T34th Anniversary of Khojaly Genocide Commemorated at BEU

A memorial event dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly Genocide was held at Baku Engineering University (BEU).

The event opened with a one-minute silence in memory of our martyrs and the victims of the Khojaly Genocide, followed by the performance of the State Anthem and the screening of a video footage reflecting the tragedy.

BEU Rector Yagub Piriyev addressed the event, stating that the Khojaly tragedy was a grave crime against humanity, distinguished by its brutality, which occurred against the backdrop of Armenia's territorial claims against our country and its policy of ethnic cleansing against our people. Recalling the statistics of those killed, taken hostage, and reported missing during the events, the rector emphasized that Khojaly did not surrender easily to the enemy, that the self-defense forces demonstrated a true example of heroism in battles where the balance of power was unequal, and that the civilian population, left without assistance, fell victim to Armenian atrocities.

The rector noted that it was only possible to give a political and legal assessment of the Khojaly Genocide after the return to power of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and touched upon the systematic efforts undertaken to bring the truth to the attention of the world community. He noted that President Ilham Aliyev has identified the international recognition of the Khojaly truth and the exposure of the perpetrators as one of the key directions of our state's foreign policy. He also drew attention to the fact that, as a result of large-scale projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation on the initiative of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, facts about the Khojaly tragedy have been disseminated in various countries around the world and numerous resolutions and statements have been adopted.

Yagub Piriyev stated that as a result of the 44-day Patriotic War conducted under the leadership of Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, as well as successful anti-terrorist measures, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our republic were fully ensured, the State Flag of Azerbaijan was raised in the city of Khojaly on October 15, 2023, after it was cleared of separatists, and with our great Victory, the blood of the Khojaly martyrs was avenged. Drawing attention to the changing destiny of Khojaly, the rector spoke about the reconstruction of the city within the framework of the Great Return program and the successful continuation of the resettlement process. He emphasized that all of this demonstrates that Khojaly has already become a city of life, hope, and the future. In conclusion, Yagub Piriyev noted that our people will never forget the Khojaly chapter of their history and offered prayers for God's mercy upon the victims of the tragedy and all our martyrs.

Subsequently, Khatira Ismayilova, mother of Patriotic War martyr Elchin Hasanli and Chairperson of the Public Council under the Absheron Regional Executive Authority, addressed the event. She stated that the Khojaly massacre had left irreparable wounds in the memory of our people, and emphasized that with the Victory achieved, the blood of the tragedy's victims and our martyrs had not been shed in vain and that their souls were at peace. Khatira Ismayilova addressed the youth, noting that loving the Homeland, protecting it, and preserving historical truths is the sacred duty of every Azerbaijani.

Abbas Aliyev, Chairman of the Absheron District Organization of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), stated that the Khojaly tragedy will never be erased from memory and stressed the importance of young people studying historical truths in depth and conveying them accurately on international platforms. In his address, he also touched upon historical facts and spoke about the great services of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the achievements of modern, powerful Azerbaijan under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

Finally, Jala Veyisli, daughter of Patriotic War martyr Khaliddin Veyisli and a first-year student in the "Design" program at BEU, addressed the event, stating that the liberation of Khojaly — a city whose name had for many years been recalled only with feelings of grief and horrifying facts — was a triumph of our national pride, unity, and resolve. She emphasized that with the Victory achieved, the souls of all our martyrs are at peace, and stated that the duty of the present generation is to preserve this victory, rebuild Khojaly, keep its history alive, and pass on the great legacy of love for the Homeland to future generations.