Khojaly: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, along with First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and family members, participated in the opening ceremony of the Khojaly Genocide Memorial in Khojaly town on February 26. President Ilham Aliyev laid a wreath at the Memorial.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Assistant to the President Anar Alakbarov provided information to the head of state and the First Lady about the Memorial. The Khojaly Genocide Memorial was established following an Order signed by President Ilham Aliyev in February 2025, with the aim of commemorating the victims of the Khojaly tragedy, conveying historical truths to future generations, and preserving national memory. The project was implemented based on a concept prepared by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
The Memorial's monolithic structure is designed to symbolize protective hands surrounding Khojaly residents. Almond trees, a symbol of the 'Justice for Khojaly!' campaign, have been planted in the courtyard as a sign of respect. The Memorial consists of four sections, including an exhibition hall that preserves the memory of the victims. The 'Face of the Tragedy' installation depicts the victims of the genocide that occurred on the night of February 25-26, 1992.
The exhibition presents the historical roots of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and the consequences of Armenian terrorism on Azerbaijani lands. Exhibitions titled 'Khojaly - Traces of Ancient Civilization,' 'Khojaly Genocide is a Crime Against Humanity,' and 'Do Not Forget Khojaly!' provide extensive information about the occupation, the Khojaly genocide as one of the bloodiest crimes against humanity, and the assessments by National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
The second exhibition hall features installations such as 'Houses Silenced in One Night' and AI-generated videos depicting the fates of families destroyed during the tragedy. It also reflects President Ilham Aliyev's policy to promote Khojaly truths internationally and the activities of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation under the leadership of President Mehriban Aliyeva.
The Memorial serves as a space dedicated to preserving national memory. On the night of February 25-26, 1992, Armenian military units committed a genocide in Khojaly, resulting in 613 deaths, including 63 children and 106 women. The Memorial in liberated Khojaly will eternally preserve the memory of the victims.
President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the significance of the Memorial as a celebration of justice and a reminder of the Khojaly genocide. He highlighted the importance of preserving national memory and ensuring the strength and vigilance of the Azerbaijani people. President Aliyev concluded the ceremony by signing the Memorial's guest book and meeting with representatives of the Khojaly district community.