Commemorating 106 Years Since the Genocide of Azerbaijanis by Armenians
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Today marks the solemn occasion of the 106th commemoration of the genocide perpetrated against Azerbaijanis by Armenian Dashnaks alongside Bolshevik forces. Media outlets report on the somber remembrance of the tragic events that unfolded on the night of March 30, 1918, signaling the beginning of mass massacres in Baku.
The atrocities committed during this dark chapter in history resulted in the senseless murder of nearly 20,000 innocent individuals, among them were a significant number of elderly, women, and children. Lasting from March 30 to April 2, the massacre orchestrated by Armenian Bolsheviks under the leadership of Stepan Shaumian saw the merciless killing of thousands, the desecration of Muslim shrines, and the plundering of Baku residents’ property, totaling a staggering 400 million manat estate.
The historic Tazapir mosque, a symbol of cultural and religious significance, bore witness to relentless cannon fire, while the architectural gem of Baku, the “Ismailiyya” building, fell victim to Armenian arsonists. The scope of the genocide extended beyond Baku, with Armenian Dashnaks perpetrating further bloodshed on March 31, claiming the lives of 8,027 Azerbaijanis, including 2,560 women and 1,277 children across 53 villages in the Shamakhi region. The carnage continued with over 16,000 innocent Azerbaijanis massacred in 162 villages of Guba, while Armenian Dashnaks ravaged thousands of villages in Lankaran, Mughan region, and Karabakh, brutally ending tens of thousands of lives.
The painstaking efforts of the Special Investigation Commission, established by the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic on July 15, 1918, yielded a trove of evidence documenting the atrocities, subsequently presented to the government. Recognizing the gravity of these events, the Parliament of Azerbaijan, in 1919, decreed March 31 as the Day of the Genocide of Azerbaijanis, a testament to the nation’s commitment to honoring the memory of the victims.
Despite attempts to erase this tragic chapter during the Soviet era, Azerbaijan persisted in its quest for justice. Following the nation’s independence, extensive investigations were undertaken, and numerous publications shed light on the crimes of March 31, 1918.
In a significant step towards acknowledging and memorializing the victims, President Heydar Aliyev issued a decree on March 26, 1998, designating March 31 as the ‘Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis’. This commemoration serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities endured by the Azerbaijani people and reaffirms the nation’s resolve to ensure that such atrocities are never forgotten.
Across the globe, events, commemorative ceremonies, and conferences are being held to honor the memory of the victims and to educate future generations about the importance of remembrance and reconciliation in the pursuit of peace and justice. As the world reflects on this solemn anniversary, Azerbaijan stands steadfast in its commitment to preserving the memory of those who perished and advocating for the recognition of historical truths.
