The Path to Freedom
The Price of Independence
The tragedy of Black January finally drove Azerbaijan away from the Union centre. What had been intended as a show of force became a turning point in the consciousness of the people: a return to the old order was no longer possible.
Less than two years later, in 1991, Azerbaijan restored its state independence. The memory of January 1990 became part of the national consciousness — a reminder of the price at which freedom was won.
Red CarnationsShared Grief
A Tragedy of All the Peoples of Azerbaijan
Among those who died in Black January were people of different nationalities — Azerbaijanis, Russians, Tatars, Jews, Lezgins. They lie side by side at the Alley of Martyrs: the tragedy did not distinguish faith or blood, and the grief became shared by all the peoples of the republic.
The Jewish community of Azerbaijan — Ashkenazi and Mountain Jews — shares this grief together with the whole country. In a land known for centuries for its tradition of tolerance, the memory of the martyrs unites rather than divides: on 20 January all those for whom Azerbaijan is their Homeland mourn together.
"Freedom does not come without cost — its price is kept by memory."
20 January · The Alley of MartyrsThe Memory Lives On
Passed On to the Future
The generation that remembers that night passes the memory on — to their children and grandchildren. The names of the martyrs are borne by streets and parks, they are spoken of in schools, and families come to their graves. To remember is to safeguard the freedom for which they gave their lives.