Ganja: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of the Ganja Memorial Complex on Remembrance Day, September 27. The event, as reported by APA, marked a significant tribute to the martyrs of the Patriotic War.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev laid a wreath at the memorial plaque and observed a moment of silence at 12:00 to honor the memory of the war martyrs. Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, provided the President with detailed insights about the complex.
The foundation of the complex, initiated by President Aliyev in January 2022, was constructed to honor the innocent victims of Armenia’s missile attacks during the Second Karabakh War and to educate future generations about the tragic events of the war. Earlier this year, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, along with her daughters, reviewed the project, and in August, President Aliyev and the First Lady inspected its progress.
Ganja, situated 80 kilometers from the frontline, suffered multiple missile attacks by Armenian armed forces using systems like ‘Tochka-U,’ ‘Smerch,’ and ‘SCUD’ during the Patriotic War. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including six children, and injured 142 others.
The Memorial is built on the site of one of the missile strikes and covers 4 hectares. Its distinctive spiral architectural design symbolizes a rocket crater, and remnants of destroyed buildings form part of the open plaza installation. The crescent-shaped, two-story building spans 2,400 square meters, housing a museum on the first floor and a multifunctional hall on the second floor for various events.
The museum features sections on significant historical events, including ‘The Early 20th Century,’ ‘Deportation and Forced Displacement,’ and ‘Genocide and Massacres.’ It provides an interactive experience with archival materials and historical documents, focusing on the tragedies and destruction of cultural heritage.
Further sections address ethnic cleansing from 1987 to 1994, genocides, and systematic massacres. A separate section highlights civilian targeting during the ceasefire years, the Patriotic War, and the post-war period. The exhibition concludes by celebrating the determination and victory of the Azerbaijani people.
After the inauguration, President Aliyev met Nilay Aliyeva, who lost her parents in the missile attack, and her grandfather Zahid Babazade. He also engaged with city residents, reflecting the community’s resilience and unity in the face of past adversities.