On January 17, Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU), in collaboration with the Public Union of Turkic Elders (TAIB), organized an event titled “Heydar Aliyev’s Role in Communicating the Truths of January 20 to the World” to mark the 35th anniversary of the January 20 tragedy.
As per tradition, the ceremony began with laying flowers at the plaques of ASOIU’s January 20 martyrs—Rahim Babayev, Janpolad Orujov, and Aghabay Novruzbayli—and placing a wreath at the statue of National Hero Mubariz Ibrahimov. Together with the families of the martyrs, participants paid their respects with great reverence.
The event continued in the university's Assembly Hall, where the National Anthem of Azerbaijan was performed, and a moment of silence was observed in honour of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.
A documentary titled “January 20” dedicated to the martyrs was screened during the event.
Acting Rector of ASOIU, Associate Professor Vazeh Askarov, opened the event with a speech, reflecting on the events of January 20, 1990, which are etched into the national memory. He highlighted the political processes of the time and the sacrifices made by the Azerbaijani people in their quest for self-determination. He commended National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s unwavering service to the nation during its darkest days, emphasizing the positive outcomes of his efforts for the country today.
Recalling the heroism of ASOIU’s student martyrs, Associate Professor Vazeh Askarov underlined that their legacy is a source of pride for the university. He expressed gratitude to the families of the martyrs for their participation in the event.
TAIB Chairman, academician, and member of the YAP Veterans Council, Sudeyif Imamverdiyev, highlighted in his speech that the Bloody January events, etched in our heroic history as the pinnacle of the national liberation movement for independence, are remembered as a heroic chapter in the memory and history of the Azerbaijani people. He also emphasized the importance of conveying the invaluable contributions of National Leader Heydar Aliyev during those difficult days to the younger generation.
Hasan Hasanov, a member of the Council of Elders of the Organization of the Turkic States, statesman, and Doctor of Historical Sciences, spoke about the significant role of the January 20 events in the history of our independence. Highlighting the wise policies and courageous actions of National Leader Heydar Aliyev during these historical processes, Hasanov noted that with his return to power, the National Leader not only saved Azerbaijan’s statehood but also united our people around a common ideology.
Professor Afsun Sujayev, a member of the YAP Board, Executive Director of the Institute of Additive Chemistry of the Ministry of Science and Education, highlighted that the January 20 tragedy, while a blood-written chapter in Azerbaijan's history, is also etched into memory as the epic of our nation's heroism. Professor Sujayev emphasized that the January 20 tragedy demonstrated the Azerbaijani people's unshakable resolve in their struggle for freedom and sovereignty. He underscored the invaluable role of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in conveying these truths to the world, adding that today, modern Azerbaijan is recognized not only regionally but globally as a victorious, sovereign, and strong state. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, the country would continue witnessing further achievements.
Later, Amil Ismayilov, a corresponding member of ANAS and a YAP Board member; Tahir Guliyev, a member of the YAP Board and Veterans Council; and Gullu Mammadli, a professor, Turkologist, and employee of ANAS, shared their thoughts. They expressed pride in being at an institution with a rich history where the National Leader once pursued higher education on the 35th anniversary of the January 20 tragedy, which holds an honourable place in the history of Azerbaijan's struggle for sovereignty and independence. They discussed the National Leader's contributions to political history, his significant steps in ensuring political and legal assessments of the tragedies and genocides inflicted upon our people, as well as the successful internal and external policies being implemented today by President Ilham Aliyev, who continues the Leader’s legacy. They noted that President Aliyev prioritizes the eternal commemoration of martyrs and the resolution of social issues concerning their families.
Speaking on behalf of the families of martyrs, Ogtay Novruzov, the father of ASOIU’s January 20 martyr Agabey Novruzbayli, expressed his satisfaction with the continued commemoration of the January 20 martyrs at ASOIU and the attention shown to the families of martyrs, as in previous years.
