‘Black January,’ a crucial chapter in Azerbaijan’s history, was commemorated with an emotional tribute at Azerbaijan House on the day dedicated to honoring its martyrs. The painful event, in which 143 lives were lost and 800 were injured due to the harsh intervention of Soviet troops against Azerbaijani demonstrators in Baku on January 20, 1990, is etched in memory as ‘Black January.’ The commemorative program, hosted by Azerbaijan House, saw the participation of prominent figures such as Dr. Ali Tekin Atalar, President of London Azerbaijan House, Ambassador Elin Suleymanov, British journalist Neil Watson, Feride Penahova from the British Azerbaijan Society, Savash Merendli from the South Azerbaijan Society, Babek Tebrizi, Jale Özer, President of the Turkey-centric Thought Association in the UK, along with Azerbaijani Embassy staff, Rasim Mammadov, Gunel Salimova, Resat Vahabzade, Eltay Aslanov, Military Attaché Azer Heybetli, and Azerbaijani students.
A minute of silence was observed during the evening to pay respects to those who lost their lives. Ambassador Elin Suleymanov emphasized the historical significance of January 20 for Azerbaijan, noting that those who fearlessly sacrificed their lives on that day are integral to today’s Independent Azerbaijan. He also underscored the inevitability and indispensability of Independent Azerbaijan. Ali Tekin Atalar, hosting the evening, conveyed condolences for the sorrowful day and highlighted the importance of the recent victory in Karabakh, drawing parallels to the shared sense of triumph with Azerbaijan in the last 100 years, reminiscent of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s victories over the British and French, and after the Cyprus Operation.
Tamara Dragadze, who was present at the event and witnessed ‘Black January’ in Baku, shared her experiences, creating an emotional atmosphere. In a brief speech, Feride Penahova and amateur artist Babek Tebrizi further stirred emotions with a poignant song dedicated to the departed. As a symbolic gesture, special Azerbaijani helva, distributed in memory of the martyrs, was served to the participants during the evening.
