Khojaly: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, along with First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and their family, attended the inauguration of the Khojaly Genocide Memorial in Khojaly town on February 26. The ceremony marked a significant step in commemorating the victims of the Khojaly tragedy. President Aliyev laid a wreath at the Memorial as part of the opening event.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Memorial was established following an order by President Ilham Aliyev in February 2025. The objective is to perpetuate the memory of the Khojaly tragedy victims, impart historical truths to coming generations, and maintain national memory. The project, conceptualized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, was designed to symbolize protection for Khojaly residents with its monolithic structure.

The Memorial's courtyard features almond trees, symbolic of the 'Justice for Khojaly!' campaign, reflecting the demand for justice for the genocide that occurred in February 1992. The Memorial, comprising four sections, includes exhibition halls that preserve the memory of the victims through installations and interactive presentations. These exhibits address the historical roots of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and the atrocities committed during the Khojaly genocide.

The exhibitions, including 'Khojaly - Traces of Ancient Civilization' and 'Do Not Forget Khojaly!', provide insights into the history and consequences of the conflict. They offer a comprehensive view of the violations of international law and the political-legal assessments provided by National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The Memorial also highlights President Ilham Aliyev's policy to promote Khojaly's truths internationally and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation's efforts to preserve the memory of the genocide victims.

The Memorial serves as a space for official events and commemoration ceremonies, emphasizing the importance of preserving national memory. It stands as a testament to the tragedy that unfolded on February 25-26, 1992, when Armenian military units committed genocide in Khojaly, resulting in 613 deaths, including 63 children, 106 women, and 70 elderly people.

The inauguration of the Khojaly Genocide Memorial is a reflection of Azerbaijan's commitment to remembering the victims and ensuring that the historical truths are communicated and preserved for future generations. The Memorial also symbolizes the resilience and unity of the Azerbaijani people in the face of past tragedies.