Ms. Bahar Muradova: “We have an obligation to preserve and protect our national consciousness and identity so that future generations can embrace our future.”

On January 17, 2025, the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs held a commemorative event for the 35th anniversary of the January 20 tragedy.

In her speech, Ms. Bahar Muradova, the chairperson of the State Committee, emphasized that the events of January 20, which left an indelible mark on our collective memory, are a proud and honorable page in our history. She recalled the events of January 20 as a time when our national identity and consciousness were being formed. She honored the memory of the victims of the tragedy and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan's sovereignty, wishing them mercy from Allah.

Ms. Muradova highlighted that the National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s statement shortly after the events condemned the use of the army against its own citizens by the Soviet Union and its leadership, calling it a crime against humanity. She noted that the leader's bold communication with the international community revived the spirit of the oppressed people.

She also added that after Heydar Aliyev's return to power, decisive steps were taken to secure Azerbaijan’s independence and to politically evaluate the events that occurred during the struggle for independence.

The Committee Chairwoman spoke about the purposeful policies of the country’s leader, President Ilham Aliyev, to safeguard national thought and territorial integrity. She emphasized that today, Azerbaijan is a distinguished state in the region and the world, guided by its glorious past, strong present, and future-oriented policies based on unity between the people and the state. She reminded that freedom was obtained at the cost of sacrifices and discussed the reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories.

Ms. Bahar Muradova stressed the significance of 2025 being declared the "Constitution and Sovereignty Year" and noted that the Constitution creates a solid legal framework for fulfilling the duties related to a nation’s will, welfare, and state independence. She stated that, as representatives of a state with a proud history that has always overcome challenging times, we must not forget the tragedies of the past and must pass them on to future generations: “We must take this matter seriously to ensure our children and youth grow up with national spirit, are aware of historical and legal processes, and are informed about socio-political developments.”

During the event, committee employees shared their memories of that fateful night, reminiscing with sadness. It was highlighted that it was under the leadership of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev that legal recognition was first given to the January 20 events, and only after the confidentiality restrictions were lifted did the full details of the event emerge, showing that it was part of the Soviet Union’s deliberate policy. It was noted that on those days, the unity of the Azerbaijani people triumphed over weapons, and the memory of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for independence and freedom was respectfully honored.