An event was held at Sumgayit State University (SSU) to mark the 36th anniversary of the January 20 tragedy, which is etched in the memory of the Azerbaijani people as both a history of deep sorrow and honorable struggle.
The event participants first laid flowers in front of the monument erected in the university yard in memory of the graduate martyrs who gave their lives for the territorial integrity and independence of Azerbaijan. Then, a photo exhibition reflecting the January 20 tragedy was viewed in the university lobby. The event continued in the university assembly hall. The memory of our compatriots who died for the freedom of our homeland was commemorated with a minute of silence, followed by a video clip dedicated to the events of January 20. Acting Rector of SSU, Corresponding Member of ANAS Aminaga Sadigov made a speech and provided detailed information about the causes, historical roots, and consequences of the January 20 tragedy. He stated that the serious resistance of our people to Armenia's territorial claims against Azerbaijan and the open demonstration of national will and determination led the Soviet Empire to resort to bloody military intervention against our people. Aminaga Sadigov emphasized that this ruthless operation carried out against the civilian population on the night of January 19-20, 1990, failed to break the will of the Azerbaijani people, but on the contrary, further strengthened the national awakening on the path to independence. Aminaga Sadigov noted that this barbarity committed against unarmed people with tanks and heavy equipment clearly demonstrated the political and moral bankruptcy of the Soviet regime, and the events of January 20 became one of the most memorable and fateful events in the history of the independence of the Azerbaijani people. It was this tragedy that turned the idea of freedom of our people into a nationwide cause and formed a solid foundation for the restoration of state independence. In his speech, A. Sadigov emphasized the resolute position demonstrated by National Leader Heydar Aliyev during the January 20 tragedy. He stated that the Great Leader, risking his own and his family's lives, came to the permanent representation of Azerbaijan in Moscow and openly condemned the crime committed by the Soviet leadership against our people, protested the killing of innocent people, and demanded that the perpetrators be punished. This courageous step of Heydar Aliyev is of great historical importance in terms of giving the first political and legal assessment to the January 20 tragedy, as well as conveying the true voice of the Azerbaijani people to the world community. A. Sadigov noted that the January 20 tragedy, in addition to demonstrating the national identity, spirit of freedom, and determination of the Azerbaijani people to the whole world, was a turning point on the path to independent statehood. He emphasized that under the far-sighted and decisive leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has become the strongest and most influential state in the region today, and said that the magnificent Victory won in the 44-day Patriotic War and the anti-terrorist measures implemented in September 2023 are the logical result of fully ensuring the sovereignty of our country. A. Sadigov especially noted that these historical achievements confirm that the dreams and ideals of all our martyrs, including the martyrs of January 20, have come true, and every citizen of Azerbaijan must unite closely around the head of state and work diligently for the further strengthening of our independent state. Then, associate professor of the Department of History, Geography and Methodology, Samir Karimli delivered a report on the topic "The Tragedy of January 20: The Failure of Imperial Policy and the Turning Point of the National Liberation Movement", senior lecturer of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Political Science, Doctor of Philosophy in History, Gunel Adigozalova delivered a report on the topic "Heydar Aliyev's principled and courageous political position in the face of the national tragedy", a fourth-year student of the Faculty of History and Geography, Rahil Jafarov delivered a report on the topic "From Tragedy to Victory - Historical Line: The People's Freedom Struggle and the Path of Formation of Modern Azerbaijan". The speakers spoke about the socio-political processes that led to the Bloody January events, the repressive policy pursued by the Soviet Empire against Azerbaijan, and the examples of heroism shown by our people.