Today, the staff of the Institute of Molecular Biology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan visited the Alley of Martyrs on the occasion of the anniversary of the January 20 tragedy. During the visit, flowers were laid on the graves of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and independence of the Motherland, their cherished memory was honored with deep respect, and prayers were offered for their souls.

Subsequently, a commemorative event dedicated to the January 20 martyrs was held in the Institute’s Assembly Hall. The event began with a one-minute silence in honor of the martyrs.

The event was opened with an introductory speech by Corresponding Member of ANAS Panah Muradov, who emphasized that the January 20 tragedy occupies a special place in the history of the Azerbaijani people. He noted that the bloody events perpetrated by the Soviet army in Baku on January 20, 1990, failed to break the will of the people for freedom. On the contrary, they further strengthened national unity and the determination for independence. In his speech, Panah Muradov highlighted the significant role of the January 20 martyrs in the establishment of the modern Azerbaijani state and the restoration of independence, stressing the importance of ensuring that this tragedy is not forgotten by the younger generation. He encouraged young people to study history in depth, remain loyal to national and moral values, and serve the Motherland with dignity.

Thereafter, PhD in Biology, Associate Professor Alamdar Mammadov delivered a speech providing detailed information on the historical and political causes and consequences of the January 20 tragedy. He recalled that heavy military equipment was used against the civilian population that night, resulting in hundreds of people being killed and wounded. Alamdar Mammadov stated that the January 20 events constitute one of the glorious pages of the Azerbaijani people’s struggle for freedom and that this tragedy will remain forever in the nation’s collective memory.

Corresponding Member of ANAS Ibrahim Azizov, in his speech, described the January 20 tragedy as a turning point in the national liberation movement of the Azerbaijani people. He noted that although this tragedy was intended to suppress the will of the people, it instead led to the further strengthening of the ideas of independence within Azerbaijani society. Emphasizing that the heroism displayed by the martyrs continues to serve as an example of patriotism for the younger generation, Ibrahim Azizov underscored the importance of preserving their memory with the highest respect.

At the end of the event, a video dedicated to the January 20 tragedy was screened.