Opening ceremony of the Khojaly Genocide Memorial

On February 26, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and their family members attended the opening ceremony of the Khojaly Genocide Memorial in the city of Khojaly. The memorial complex was established in accordance with the Decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev in February 2025 to perpetuate the memory of the victims of the Khojaly tragedy, convey historical truths to future generations, and preserve national memory. The project was implemented based on a concept developed by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

The memorial consists of four sections. The first two sections feature exhibition halls dedicated to preserving the memory of the victims of the Khojaly genocide. In the exhibition, visitors are met with the “Face of the Tragedy” installation reflecting the horrors of the events that took place on the night of February 25–26, 1992. A model of Khojaly in the exhibition hall presents the events of that night in an interactive format. In the second exhibition hall, the fate of eight completely destroyed families, their unfinished life stories, and the silenced laughter of children are conveyed through modern technology.

The memorial complex also displays projects, publications and information materials in various languages promoting the truth about Khojaly at the international level. Models of monuments erected in different countries as part of the international “Justice for Khojaly!” campaign are also exhibited here. The exhibition is complemented by information about the 44-day Patriotic War, the restoration of state sovereignty, and the Great Return process. Another section of the memorial houses an assembly hall intended for official events and commemorative ceremonies.

The memorial complex also carries deep symbolic meaning in architectural terms. The monolithic elements surrounding the complex on four sides are designed in the form of symbolic hands trying to protect the residents of Khojaly from genocide. In the courtyard of the memorial, almond trees, symbolizing the “Justice for Khojaly!” campaign, have been planted.

At the opening ceremony, President Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech. The Head of State assessed the Khojaly genocide as one of the gravest crimes committed against the Azerbaijani people and stated that justice has been restored through the strength and determination of the Azerbaijani state. Residents of Khojaly also spoke at the ceremony, expressing their pride in returning to their native lands and noting the great moral significance of the memorial’s opening for them.