BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 31. March 31 remains
one of the most painful and defining chapters in the historical
memory of Azerbaijan, reflecting both national tragedy and
resilience, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.


According to him, this date is not only a day to honor the
memory of innocent victims, but also a crucial reminder of the
atrocities faced by the Azerbaijani people.


“The March events of 1918 remain one of the bloodiest pages in
Azerbaijan’s history. Amid political turmoil, power struggles, and
ethnic tensions in the region, thousands of Azerbaijanis were
killed solely because of their national identity. In Baku, as well
as in Shamakhi, Guba, Karabakh, Zangezur, Lankaran, and other
regions, civilians were brutally massacred. The elderly, women, and
children were not spared either. The goal was not only to kill
people, but to erase Azerbaijanis from their ancestral lands and
destroy their history and cultural heritage. Mosques, homes, and
entire villages were burned and wiped off the map. According to
historians, tens of thousands lost their lives. These are not just
statistics; each represents a family tragedy and the pain of an
entire nation,” he said.


Garayev noted that for many years, the tragedy was concealed and
not given proper political or historical assessment during the
Soviet era.


“Following the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence,
decisive steps were taken to bring these historical truths to the
attention of the international community. By a decree signed by
National Leader Heydar Aliyev in 1998, March 31 was officially
designated as the Day of the Genocide of Azerbaijanis, an act of
profound significance in delivering a just and balanced historical
assessment.


Today, March 31, stands not only as a solemn day of remembrance
but also as a powerful symbol of national unity and resilience.
These tragic events demonstrated that, despite enduring immense
suffering, the Azerbaijani people preserved their very existence.
Throughout history, even in the face of repeated trials, they have
safeguarded their national identity, language, and cultural
heritage. The presence of a strong and independent Azerbaijani
state today is a testament to this enduring resilience and
unwavering national spirit,” he added.


Garayev noted that recent archaeological and historical research
has once again underscored the scale and gravity of the events of
1918.


“The discovery of a mass grave in the city of Guba provided
stark and undeniable evidence of the scale of this tragedy. It drew
not only national but also international attention to these events.
These findings reaffirm that the March 31 tragedy was not confined
to a single city but represented a catastrophe for an entire
nation. History tends to repeat itself when it is forgotten.
Therefore, it is critically important to speak about the events of
March 31 and pass this knowledge on to younger generations. Today’s
Azerbaijani youth must understand the causes, consequences, and
enduring imprint of this tragedy. This is essential not only for
preserving historical memory but also for preventing similar
atrocities in the future. At the same time, it remains vital to
communicate these truths to the global community. For many years,
the international community lacked sufficient awareness of the
crimes committed against the Azerbaijani people. Today, through
consistent state policy, these realities are gradually being
brought to the world’s attention. Historical facts, archival
evidence, and scholarly research all confirm that the events of
1918 were a deliberate and systematic massacre,” he said.


The analyst emphasized that March 31 is also a day of
remembrance for the nation’s martyrs. Across the country, people
visit memorials, offer prayers, and pay tribute to the victims,
reflecting a deep respect for history and collective memory. As he
noted, history is not merely the past; it is the foundation upon
which the future is built.


“While this tragedy has left a profound scar on the collective
memory of the Azerbaijani people, it has also strengthened our
resolve. Today, a strong, independent, and sovereign Azerbaijan
moves forward with confidence, drawing lessons from its past. The
hardships endured throughout history have not broken the national
spirit; on the contrary, they have reinforced it. March 31, the Day
of the Genocide of Azerbaijanis, serves as a powerful reminder that
we must know our history, safeguard it, and pass it on to future
generations. A nation that forgets its past cannot secure its
future. Today, we not only commemorate those who perished but also
reaffirm our national identity, unity, and resilience. We bow our
heads in memory of the innocent victims and honor their legacy.
Their memory will forever live on in the consciousness of our
people, and the tragedy of March 31 will never be forgotten,” he
added.


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