Munich: An open-air photo exhibition highlighting the plight of Azerbaijani mine victims launched in Karlsplatz square, Munich, Germany, showcasing the stories of those affected by mine explosions.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the exhibition, named ‘Culmination Point of Danger’, was organized by the ‘Gilavar’ Photo Club Public Union with support from the Agency for State Support to NGOs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Munich Azerbaijanis Cultural Center served as the German partner for this impactful project.
The exhibition featured over 20 poignant photographs, each accompanied by personal stories and statistical data on mine victims. The images collectively represented the humanitarian crisis faced by the Azerbaijani nation, rather than isolated incidents. Visitors could delve deeper into the subject matter through QR codes affixed to the images, providing additional information on the victims.
Personal testimonies displayed at the event included powerful messages from victims, such as, ‘I lost my leg, but not my hope!’ and ‘I was a doctor, I was saving people who fell into mines. I fell into mines myself.’ These narratives, alongside others like ‘The mine I played with as a toy at the age of 11 took away my childhood,’ highlighted the deep personal and collective sacrifices faced by these individuals. Attendees also had the opportunity to pen their messages to the victims on a dedicated board.
Rashad Mehdiyev, Chairman of the ‘Gilavar’ Photo Club Public Union, recounted his brush with danger in 2021 when he and companions encountered an anti-tank mine in the Kalbajar district. The incident resulted in the loss of three lives-Siraj Abishov (TV cameraman), Maharram Ibrahimov (journalist), and Arif Aliyev (local executive authority employee)-while four others sustained injuries.
The exhibition revealed the widespread consequences of Armenia’s mine warfare, with over 3400 mine victims reported in Azerbaijan. Between 2020 and 2025, 409 individuals were injured, and 71 lives were lost to mines and unexploded ordnance. Despite some political pressure resulting in Armenia handing over mine maps, only 25% proved accurate. The Gilavar Photo Club has urged Armenia to provide precise mine maps to aid demining efforts.
The event emphasized that the mine problem transcends borders, with Azerbaijan designating humanitarian demining as the 18th National Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Azerbaijan advocates for the adoption of this issue as the 18th UN Sustainable Development Goal to address the global scope of mine-related challenges.
The Munich exhibition signifies a crucial call to action for international mobilization against landmine threats. This marks the first time an Azerbaijani NGO has organized such an exhibition in Germany, with plans to extend this initiative to other European cities in the future.