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On January 19, a commemorative event dedicated to the 36th anniversary of the January 20 tragedy was held at the National Library of Azerbaijan. The ceremony began with a one-minute silence in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s independence.

Speaking at the memorial event, Professor Karim Tahirov, Director of the National Library of Azerbaijan, noted that January 20 is both a day of sorrow and a day of pride. He emphasized that the blood of the January 20 martyrs was not shed in vain and that the foundation of the victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War was laid precisely on January 20. He described the events as an awakening that inspired the struggle for freedom. Professor Tahirov stated that on that historic day, Azerbaijan’s courageous sons stood unarmed against the Soviet regime and army, proving to the world that they were ready to sacrifice their lives for their land, people, and freedom. During the 44-day Patriotic War, their descendants, inspired by this example, liberated the country’s territories. Under the wise leadership of the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani people achieved their long-awaited goal, restoring territorial integrity and establishing a united Azerbaijan.

Professor Tahirov also stressed that the truths and realities of the January 20 events live on in books. He noted that the main mission of the National Library and librarians is to collect, preserve, and pass these historical materials on to future generations, and to promote books written about these events through traditional and virtual exhibitions, as well as electronic databases, so that such historic days are never forgotten.

Afterwards, the Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs and Library-Information Services, Dr. Adiba Ismayilova, spoke about the historical roots of the Bloody January events. She emphasized that despite the hardships of that period, the people’s will was not broken; on the contrary, the formation of the national freedom ideology became the logical outcome of the nation’s struggle for freedom and justice.

During the event, the electronic database titled “January 20 – Our Bloody Memory”, prepared by the staff of the National Library, was presented:
https://anl.az/el/emb/20_yanvar/index.htm

At the end of the event, participants became acquainted with the traditional and virtual book exhibition titled “January 20 – A Day of National Sorrow and Pride”:
https://anl.az/el/vsb/20_Yanvar_Qurur_gunumuz/index.htm

The exhibition features books and photographs in Azerbaijani and various other languages reflecting the events of January 20.