocide of Azerbaijanis,” signed on March 26, 1998, by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, gave a political and legal assessment to the acts of genocide and provided impetus for further research and intensified efforts to uncover the truth.

The event concluded with discussions on the topic

"Kalbajar Battle"

At the end of the First Karabakh War, on March 27, 1993, Armenian forces launched an attack on Kalbajar, a strategically important region located between Armenia and Karabakh. After committing numerous war crimes, the Armenians fully occupied the region in April 1993. Due to the harsh winter conditions, the limited number of Azerbaijani forces defending Kalbajar, the injuries sustained by soldiers, and a shortage of military equipment, the defense operations were unsuccessful. The Armenians attacked from four directions, including the already captured Lachin corridor, and established control over the area. On March 29, Armenian armed groups cut off the supply routes for the defenders of Kelbajar and captured several key heights, including the highest peak, the strategic Murovdag Mountain.
On the night of April 1 to 2, thousands of civilians were forced to leave their homes and cross mountain passes despite harsh weather conditions. The Armenians’ cruelty in Kalbajar resulted in numerous war crimes, including the forced displacement of the civilian population, killings, and kidnappings. By April 3, Armenian forces had fully established control over Kalbajar city and the entire region.
The capture of Kalbajar caused a strong international reaction. On April 30, 1993, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 822, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Armenian forces from the occupied territories. However, the occupation of Kalbajar continued until November 2020, when Azerbaijan regained control of the area as a result of the Second Karabakh War.
The Kalbajar battle became one of the key episodes of the First Karabakh War and influenced the further course of the conflict. This tragic chapter in history has become a symbol of the heavy trials faced by Azerbaijan, leaving a deep mark on the memories of thousands of people.

On the occasion of the 107th anniversary of the genocide committed against Azerbaijanis in 1918, a commemorative event entitled "Armenian barbarity - Guba genocide" was held in the city of Guba, jointly organized by the "Genocide Memorial Complex" and the Guba Centralized Library System.

 

Opening the event with an introductory speech, Director of the Centralized Library System Sameddin Nasirov noted that the massacres committed by Armenian Dashnak groups against Azerbaijanis in Guba and other districts in 1918 left an indelible mark on the memory of our people. Noting the importance of not forgetting historical truths, the speaker said that such events are of great importance in terms of conveying the truths of the genocide to future generations.Then, Deputy Director of the “Genocide Memorial Complex” Mehriban Aliyeva gave a speech and provided detailed information about the mass grave discovered during archaeological excavations in the Guba cemetery. She noted that the human remains found here once again prove the tragedy of innocent people who were killed with particular cruelty by Armenian armed groups in 1918. Mehriban Aliyeva emphasized that conveying such acts of genocide to the world community and promoting historical truths is one of the important tasks for Azerbaijan.A total of about 40 people attended the memorial event, including students from institutions under the Guba-Khachmaz Regional Department of Culture, Guba State Socio-Economic College, and active readers.