Khojaly Genocide Day
February 26, Monday
History of the tragedy
The Khojaly tragedy occurred against the backdrop of a long-standing ethnic and territorial conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The town of Khojaly, populated predominantly by Azerbaijanis, came under fire during the fighting for control of Nagorno-Karabakh. On the night of February 26, the town was surrounded and attacked, and as a result of this operation, hundreds of civilians were killed. The civilian casualties, including women, children and the elderly, were among the heaviest losses during the entire period of the conflict.
Memorial events
Various events are held in Azerbaijan and other countries on Khojaly Remembrance Day:
Minute of silence. In Azerbaijan, on February 26 at exactly 17:00, a minute of silence is declared in memory of the victims of the Khojaly tragedy.
Ceremonies and rallies. Flower-laying ceremonies and rallies are held in Baku and other cities of Azerbaijan. People bring flowers to monuments and memorials to the victims of the tragedy, demonstrating solidarity and unity.
Photo exhibitions and documentaries. Exhibitions, film screenings and lectures dedicated to the Khojaly tragedy are organized to remind younger generations and the international community of those terrible events and the importance of peace and tolerance.
International actions and support. Events initiated by the Azerbaijani diaspora are held in various countries to recall the Khojaly tragedy. In recent years, some states and international organizations have expressed sympathy and condemned the violence against civilians.
Khojaly Genocide Day in other years
- 2021 February 26, Friday
- 2022 February 26, Saturday
- 2023 February 26, Sunday
- 2025 February 26, Wednesday