Day of Remembrance for Victims of Pogroms in Sumgait, Baku and Kirovabad

February 28, Friday

Sumgait, Baku and Kirovabad Pogrom Remembrance Day is observed on February 28 in memory of the tragic events associated with interethnic clashes and mass riots that took place in the late 1980s in the territory of the Azerbaijan SSR. These events include the pogroms that took place in the cities of Sumgait (1988), Kirovabad (present-day Ganja, 1988) and Baku (1990). These tragedies resulted in significant human losses and forced displacement of ethnic Armenians and Azerbaijanis, which exacerbated the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.

Main Events
Sumgait Pogroms (1988). The first pogroms against Armenians took place in February 1988 in the city of Sumgait. As a result of the attacks and violence, many Armenians were killed and wounded, houses and property were looted and set on fire. These events shocked Soviet society and led to a significant wave of forced migration of Armenians from Azerbaijan.

Kirovabad pogroms (1988). In November of the same year, similar events took place in Kirovabad (modern Ganja). This city also became the site of ethnic cleansing and violence, which led to new victims and migration of Armenians.

Baku pogroms (1990). In January 1990, large-scale Armenian pogroms took place in Baku. As a result of these events, a large number of Armenians died, and many of them were forced to leave their homes and flee to other republics of the Soviet Union. These tragic events led to the introduction of Soviet troops into Baku to suppress the unrest, which was accompanied by numerous civilian casualties.

Memorial events
The Day of Remembrance of the victims of these tragic events is celebrated in Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora around the world, where memorial events and actions are organized:

A minute of silence and laying of flowers. Memorials and churches host services dedicated to the victims of the pogroms, including the laying of flowers at monuments.

Memorial evenings and documentary exhibitions. Exhibitions, lectures and screenings of documentaries dedicated to the events in Sumgait, Kirovabad and Baku are held.

Educational events. Lectures and classes on history are held in educational institutions, especially in Armenian ones, aimed at shedding light on the causes and consequences of the conflict.

Day of Remembrance for Victims of Pogroms in Sumgait, Baku and Kirovabad – days left: 331. Create Countdown to Event

Day of Remembrance for Victims of Pogroms in Sumgait, Baku and Kirovabad in other years

2021 February 28, Sunday
2022 February 28, Monday
2023 February 28, Tuesday
2024 February 28, Wednesday
2026 February 28, Saturday