By Tomris Azeri
Azerbaijan commemorates the victims of the March 31 Genocide, that happened 107 years ago, honoring their memory and ensuring that the tragic events of this day are never forgotten.
March 31, 1918, marks a sorrowful and tragic chapter in the history of Azerbaijan. This day is remembered as the beginning of a brutal genocide against the Azerbaijani population, particularly in the cities of Baku and other regions of Azerbaijan. During this period, Azerbaijanis were subjected to widespread violence, killings resulting in significant loss of life and lasting trauma for the affected communities. These atrocities against Azerbaijanis were not just limited to Baku. On March 31, Armenian Dashnaks killed 8,027 Azerbaijanis, including 2,560 women and 1,277 children in 53 villages in the Shamakhi region. The number of innocent Azerbaijanis killed in 162 villages of Guba was more than 16 thousand. Armenian Dashnaks burned thousands of villages in Lankaran, Mughan region and Karabakh and brutally murdered tens of thousands of people.
The memory of the March 31 Genocide is vital for future generations, as it serves as a reminder of the destructive power of hate and political manipulation. It underscores the need for vigilance against intolerance and the importance of protecting human rights and dignity for all peoples, regardless of their ethnicity or religion.
As we reflect on this painful part of history, we must acknowledge the resilience and strength of the Azerbaijani people. Despite the horrors they endured, they have persevered, rebuilt, and contributed to the ongoing development of their nation.
Long Live Strong, Independent Azerbaijan!
