Memorial Event Honors Azerbaijani Women Martyrs Who Embodied Courage and Patriotism
Baku, The Gulf Observer: A solemn memorial event was held to honor the memory of Azerbaijani women martyrs who displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness in the First and Second Karabakh Wars. The event, organized by the Mahmud Kashgari International Foundation in collaboration with the Yasamal District Central Library, featured the screening of a portrait film dedicated to these heroic women.
Among those commemorated were Salatin Askerova, Gultekin Askerova, Qaratel Hajimuradova, Rahila Orujova, Gulbar Heydarova, Malahat Nasibova, Sadagat Ibadova, Vafa Mansurova, and Aresta Bakhishova—women who became symbols of resilience and devotion to the Motherland.
The memorial event was part of the Mahmud Kashgari International Foundation’s ongoing initiative to honor the memory of Azerbaijani martyrs through a series of portrait films. This initiative aims to instill a sense of patriotism in the younger generation, educate youth on national and spiritual values, and preserve the legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. The project is led by Javanshir Feyziyev, a deputy of the Milli Majlis and president of the Mahmud Kashgari International Foundation.
Women of Valor: A Legacy of Sacrifice
The film highlighted the lives of Azerbaijani women who took part in the wars, not only as journalists, medics, and combatants but also as fearless defenders of their homeland.
- Salatin Askerova – The first female National Hero of Azerbaijan, she volunteered as a war journalist and was tragically killed in 1991 while traveling from Lachin to Shusha.
- Gultekin Askerova – A military doctor who tended to wounded soldiers in Shusha and Agdam before being martyred in 1992.
- Qaratel Hajimuradova – An active participant in the Azerbaijan National Liberation Movement, she fought bravely on the battlefield and was posthumously awarded the Order of the “Azerbaijani Flag.”
- Rahila Orujova – A volunteer nurse who fought as a soldier and sacrificed her life in Aghdere in 1992.
- Gulbar Heydarova – A communications officer whose strategic intelligence helped neutralize enemy forces. She was martyred in Fuzuli in 1993 and posthumously awarded the Medal “For Military Merit.”
- Malahat Nasibova – A member of the Internal Troops who refused to retreat and courageously fought in Agdere in 1992.
- Vafa Mansurova – A skilled female sniper who adopted a male identity to join the military, demonstrating exceptional marksmanship in battle.
- Aresta Bakhishova – A frontline nurse in the Second Karabakh War, she provided medical aid to wounded soldiers and was martyred in Gubadli in 2020. She was posthumously awarded the “For the Motherland” medal.
Honoring Their Immortal Legacy
The memorial event emphasized the significance of preserving the heroic stories of Azerbaijani women who stood alongside their male counterparts in defense of the nation. Their sacrifices remain an enduring source of national pride and a guiding light for future generations.
By immortalizing their bravery through films and literature, the initiative ensures that their contributions will never be forgotten, inspiring the youth to uphold the values of patriotism, resilience, and dedication to Azerbaijan.
